Your trash can is meant to hold waste, but that doesn’t mean it has to stink up your entire kitchen, garage, or outdoor area. Over time, food scraps, liquid leaks, and bacteria buildup can turn your trash can into a breeding ground for unpleasant odors. Thankfully, with a little elbow grease and a few household items, you can clean and deodorize your trash can quickly and effectively. With this in mind, we at Busy Bee Cleaning & Janitorial Services would like to discuss some tips on how to clean the smelly trash can.
Step 1: Empty the Can Completely
Before cleaning, make sure the trash can is empty. If you’re dealing with an outdoor bin, try to clean it right after trash collection day. For indoor cans, remove the liner and dispose of any remaining waste, crumbs, or debris.
Step 2: Rinse with Hot Water
Using a hose or your bathtub (if it fits), rinse the can with hot water. This helps loosen any dried-on grime or residue. If the can is especially dirty, let the hot water sit inside for a few minutes to soften stubborn gunk.
Step 3: Scrub with a Cleaning Solution
Mix a cleaning solution of hot water, dish soap, and white vinegar or baking soda. These natural ingredients help kill germs and neutralize odors. Use a long-handled brush or sponge to scrub all surfaces, inside, outside, and the lid. Pay extra attention to the bottom of the can and any seams or grooves where grime tends to hide. For very tough smells or stains, sprinkle baking soda directly onto a sponge or the inside of the can and scrub in circular motions. You can also use a disinfecting cleaner, but make sure it’s safe for the material of your trash can.
Step 4: Rinse & Dry Thoroughly
After scrubbing, rinse the can again with hot water to remove all soap and debris. Then, dry the can completely using a towel or let it air dry in the sun. Sunlight not only dries the can faster but also acts as a natural disinfectant.
Step 5: Deodorize Regularly
Once your trash can is clean and dry, prevent future smells by sprinkling a bit of baking soda in the bottom before inserting a new liner. You can also place a dryer sheet, charcoal deodorizer, or a small container of baking soda at the bottom to absorb odors between cleanings.
Step 6: Maintain a Cleaning Schedule
Don’t wait until your trash can smells unbearable. Aim to clean your indoor trash cans once a month and outdoor bins every 1–2 months, depending on use. This regular upkeep will prevent odors, bacteria buildup, and even pest problems.
Residential House Cleaning & Commercial Janitorial Services in Hamiltons Fort, Hurricane, Ivins, Santa Clara, Washington, Cedar City & St. George, UT
A smelly trash can doesn’t have to be a normal part of home life. With just a few simple cleaning steps, you can keep your trash can fresh and odor-free year-round. And if you ever need a deeper clean or want to take trash-related chores off your plate, consider hiring a professional home cleaning service to handle the dirty work. Contact Busy Bee Cleaning & Janitorial Services for routine home cleaning services to help you maintain a spotless home.
