How to Clean a Trash Can in 7 Easy Steps

It goes without saying that your trash can needs to be fully empty for a deep clean. Even if the potent smell you've been trying to locate heads out with the bag, it's still best to deep clean the can itself. The lingering odor can attract pests and eventually become a pervasive, unwelcome odor throughout your home.

While you're at it, use this chance as a reminder to practice good garbage practices overall. Take out the trash after you toss rotten or stinky items and avoid items that shouldn't end up in the trash in the first place.

Once the bag is outside, remove any remaining loose items at the bottom of the can with rubber gloves.

You have wiggle room to choose either a homemade or commercial cleaning solution here. If your trash can only needs a quick clean, add 5 to 10 drops of dish soap to a bucket of warm water.

For stuck-on food and for freshening up particularly potent trash cans, consider the mixture below for soaping up your scrub brush:

• 1 quart hydrogen peroxide

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• 1 tablespoon dish soap

If you'd rather skip the DIY route but stay eco-conscious, check out one of the many all-purpose cleaners approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Everything from coffee grounds to unidentifiable pieces of food that escaped from the bag like to hang out in the bottom of trash cans. Garbage pails with step-activated lids often have more nooks and crannies than standard bins, so be sure to clean the opening mechanism as well as the foot pedal itself.

Start your deep clean by pretreating caked-on areas the same way you would with a stained piece of clothing. Spray your handmade or store-bought solution throughout the can and target the trouble areas with extra cleaner. Let the can sit outside in fresh air while it soaks for about 10 minutes.

Add one more thin layer of cleaning solution to the inside of the bin and get out your extendable scrub brush. A new toilet brush is also a good option. You can even set it aside specifically for your monthly can cleaning or retire it to the bathroom after you clean your garbage can.

• Scrub the inside of the can first, making sure to focus on the base of the can and the inside of the lid.

• Next, clean the outside of the trash can, spending extra time on any scuffs or stains that keep it from looking its best.

With the can scrubbed inside and out, take the can outside and spray the whole thing with a hose. If you live in a small apartment without outdoor space or a hose access, you can perform this entire process in the shower stall or bathtub. Just make sure to spray down the area after you're done to remove any cleaning solution.

If you're tackling this project during a deep cleaning session, consider disinfecting the trash can as well. Not only will this help you avoid passing germs throughout the house, but it may also take care of those persistent smells that need a little more attention. Disinfecting differs from cleaning in that it targets the bacteria and potential viruses on your can in addition to visible grime. In this case, you will either need disinfecting wipes or spray. 

Avoid using bleach-based products on stainless steel cans as they can stain its surface. Also, never mix cleaning supplies that poorly interact with one another. For example, if you've just cleaned with a vinegar solution, do not mix it with bleach during the disinfection process. This can create dangerous chlorine gas, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

The hard part is over! Now all you have to do is let your trash can air-dry. Overnight works best, but you can use a dry microfiber cloth with a quick pass if you're in a hurry to get the trash can back inside. While tedious, the drying process is just as crucial as scrubbing and rinsing. Leftover water in the base of your trash will harbor bad smells in your home or attract pests, and it can promote mold growth and related odors.