Cleaning your trash can might not be the most exciting household chore, but it is an essential one. A dirty trash can can harbor harmful bacteria, emit unpleasant odors, and attract pests. It’s not just the interior of the trash can that needs attention either; the exterior can also collect grime and dirt over time. In this article, we will explore the best ways to clean your trash can and keep it looking and smelling fresh.
- Gather Your Supplies
Before you start cleaning your trash can, you will need to gather the necessary supplies. Here is a list of items you will need:
- Rubber gloves
- Protective eyewear
- A hose or a large sink or bathtub
- A scrub brush or a sponge
- A cleaning solution such as dish soap or vinegar
- Baking soda or a deodorizing spray
- A cloth or a towel for drying
- Remove Any Debris
Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s essential to remove any debris from the trash can. Empty the contents of the trash can into a garbage bag and dispose of it properly. Use a rubber glove to remove any large pieces of debris that may have stuck to the inside of the can.
- Rinse the Can
The next step is to rinse the trash can thoroughly. If you have access to a hose, take the trash can outside and use the hose to rinse the can thoroughly. If you don’t have a hose, you can use a large sink or bathtub to rinse the can.
- Clean the Trash Can
Once the can is rinsed, it’s time to clean it thoroughly. Mix a cleaning solution of warm water and dish soap or vinegar in a bucket. Dip a scrub brush or sponge into the solution and scrub the interior of the trash can thoroughly, making sure to get into the corners and crevices. If you prefer to use a natural cleaning solution, you can substitute the dish soap with vinegar or baking soda.
- Rinse and Dry the Can
After scrubbing the interior of the trash can, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any remaining soap or cleaning solution. Use a cloth or towel to dry the can thoroughly.
- Deodorize the Can
Once the can is clean and dry, it’s time to deodorize it. You can use baking soda or a deodorizing spray to eliminate any lingering odors. If you choose to use baking soda, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the bottom of the can and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it out. If you prefer to use a deodorizing spray, spray the inside of the can with the spray and let it dry before replacing the garbage bag.
- Clean the Exterior of the Trash Can
It’s not just the interior of the trash can that needs attention. Over time, the exterior of the trash can can also become dirty and grimy. To clean the exterior of the can, mix a cleaning solution of warm water and dish soap or vinegar in a bucket. Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and wipe down the exterior of the can, paying special attention to the lid and any handles. Rinse the can thoroughly with water and dry it with a cloth or towel.
In Conclusion
Cleaning your trash can might not be the most exciting chore, but it’s a necessary one to keep your home smelling fresh and free of harmful bacteria. With the right supplies and a little elbow grease, you can easily clean and deodorize your trash can. Remember to clean the exterior of the can as well to keep it looking clean and shiny. With regular cleaning, your trash can will stay fresh and clean for years to come.