How to Clean an Outdoor Trash Can

Keeping your outdoor trash can clean is an important part of maintaining a healthy, odor-free environment outside your home. A clean trash can helps control smells, pests, and mess. While cleaning an outdoor trash can may seem like an undesirable chore, it’s easier than you think with the right tools and techniques. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to effectively clean outdoor trash cans.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Outdoor Trash Can

There are several reasons why cleaning your outdoor garbage can regularly is a good idea:

Prevents Odors

Trash cans easily absorb all sorts of smells from food scraps, pet waste, and other smelly items. A build-up of residue along with trapped odors can make your outdoor area unpleasant. Giving the can a thorough scrub helps remove stuck-on gunk and bacteria that cause bad smells.

Deters Pests

Left uncleaned, outdoor trash cans can attract all types of pests like raccoons, flies, ants, maggots, and rodents. These creatures are not only unpleasant, but they can also spread germs and cause damage to your property. Keeping your garbage can clean removes food sources and deter pests.

Improves Appearance

No one wants to look at a dirty, stained trash can full of grime and debris. Not only are they unsightly, but they can be embarrassing when guests come over. Regular cleanings keeps your outdoor cans looking neat and orderly.

Makes Easier to Use

When outdoor trash cans get filthy, the dirt, stickiness, and stains make them unpleasant to use. You shouldn’t have to avoid opening your lid or touching your garbage pail. Cleaning removes the gross factor and allows you to maintain proper garbage disposal.

Extends Longevity

Grime, chemicals, and waste can slowly degrade and corrode the materials of your garbage cans. Regular cleaning and disinfecting protects the surface and helps your cans last longer without cracking, fading, or deteriorating.

Supplies Needed to Clean an Outdoor Trash Can

Cleaning your outdoor garbage cans doesn’t require many supplies. Chances are you already have most of what you need. Here are the recommended supplies:

• Trash bags
• Hot water
• Mild dish soap
• Scrub brush with tough bristles
• Old towel or rag
• Gardening hose
• Bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Face mask
• Disinfecting wipes or spray
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Essential oils (optional)

How Often You Should Clean Your Outdoor Trash Can

To keep your outdoor garbage cans fresh and odor-free, you should aim to clean them at least once a month. However, every 2-4 weeks is ideal. Those who utilize their cans more heavily or live in areas with excess humidity may need to clean them biweekly.

You should also spot clean immediately if you notice:

• Visible dirt and debris accumulation
• Strong odors coming from the can
• Insect infestations around or inside the can
• Food, liquids, or other spills/leaks on the can
• Any other undesirable mess

Doing frequent spot cleans when needed ensures waste and grime won’t have a chance to really build up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Outdoor Trash Cans

Cleaning your outdoor garbage cans is a straightforward process. Follow these key steps:

Step 1: Remove the Trash Bag

• Take out the trash bag so you have an empty can to work with.
• If there is any excess debris or liquid sitting at the bottom, scoop it out and dispose of properly.
• For cans without removable liners, tip over the can to remove all waste and absorbent pads.

Step 2: Rinse Out Debris

• Use a gardening hose to spray away loose dirt, crumbs, and other debris clinging to the bottom and sides.
• Focus the water stream under the rim and along inner cracks and crevices.
• Avoid spraying electrical components if you have a powered automatic can.

Step 3: Scrub All Surfaces

• Create a cleaning solution of hot water, mild dish soap, and vinegar or baking soda.
• Use a scrub brush dipped in the cleaning solution to scrub down the entire inner can.
• Scrub the lid, rim, bottom, and side walls to remove stuck-on gunk and stains.
• Scrub any outside surfaces as needed to remove grime buildup.

Step 4: Disinfect with Wipes

• Wipe down all surfaces with disinfecting wipes or spray cleaner.
• Pay close attention to the underside of the lid and grooves where germs like to lurk.
• Let the disinfecting agent sit for the recommended contact time before wiping.

Step 5: Freshen with Baking Soda or Vinegar

• Sprinkle baking soda into the clean can and let sit overnight, then shake out. The baking soda will help absorb odors.
• Alternatively, spray white vinegar and let sit before rinsing. The vinegar will help break down waste and stains.

