Taking out the trash every day isn’t always possible. Work, children, housework, and a thousand other things prevent us from doing so. As a result, unpleasant odors can take over our homes. That’s why knowing how to clean trash can effectively is crucial—full trash cans give off an unpleasant aroma that’s best avoided and can spread to the rest of the house or even cause insects to appear.
Yorleny’s Cleaning Services provides several tricks for how to clean trash can properly to neutralize its unpleasant odor, although none will be effective if you haven’t thoroughly cleaned it first. So, the first thing to do is put on your gloves and get to work!
Why Cleaning Your Garbage Can Matters (More Than You Think)
Knowing how to clean trash can the right way is more critical than you think because it helps prevent health issues, unpleasant odors, and environmental damage. Clean waste containers minimize the growth of germs and viruses, preventing disease transmission. Furthermore, frequent garbage removal and proper cleaning reduce unpleasant odors and deter pests, resulting in a cleaner and healthier atmosphere.
Common bacteria and smell sources
Common bacteria found in garbage cans include E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas. These bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of a trash can, especially when food waste is present. Learning how to clean trash can properly is essential to prevent the buildup of these harmful microbes. The unpleasant odors are a result of organic matter decomposition, which produces volatile compounds such as acetaldehyde, carboxylic acids (including acetic, butanoic, and propanoic acids), and sulfur-containing compounds.
Florida heat and odor build-up issues
In Florida’s warm climate, how to clean trash bin effectively becomes even more important due to accelerated decomposition. But don’t worry! As cleaning specialists, we offer tips to combat this problem. These are especially useful in humid climates like those in the Sunshine State.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean a Trash or Garbage Can
Your trash can is an essential item in any home, but it often becomes a constant source of unpleasant odors. This is especially true in summer when high temperatures accelerate the decomposition of food scraps.
However, with these simple and effective tips on how to clean trash can, you can help keep your bin free of unpleasant odors permanently.
Supplies you’ll need (natural and chemical options)
To give your trash can a good clean, you’ll want to gather a few supplies first. Here’s a detailed list:
- Protective Gear: Rubber gloves are required to protect your hands from bacteria and cleaning agents.
- Cleaning Solution: Use dish soap or a multi-surface cleaner to help break down filth and dirt.
- Scrubbing Tools: A scrub brush or sponge with a handle is required to clean both the inside and outside of the garbage can.
- Water source: Rinsing requires a hose or a bucket of water.
- Odor Control: Sprinkle baking soda inside to eliminate scents.
- Disinfectant: To sanitize the garbage can after cleaning, use disinfectant spray or wipes.
Optional items for heavier cleaning duties include degreaser, a long-handled scrub brush, and paper towels.
How to clean your outdoor garbage can
- Empty and Rinse: Remove any trash or debris from the can. Rinse the inside and outside with a hose to get rid of any loose dirt or filth.
- Scrub: Prepare cleaning solution. Options include:
- Dish soap and water: A simple yet efficient approach.
- Vinegar and water are an excellent alternative for odor control. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Commercial Cleaner: If necessary, apply a cleaning made exclusively for outdoor use.
- Apply Cleaning Solution: Using a long-handled brush, scrub the inside and exterior of the container, focusing on corners and crevices.
- Rinse the can:: Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap and cleaning solution residue.
- Disinfect: Use a disinfectant for odor-causing cans. You can use a diluted bleach solution (see the manufacturer’s safety guidelines) or a vinegar solution.
- Dry Thoroughly:: To dry entirely, turn the can upside down and let it air dry. Sunlight can aid with drying and odor control.
- Odor Control: To remove residual odors, add baking soda to the bottom of the can or lay a cotton ball with essential oil inside.
With this routine, you’ll master how to clean trash can outdoors like a pro.
How to clean a kitchen trash bin
Knowing how to clean trash can in the kitchen ensures your home stays fresh and hygienic.
-
Emptying and Initial Cleaning:
Remove all trash from the bin and remove any visible debris, such as food scraps or paper.
-
Washing with Soap and Water:
Mix warm water with soap or detergent and use a sponge or brush to scrub the inside and outside of the bin. This part is essential when learning how to clean trash can. Make sure to clean all surfaces, paying special attention to corners and edges where dirt can accumulate.
-
Disinfecting and Eliminating Odors:
White Vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Pour the solution into the bin and let it sit for at least an hour. Then, rinse with cold water and let it dry.
Disinfectant Cleaner: If using a disinfectant cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you apply it to the surface, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with water.
Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the bin to help neutralize odors. 4. Rinse and dry:
Rinse the bucket thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap or cleaner residue. Dry the bucket completely outdoors before reusing.
How to Get Rid of Garbage Can Smell
Best deodorizing methods (baking soda, vinegar, commercial sprays)
Baking soda is an effective way to clean trash cans and eliminate odors. If you’re wondering how to clean trash can surfaces effectively, simply sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda on the bottom of the container. For a better scent, add lemon zest or a few drops of essential oil. Renew this mixture weekly.
In addition to cleaning, baking soda also helps with washing machines when paired with white vinegar. Lemon juice can further neutralize odors and combat bacteria in the bin.
To prevent unpleasant smells, keep the trash can in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. You might also consider using commercial products like odor-absorbing granules or enzymatic sprays, such as Arm & Hammer Trash Can Deodorizer, especially if you’re looking for extra support in your how to clean trash can routine.
Trash Can Maintenance Tips to Keep Smells Away
How to odor control trash can cheaply and easily?
A simple and cost-effective tip for anyone learning how to clean trash can and prevent bad odors is to place a cloth towel at the bottom of the bin. You can find these towels at any supermarket or drugstore, and you can even reuse a used one as long as the smell isn’t too strong. However, make sure the towel is completely dry to prevent it from sticking to the bin.
If you’re learning how to clean trash can interiors effectively, another method to consider is using cat litter. Cat litter is designed to absorb moisture from feline urine and the unpleasant odors from their feces, both liquid and solid. By placing a small amount of cat litter at the bottom of your trash can, you can help prevent moisture buildup and bad smells. It’s a good idea to change the litter weekly or whenever it becomes damp.
How to prevent mold and residue buildup
To avoid mold and residue growth, regulate moisture and keep surfaces clean and dry. This includes repairing leaks, enhancing ventilation, and cleaning surfaces on a regular basis, particularly in moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Just like learning how to clean trash can surfaces to prevent odor and bacteria buildup, applying similar habits throughout your home can significantly improve cleanliness and hygiene.
When to Call a Garbage Can Cleaning Service in Florida
Even with the best efforts, sometimes your trash can still smells or looks dirty no matter what you do. That’s when it’s time to call in the pros.
Signs you need professional help
If you’ve tried everything and still notice:
- Persistent foul odors
- Visible grime or residue that won’t wash off
- Frequent insect or rodent activity
- Mold buildup inside or around the lid
…it’s a sign your DIY methods aren’t enough. Professional help ensures your trash can is cleaned with industrial-grade products and techniques that go beyond basic home cleaning.
Benefits of hiring local cleaning experts
Hiring a local expert like Yorleny’s Cleaning Services saves you time, effort, and ensures a deep clean that eliminates germs, bacteria, and odor-causing residues. Our team knows how to clean trash can surfaces safely and effectively, using eco-friendly and powerful solutions that protect your family and the environment.
Don’t wait for odors to take over your home—schedule a professional trash can cleaning today with Yorleny’s Cleaning Services. Contact us now and say goodbye to bad smells for good!
H2:FAQ How to Clean Trash Can
What’s the best way to clean a trash can and eliminate bad smells?
The most effective method for how to clean trash can and remove odors is to rinse it with hot water first, then scrub using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or dish soap. For tougher grime, a long-handled brush and trash can cleaning equipment like a pressure washer can help. After cleaning, let it dry completely and sprinkle baking soda at the bottom to absorb future smells. This approach also works for how to clean garbage can outdoors or kitchen bins.
How do I prevent my garbage can from smelling bad between cleanings?
To keep a smelly garbage can under control, use trash bags with odor-blocking features and regularly empty them before they overflow. Clean up leaks immediately and consider using a natural deodorizer like baking soda or activated charcoal. For long-term odor control, spray the inside with vinegar or a disinfectant after each trash pickup. This is an essential part of how to clean trash can effectively and maintain freshness.
When should I hire a professional garbage can cleaning service?
If your bin has stubborn stains, persistent odors, or you’re short on time, it’s a smart move to hire a professional garbage can cleaning service in Florida. Experts use high-powered trash can cleaning equipment and eco-friendly disinfectants to sanitize your bins thoroughly. This is especially helpful for outdoor cans that haven’t been cleaned in months. For homeowners and businesses alike, this ensures hygienic conditions and odor-free results.
An overview of the areas we serve
See below to check if our top-quality house cleaning services are available in your city and book your first appointment with just a few clicks.
