You've scrubbed your floors, counters, and even the depths of the pantry, but a mysterious pungent smell still lingers in the kitchen. Cleaning your trash can might end up on the forgotten chore list more than you’d like to admit—either because it's out of sight or because you fear what's lurking under the bag. This bacteria-hoarding staple of your home should receive a deep scrub about once a month, and luckily, the process is quick and easy. Learn how to clean your trash can in seven quick steps (and disinfect it too!).
How to Clean a Trash Can in 7 Easy Steps
Give your trash can some love with a deep clean that takes less than an hour
Photo: Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock
Photo: Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock
Written by Dan Simms
Contributing Writer
Updated September 13, 2023
Difficulty
Easy
You've got this!
Time to complete
30 minutes
This active time doesn’t include an overnight dry.
Cost
Up to $25
Keep it wallet-friendly.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Rubber gloves
- Extendable scrub brush
- Drying rag
SUPPLIES
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Disinfectant (optional)
- Water
Empty the Trash
Photo: Westend61 / Adobe StockIt 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.
Choose Your Cleaning Solution
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.
Pretreat Tricky Areas
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.
Spray and Scrub
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.
Rinse the Whole Can
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.
Disinfect if Necessary
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.
Let the Trash Can Dry
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.
How to Keep Your Trash Can Fresh Between Cleanings
If you keep a close eye on your trash in between cleanings, you may be able to wait longer than a month in between washes. There are a few clever ways to keep odors out of your trash can, including the following:
Add a layer of baking soda, dryer sheet, or even a few drops of vanilla extract on a cotton ball at the base of your can to sit between the can and the trash bag. You can also wipe down the inside of your lid once a week to get ahead of your next clean.
Toss all garbage disposal-friendly scraps into the drain to avoid rotting smells and moisture buildup in your trash can.
Consider starting a composting bin to keep food scraps out of the standard garbage and save up rich soil for the spring.
Drill a few small holes in the sides of your can liner, if you have one. This will make it easier to put bags in and take them out, and it will introduce air flow that can help reduce the risk of moisture and mold growth under the bag.
Consider installing a garbage can deodorizer. This sits between the can and the bag and can help keep odors at bay in between cleanings.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
As you might imagine, cleaning your trash cans is a pretty straightforward process, so it’s something any homeowner can DIY to save a bit on professional cleaning. We recommend tackling this as a part of your routine cleanings, with touch-ups and spot cleanings once a week and a deep clean once a month.
However, if digging into the depths of your garbage can is beyond your comfort level or you just don’t have the time, leave the job to the pros. Call a house cleaner near you monthly for ongoing jobs or even pay for house cleaning services on an emergency basis for upcoming holiday parties and visits from family and friends.
Ginny Bartolone contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trash cans are some of the most likely areas in your home to harbor bacteria, insects, and foul odors, so you should plan on spot cleaning once a week and disinfecting and deep cleaning at least once per month. Doing so will help reduce the risk of mold growth, help prevent attracting insects into your home, and aid in eliminating unpleasant odors in your home. Add the task to your routine house cleaning checklist to make sure you don’t forget.
Cleaning your trash cans lightly once per week and then disinfecting and doing a deep clean at least once per month is the best way to prevent trash can odors. You can also invest in some garbage can deodorizers to combat odors or lay down a dryer sheet or a thin layer of baking soda in the bottom of the can under the bag. Replace the deodorizer once every month or every other month, depending on how well it works over time.
To clean a trash can with maggots, combine chlorine bleach and hot water in a 1-to-1 ratio and pour about half a gallon of the solution into the bottom of your garbage can. Just make sure there aren’t holes in the can before doing so. Close the lid, and let the fumes go to work to kill the maggots. Rinse the can with a hose outside. Consider finishing up with a bleach disinfectant and a scrub brush before letting the can dry completely. You can also consider hiring an exterminator near you for a quick, easy solution to maggots in your garbage cans.
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