How to Clean and Maintain a Garbage Can

Using a trash bag or garbage can liner seems like an easy way to keep your wastebaskets and trash cans clean. However, bags leak. They also get displaced, allowing trash, food and liquids to run down the interior and build up at the bottom. When this happens, you might be inclined to simply put the trash bag back in place and go about your day.

However, this inevitably leads to rotting, spoiled food in the bottom of the can. Bacteria and even mold can grow here. The result is overbearing smells in your kitchen, and these smells can spread throughout your home. In addition, bacteria and other germs can result in health issues for you and your family. So, do you clean garbage cans?

How Often Should You Clean Garbage Cans?

Garbage cans are commonly made from metal or plastic, but some are made with other materials. Plastic, aluminum and stainless steel are the best options for interior and exterior garbage cans because they are less prone to absorbing and clinging to bad smells. In addition, they are easier to clean.

Even with one of these types of trash cans, you should clean an outside trash can at least twice a year to keep rodents, pests and bacterial buildup at bay. For interior trash cans, wipe the lid and sides with an anti-bacterial cleaner on a weekly basis or as soon as you notice a spill. The inside of the can requires quarterly deep cleaning.

How to Clean Indoor Garbage Cans

After removing the trash from an indoor garbage can, take it outside. Spray it thoroughly with your water hose using a high-powered stream. Then, spray all sides of the trash can with a deodorizing, anti-bacterial cleaning product. Consider using bleach or a bleach-alternative, such as diluted vinegar and baking soda.

After allowing your cleaning product to sit on the surface for at least 10 minutes, use a long-handled scrub brush to wipe down larger trash cans. For smaller containers, use a cloth or hand scrubber. To finish, rinse the trash can, and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. For larger containers, let the trash can sit in the sun to air dry.

How to Clean Outdoor Garbage Cans

The best time to clean an outdoor trash can is immediately after the pickup service. In some cases, bits of trash may cling to the inside of the trash can even after it has recently been emptied. Turn the trash can on its side, and spray it with water to remove remaining trash and loose grime. Outdoor garbage cans are typically far dirtier and smellier than indoor garbage cans.

Use the same techniques to clean the interior and exterior as you would for an indoor garbage can. However, allow the cleaning spray to remain on the surfaces for at least 20 minutes. After rinsing off the cleaning product, inspect the trash can. If you notice lingering smells or filth, repeat the process. Outdoor garbage cans should be dried with the lid open on a bright, sunny day. The UV rays will kill remaining bacteria.

Dealing With Stubborn Odors or Maggots

Stubborn odors and maggots are a truly disgusting problem, and they require immediate attention. If your trash can only has dead maggots, empty them into a trash bag, and seal the bag tightly. If you notice live maggots, kill them with boiling water or diatomaceous earth. The boiling water will also kill eggs and prevent them from hatching.

To disinfect the trash can, fill it with diluted bleach or diluted vinegar. Use a solution of 10 parts water to one part bleach or three parts water to one part vinegar. Don’t mix vinegar and bleach together. After filling the trash can, let it sit undisturbed for an hour. Then, scrub it thoroughly. Rinse it clean, and let it air dry in the sun.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Bins Clean Longer

While you can’t entirely prevent trash cans from getting dirty, you can minimize the filth and keep your trash cans cleaner for longer. Consider adopting these tips:

• After cleaning your trash can, sprinkle salt or lime inside to prevent growths.
• Use trash can liners or bags. Ensure that they are securely in place before depositing trash in the bin.
• Place meat, veggies and other food products in a sealed bag before tossing them in the trash can.
• Rinse out food cans and other containers before placing them in the trash can.
• Clean your trash cans as recommended.

Keeping your garbage cans clean may rank close to the bottom of things that you want to do in your free time. However, this and other messy tasks need to be done from time to time. With house cleaning services from Cleanzen, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier and fresher smelling home without lifting a finger. Book Cleanzen service for your home today.