Step 6: Air Dry and Replace Liner

• Allow the can to completely air dry upside down before replacing the liner and putting it back in use.
• Letting it dry prevents trapped moisture that can cause odors and corrosion.
• Once dry, put in a new trash bag liner and return the can outdoors.

Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Cans

Cleaning methods may vary slightly depending on the specific type of outdoor trash can you own.

Plastic Cans

Plastic outdoor garbage cans are lightweight and often have snap-on lids. When cleaning:

• Use hot water and mild dish detergent to lift grease.
• Avoid harsh abrasives that could scratch plastic.
• Let soak rather than aggressively scrub if needed.
• Disinfect with bleach or hydrogen peroxide solutions.

Metal Cans

Metal cans are durable but prone to rusting. When cleaning:

• Use a soft cloth and avoid abrasive scrubbers to prevent scratching.
• Rinse well and immediately dry to prevent rust.
• Remove rust spots with vinegar or CLR cleaner.
• Use oven cleaner to dissolve caked-on gunk and grime.

Wooden Cans

Wooden trash cans have a stylish, rustic look. When cleaning:

• Use a gentle approach and non-abrasive supplies to avoid scraping wood.
• Let soap and water soak rather than scrubbing forcefully.
• Disinfect with a mild bleach solution.
• Use water-repellent sealants to protect wood.

Stone or Concrete Cans

Stone, concrete, and ceramic trash cans are durable but can absorb odors. When cleaning:

• Use enzyme cleaners or bleach to remove set-in organic stains.
• Soak to loosen debris rather than power washing or wire brushing delicate masonry.
• Use gentle cleaners and avoid acidic options that degrade concrete.

Best Cleaning Solutions for Outdoor Trash Cans

Having the right cleaning solution helps cut through grease, waste, and grime on outdoor garbage cans. Here are some of the top solutions to use:

Dish Soap and Hot Water

Dishwashing liquid like Dawn mixed with hot water is highly effective at breaking down oils, food residue, and other sticky gunk. The hot water also helps dissolve and rinse away debris.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is mildly abrasive to lift dirt and stains but gentle enough for most surfaces. Make a paste with water and scrub with a brush. Baking soda also deodorizes.

White Vinegar

The acids in white vinegar cut through grease, waste, and odors. The antimicrobial properties also kill germs. Use undiluted or mixed with water and scrub into the can.

Bleach

Bleach solutions disinfect and sanitize outdoor trash cans while removing stains. Use approximately 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water. Rinse surfaces thoroughly.

Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners use “good” microbes that literally eat away debris on a molecular level, dissolving gooey messes and organic matter. Great for tough set-in stains.

Oven Cleaner

The powerful grease-cutting chemicals in oven cleaners are perfect for caked-on gunk and grime. Excellent for barbeque waste that bakes onto metal cans. Rinse completely.

Helpful Cleaning Tools

Having the right tools for the job makes cleaning your outdoor trash cans much easier. Equip your cleaning toolbox with these useful items:

• Scrub brushes – Look for brushes with tough, durable bristles that can scour away dried-on messes. Scrub Daddy and abrasive grout brushes work well.
• Putty knives or scrapers – Great for chipping off chunks of stuck-on gunk and scraping residue out of crevices. Use on plastic and metal cans.
• Steel wool – The coarseness of steel wool pads lets you scrub off the toughest buildup on metal cans without scratching.
• Old toothbrushes – Keep some to get into small nooks and crannies that are hard to reach and scrub with other tools.
• Power washer – For excessive buildup, use a pressure washer to blast away debris from the outsides of larger cans. Wear protective gear.
• Garden hose – The spray from your hose will rinse away dirt and debris before and after cleaning the can.

