Over time, outdoor garbage cans can become dirty and smelly, even when empty. Fortunately, you don’t need much to freshen them up. Here, we’ll show you how to clean outdoor garbage cans inside and out to get rid of odors and stains, and how often to do this seasonal task.
Cleaning Outdoor Garbage Cans to Eliminate Odors and Stains
While keeping your garbage can spotless all the time might not be feasible, you can easily clean it periodically with these steps:
1. Empty and Rinse: Remove any trash bags or loose debris, then use a water hose with a sprayer to thoroughly rinse both the inside and outside of the garbage can.
2. Scrub with Soapy Water: Fill a bucket with hot water and dish soap, use a long-handled scrub brush to clean the inside and outside of the trash can, paying attention to crevices.
3. Tackle Stubborn Stains: For tough stains, add baking soda to your soapy solution to boost cleaning power.
4. Rinse and Dry: After scrubbing, rinse out the soap with water, and let the garbage can dry in the sun before closing it or adding a new trash bag.
Tips:
– A pressure washer can help remove stubborn grime.
– To prevent odors, clean your trash cans once a month or as needed based on the type of waste thrown in them.
How to Eliminate Garbage Can Odors
Trash odors are caused by bacteria breaking down materials. To combat odors, you can:
– Disinfect with bleach to kill bacteria.
– Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom to absorb odors.
– Use crushed charcoal for odor absorption.
– Empty the can regularly to reduce odors.
– Bag your trash to contain odors, especially food waste.
Tip: Quality trash bags can help control odors by preventing leaks and spills.
Cleaning Frequency
It’s recommended to clean outdoor garbage cans monthly, but adjust based on your specific needs and the type of waste disposed of. Consider cleaning more frequently during warmer months.
During the summer months or in hotter regions, bacteria and odors tend to become more active and potent in warmer temperatures. A simple tip to minimize smells is to relocate your trash cans from sunny areas to cooler, shady spots. For more information, check out the article on Better Homes & Gardens about cleaning trash cans to eliminate stubborn odors.
