When cleaning a home, the trash can is typically one of the last places you think about sanitizing. Here are a few garbage can cleaning steps to keep those unpleasant odors and germs at bay.

Trash cans are the perfect place for food waste, trash, and other unwanted items from around the home. Because of its regular use for these items, a trash is also the perfect place for germs and foul smells to thrive.

To keep your trash bins clean and sanitary, clean them every month.

Step 1: Remove Trash and Recyclables and Spray with Water

Remove any debris inside the garbage can and spray the exterior and interior surfaces with water. Allow water to soak for half an hour to an hour to loosen stuck-on debris. Before adding cleaner to the trash can, spray it a second time with water to eliminate most of the stuck-on grime.

Step 2: Apply a Cleaner

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the inside and outside of the trash can and allow it to sit for ten minutes to deodorize while the solution cleans. For the especially dirty areas of your trash can, leave the solution in place for twenty to thirty minutes.

Step 3: Scrub Interior and Exterior of Trash Can

To avoid causing damage to your trash can, avoid using an overly abrasive cleaning tool for scrubbing. Stick with a sponge or soft brush so scratches don’t develop on the surface of your can.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once all the grime is gone, rinse again with water and dry. To further deodorize your trash can, leave it outside until it is completely dry and then spray it with a deodorizing spray. A quick rinse and dry every week can help to keep your garbage cans clean.

How to Keep your Garbage Cans Clean

To keep your garbage can clean and free from foul smells, use a liner and replace it regularly. Sturdy and tear-resistant liners can help prevent unnecessary spills inside the can. You can also prevent messes by not overloading your garbage can and taking out the trash regularly to help keep smells at bay.

Along with weekly trash can maintenance and regular liner replacement, clean your trash can monthly and perform a deep clean at least twice per year.

Cleaning Trash Can Tips

• When you have a dirty trash can, take it outside before you begin any deep cleaning process to keep germs from being spread around your home.

• Wear gloves when cleaning. Gloves create a barrier between your skin and the cleaning product you use, as well as the debris and germs found in the trash can.

• Use a mild and natural cleaner. Mixtures of vinegar, dish soap, and water work effectively when sanitizing and cleaning a trash can.

• Allow the clean trash can to dry completely before adding a fresh liner. You don’t want to trap water inside your trash can because a mildew smell may develop.

• Before adding a fresh liner, sprinkle baking soda into the bottom of the can to eliminate odors before they even appear.