Keeping your outdoor garbage can clean is an important part of maintaining good sanitation and hygiene around your home. A dirty garbage can attract pests like raccoons, rats, flies and maggots. It can also create unpleasant odors in your yard. With regular cleaning and disinfecting, you can keep your outdoor garbage receptacle fresh and odor-free. This article provides tips on how to thoroughly clean and sanitize an outdoor trash can.

Supplies Needed

Cleaning your outdoor garbage can doesn’t require many supplies. Here are the basic items you’ll need:

Garbage bags – Have plenty on hand to collect all the garbage and debris removed from the can.
Rubber gloves – Protect your hands from dirt, grime and cleaning chemicals. Choose durable gloves that resist punctures.
Face mask – Prevents inhalation of dust and odors.
Old clothes – Wear items you don’t mind getting dirty.
Scrub brush – Use a sturdy brush with stiff bristles.
Garden hose – Rinse out the can with a strong stream of water.
Mild detergent – Any basic laundry or dish soap will work.
Bleach or disinfectant – Sanitize and deodorize the garbage can.
Baking soda – Helps remove stains and neutralize odors.
Sponge or rag – For scrubbing the inside of the can.
Air freshener – Eliminates lingering unpleasant smells.

Preparing the Garbage Can

Before scrubbing away at the dirt, take a few minutes to prepare:

Empty the garbage can of all trash and waste. Be sure to wear gloves when handling garbage. Work over a tarp so nothing falls on the ground. Separate out recyclables.
Remove the lid and set it aside. Dump out any liquid waste from the bottom of the can.
Spray down the inside of the can with water. This softens any caked-on debris to make scrubbing easier.
Lay down an old tarp or sheets under the garbage can to catch water and grime as you work. Or move the garbage can to a gravel or grass area.

Scrubbing the Inside

Here are the steps to thoroughly scrub down the inside of the garbage can:

Create a cleaning solution. Mix together warm water, a few squirts of dish soap and 1/2 cup of baking soda. The baking soda helps bubble away grease and neutralize odors.
Dip your scrub brush in the cleaning solution and scrub the inside of the can. Apply plenty of elbow grease to lift off stuck-on food, dirt and other debris.
Use a sponge or rag to reach the bottom and get into crevices. Continue scrubbing until all visible grime is removed.
Rinse the can with your garden hose. Spray every inch of the inside with water to wash away the cleaning solution and dirt.
Fill the can half full with water and add 1/2 cup bleach. Let the bleachy water sit for 10-15 minutes to sanitize the garbage can.
Dump out the bleach water. Thoroughly rinse away bleach residue with clean water.
Allow the garbage can to completely air dry before replacing the bag and lid. Tilting it on its side will allow the inside to dry faster.

Cleaning the Lid

Don’t forget to scrub the lid! It attaches to the top of the can, so grime, drips and spills can accumulate:

Remove any gross debris with a gloved hand or small trowel. Scrape off stuck-on gunk.
Scrub the lid all over with soapy water. Use the scrub brush or a sponge.
Rinse soap residue off with clean water.
Spray or wipe lid with disinfectant. Let it sit briefly before rinsing.
Dry the lid completely before placing it back on the garbage can.

Preventing Future Messes

Regular cleaning is key for maintaining a fresh garbage can. Here are some tips for keeping it clean going forward:

Rinse the inside out once a week with your hose. This prevents buildup.
Disinfect the can monthly or whenever it starts smelling.
Use trash bags to contain leaks and drips. Don’t put liquids directly into the can.
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom to control odors. Replace weekly.
Keep the lid shut tight to keep pests out. Attach bungee cords to keep raccoons from breaking in.
Replace cracked or damaged cans that allow pests entry.
Use enzymatic cleaners instead of bleach long-term to avoid corrosion.
Place cans in shady spots to minimize sun damage and fading.

With proper cleaning techniques and regular maintenance, your outdoor garbage cans can stay fresh and clean for years of service. It’s worth taking the time to scrub and disinfect them to control odors and keep away unwanted critters looking for an easy meal.

FAQs About Cleaning Outdoor Garbage Cans

What is the best way to get rid of stains in a plastic garbage can?

To remove tough stains from plastic garbage cans, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to stained areas and let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly. For extra cleaning power, mix lemon juice with the baking soda paste. The acidity helps break down stains.

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

To kill maggots and clean a maggot-infested garbage can, start by wearing gloves and dumping out the garbage. Spray the empty can with a bleach or vinegar solution. Scrub with a stiff brush, then rinse. This will kill all maggots. Keep lids tightly sealed and bags tied to prevent future maggot problems.

Why does my plastic garbage can retain bad odors, even after cleaning?

Plastic garbage cans can absorb and retain smells. To thoroughly deodorize a stinky plastic can, scrub the inside with a baking soda and water solution. Rinse and let dry completely in the sun. The sun’s UV rays help neutralize odors in plastic. Wash cans regularly before odors get out of hand.

What is the best way to remove grease from a metal garbage can?

To effectively clean grease from metal garbage cans, use degreaser or ammonia-based cleaners. Apply with a scrub brush and let sit for 10 minutes. Scrub stubborn areas. Rinse thoroughly. Avoid abrasive scouring pads, which can scratch the metal over time.

How can I stop my metal garbage can from rusting?

To prevent a metal garbage can from rusting, wash and dry it thoroughly after use. Apply a thin coat of cooking oil to the inside surface with a paper towel. This seals out moisture. Don’t use vegetable-based oils, which can turn rancid. Wipe spills immediately to avoid rust-causing moisture.

Why does my garbage can tip over all the time?

Garbage cans fall over if they are too light or top-heavy. Weight them down by filling the bottom with rocks, gravel or sand. For top-heavy issues, pack down the trash or remove overstuffed bags. Place cans out of high-traffic zones. Install a fence or bungee cords to add stability. Choose wide-bottomed cans or cement them in place.

Key Takeaways for Cleaning Outdoor Trash Cans

Give cans a thorough scrub each month using hot soapy water, bleach, baking soda and a sturdy brush.
Disinfect with a bleach solution to kill germs. Rinse thoroughly.
Use gloves, protective clothing and a mask when cleaning garbage cans.
Clean up drips, stains and spills promptly to avoid buildup.
Allow cans to dry fully in sunlight to sanitize and deodorize.
Sprinkle baking soda or enzymatic cleaners in the bottom to control odors.
Keep lids tightly shut and tie bags closed to reduce pest problems.
Replace damaged or cracked garbage cans.
Proper cleaning and care will lead to longer-lasting cans with fewer odors.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and maintenance keeps outdoor garbage cans from becoming smelly, stained mess festering with germs and pests. It only takes basic supplies like soap, brushes, bleach, water and elbow grease to thoroughly scrub down filthy garbage cans. Be sure to take precautions like wearing gloves and rinsing away bleach residue. A monthly cleaning routine, plus quick cleanups of spills when needed, will lead to a fresh, sanitary garbage storage spot. With some diligence, your outdoor garbage cans can be nearly odorless and a pleasure to use for years to come.

How to Clean an Outdoor Garbage Can