What To Clean Your Trash Cans With (2024)
Ah, the humble yet essential task of cleaning a garbage can! It's one of those chores that's easy to overlook but oh-so-necessary for maintaining a pleasant and clean home.
Firstly, let's acknowledge that dirty trash cans are breeding grounds for bacteria, odors, and mold. Hence, the goal here isn't just to make it look clean; it's to make sure it's sanitized and hygienic too. Not just unpleasant; it's downright unhealthy.
Here’s what you can do to clean a trash can.
What is the best thing to clean a garbage can with?
The best thing to clean a garbage can with is a trash bin cleaning service. A company like Beauty and The Bins simply comes to your house after trash day and cleans your bin.
It's all about convenience, hygiene, and maintaining a pleasant environment around your home or business. People who use trash bin cleaning services often say how they never realized just how dirty their bins were until they saw them sparkling clean after a professional cleaning!
🧼 CLEANING TIP: If you are considering hiring a trash bin cleaning service, be sure to ask about their cleaning process and their products. Ask if they use biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning agents. In addition to ensuring a thorough cleaning, this also aligns with environmentally responsible practices, protecting your local ecosystem.
How do you clean and disinfect a trash can?
If you’re not up for hiring a service, you can clean and disinfect a trash can on your own. Just know it’ll take a ton of time and energy versus having a service come and do it for you.
Here’s how it works, step by step:
1. Empty and rinse the bin
Be sure to empty the can completely. Sometimes small pieces of debris linger at the bottom. Use a garden hose or bucket to rinse out loose debris if you’re cleaning an outdoor trash can. You can do this in a bathtub or sink if you're indoors and dealing with a smaller one.
2. Choose a cleaning agent
Dish soap or multipurpose cleaners are excellent for general cleaning. They're gentle, but good at cutting through grime and are readily available.
For deep cleaning and disinfecting, a bleach and water solution (about ¾ cup of bleach per gallon of water) is very effective.
🟨 CAUTION: Bleach kills germs and eliminates odors but should be used in a well-ventilated area. Remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your skin when using bleach.
If you prefer not to use bleach, white vinegar is a good alternative. It's a natural disinfectant and can help with odor control.
3. Scrub and clean the can
Scrub the inside and outside of the can with a long-handled scrub brush or sponge. Pay attention to corners and grooves where gunk and food scraps collect at the bottom of the can.
4. Rinse and dry
When you're done scrubbing, rinse the can thoroughly. If you used bleach, make sure you rinse it well to get rid of the residue.
The can needs to be completely dry before you use it again. You can either leave it out in the sun to air dry or wipe it down with a dry cloth or paper towel.
5. Maintain your trash can
Keeping your trash cans clean regularly is key to preventing buildup and making the process easier. A cleaning service is handy here. Simply schedule a monthly cleaning and the company will come out and do it for you.
What home remedy can I use to clean my trash can?
Baking soda and vinegar is a staple in DIY cleaning solutions. Baking soda is excellent for eliminating odors and scrubbing away grime, while vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
For a home remedy:
Mix about half a cup of baking soda with an equal amount of water to form a paste.
Separately, prepare a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Smear the baking soda paste on the interior surfaces of the trash can, particularly on spots with stubborn stains or residues.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
After the baking soda has had time to work its magic, spray the vinegar solution liberally inside the can. You'll notice a fizzing reaction. That's the magic happening!
What chemicals do I need to wash a trash can?
As noted, there are a few chemicals you can use to wash a trash can:
Disinfectants like bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Removes grease and grime.
Dish soap or all-purpose cleaner. Kills bacteria.
Baking soda. Removes bad smells from outdoor garbage cans.
White vinegar. Tackles odors and acts as a natural disinfectant.
Essential oils. Contains antibacterial properties.
Can I pour bleach in my trash can?
Yes, you can use bleach to clean your trash can. It’s considered an effective cleaner for killing germs, bacteria, and viruses often rampant in stinky trash cans.
🟨 CAUTION: Bleach is a strong chemical. It can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Always wear gloves and goggles, if possible. Make sure you're well ventilated, since bleach fumes can be overpowering. Bleach can create dangerous fumes if you mix it with ammonia or cleaners.
What kills maggots in a garbage can?
Killing maggots in an outdoor garbage can is an unpleasant task. But it’s necessary for maintaining hygiene and preventing bacteria from spreading.
Some things you can put in your trash cans to kill maggots are:
Diatomaceous Earth
Garden lime or salt
Herbs and essential oils
Boric acid
🧠 Learn: How To Keep Maggots Out of Outside Trash Cans
Are you in Prescott, Arizona? Book a cleaning service today
Keep stinky garbage bins clean and hygienic with a trash bin cleaning service. This is a hassle-free, eco-friendly, and customer-focused service, turning a dirty job into a pleasure.
Are you looking for someone to clean your dirty bins in Prescott? Send Joe and Victoria a message today at hi@beautyandthebins.com or call them at (928) 463-6193.
One-time cleaning for $45.
One wash every month at $25 per wash.
One wash bi-monthly at $30 per wash.
One wash quarterly at $35 per wash.