Alternative Cleaning Methods and Tips

Here are some additional tips and alternative methods you can try when cleaning outdoor trash cans:

• Soak cans overnight in water and disinfectant before scrubbing if very dirty.
• Use a wet/dry vacuum to suction out dirt, leaves, spiders at the bottom and on inner rims.
• Place cans in direct sunlight to let the UV rays naturally disinfect and deodorize them.
• Sprinkle cat litter or baking soda in bottom to absorb excess moisture after cleaning.
• Use gentle cleaners like dish soap on delicate surfaces like wood and concrete.
• Try using eco-friendly cleaners like hydrogen peroxide or plant-based options.
• Plug in automatic trash cans before cleaning to avoid water reaching electrical components.
• Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from chemicals and coming into contact with waste.
• Avoid using metal scouring pads or wire brushes on plastic cans as they could scratch.
• Rinse cans with clean water after using chemical cleaners to remove any toxic residue.

When to Replace vs Repair Outdoor Trash Cans

With regular cleaning, outdoor trash cans can last for years. But occasionally they may require some repairs or when to replace:

Common Repairs

• Replace broken closing lid or tighten hinges
• Use rust remover on small rust spots
• Patch small cracks or holes with waterproof sealants
• Replace wheels and axles on rolling cans

When to Replace

• Cans with large cracks, holes, or excessive damage
• Rust damage that cannot be repaired
• Warping, rotting, or separation in materials
• Cans that constantly tip over
• Cans that do not fully contain odors or waste

Look for durable cans made of thick plastic, reinforced metal, or weather-resistant wood. And be sure to clean new cans before first use. Investing in a quality can and maintaining it well ensures you’ll get years of useful service.

Enjoy a Cleaner, Fresher Outdoor Space

Nobody wants to deal with stinky, dirty garbage cans full of flies and ants in their outdoor living areas. Luckily, it’s easy to thoroughly clean and sanitize outdoor trash cans in just a few simple steps using common household items.

Regular cleanings every few weeks keeps your cans hygienic, odor-free, and looking neat. Just be sure to use the right tools and cleaning solutions for your specific type of cans. Proper maintenance not only improves cleanliness, but extends the life of your garbage cans.

With this complete guide, you now have all the information needed to keep your outdoor trash cans sparkling clean. So grab your scrub brush, make that cleaning solution, and enjoy a fresher outdoor space around your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Outdoor Trash Cans

Here are some of the most common questions people have about cleaning outdoor trash cans:

How do I get rid of maggots in my outdoor trash can?

To remove maggots:

• Empty out the trash can contents completely.
• Use a garden hose to spray away visible maggots.
• Scrub the can with hot, soapy water and disinfectant.
• Pour boiling water or a bleach solution into the can to kill any remaining larvae.
• Eliminate any standing water and spray weekly with peppermint oil to deter future infestations.

What is the best way to clean trash can lids?

Focus on scrubbing the rim and underside of lids, as these areas harbor dirt and spillage. Use a small brush dipped in cleaning solution. Disinfectant wipes also work well. Remove any stuck-on gunk with scrapers or steel wool.

How can I keep dogs out of my outdoor trash can?

Try these tips:

• Place can in an enclosure or area blocked by fencing/gates.
• Weigh lid down with heavy objects like bricks.
• Install cans with locking lids.
• Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder or vinegar around the can perimeter.
• Use scented trash bags to help mask food smells.
• Store cans indoors or in garages until pickup day.

What should I do if my plastic trash can cracks?

For small cracks and holes in plastic cans, clean the area thoroughly and use silicone caulk to seal. Smooth with a putty knife. For large cracks or extensive damage, the can will likely need to be replaced.

How do I get rid of the trash can smell outside?

• Clean cans regularly with disinfectant.
• Sprinkle baking soda inside to absorb odors.
• Place dryer sheets or charcoal briquettes inside to help trap smells.
• Use trash bags with odor control.
• Take out trash frequently so it can’t accumulate.

Why does my concrete trash can smell bad?

Concrete is absorbent and odors can get trapped in the pores. Scrub with hot, soapy water or bleach. For severe odors, try an enzyme cleaner. Repainting the interior with outdoor masonry paint also seals in odors. Let dry completely.

This covers the key things you need to know for how to clean outdoor trash cans. Regular scrubbing and disinfecting keeps odors, pests, and mess at bay. Follow these tips for fresh-smelling, hygienic garbage cans outside your home.