We often clean our homes thoroughly, but one area that tends to get overlooked is the trash can.... From sticky spills to stubborn odors, a dirty trash can can harbor bacteria and make your space smell less than fresh.😅
I know it seems like a gross task that you are dreading.... but with the right method, it can be quick and effective!!💪
Why Clean Your Trash Can? 🤔🦠
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your trash can is crucial to prevent the buildup of germs, mold, and bad odors!! 🚫 While you often use garbage bags to contain everything, leaks and spills inevitably happen, which can leave your trash can grimy and unsanitary.🛢️ Keeping it clean ensures a healthier environment and keeps foul smells at bay. 🌬️
How Often Should You Clean It? 🗓️
For high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms, you should aim to clean and disinfect your trash cans once a month!🫧 However, if you notice lingering smells or visible grime, it’s a good idea to clean them as needed!👃💦
What You’ll Need: 🧰
Dish soap or all-purpose cleaner 🧼
Disinfecting spray or a bleach solution (1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water) 🧴
Scrub brush or sponge 🧽
Old toothbrush or mini brush (for cleaning tight areas) 🪥
Hose🚿
Paper towels or microfiber towels 🧻🧼
Optional: Baking soda 🥄
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Trash Can 📝🗑️
1. Take It Outside 🏡
Start by emptying the trash can and taking it outside.🌳This will make it easier to clean without worrying about spills or mess in your home.🥴 Plus, outdoor air will help eliminate any strong odors quickly!!🌬️
2. Rinse the Can 🚿
Using a hose, rinse the inside and outside of the trash can to loosen any dirt, grime, or leftover gunk💧 Pay close attention to the bottom of the can, where most spills collect!!🗑️
3. Scrub with Soap 🧼
Lather the trash can in dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner🫧 Use a scrub brush or sponge to thoroughly scrub the interior and exterior of the trash can, focusing on sticky spots and stains. 🧽
For smaller crevices, such as around the lid or foot pedal, you can use an old toothbrush or mini scrub brush to really get in there! 🪥
4. Rinse Again🚰
After scrubbing, rinse the trash can again to wash away all the soap and grime. 🧼 You want to make sure no soap residue is left behind as it can attract dirt.❌
5. Disinfect🦠
After the initial cleaning and removing all the gunk and debris, it’s time to actually disinfect it!🧼 Spray the inside and outside of the trash can with a disinfecting spray or, ideally, use a bleach solution (1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water)!⚪️
Let the disinfectant sit for at least 5 minutes to kill bacteria and germs.⏱️ If you’re using bleach, make sure to rinse the trash can thoroughly after disinfecting. 🚿
6. Dry the Trash Can💨
Let the trash can air dry in the sun for an extra layer of odor removal and disinfection—sunlight is a natural deodorizer and germ-killer! ☀️🌬️ You can wipe it down with microfiber cloths or paper towels, but the sun will probably be more efficient😉
Leaving it damp can encourage mold and mildew to grow. 🦠❌
7. Control Odors 👃
To prevent future odors, sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of the trash can. 🥄
Baking soda is excellent at absorbing unpleasant smells and will keep your can fresher for longer. 🌸
I know this isn't the most fun chore to do , but it will have your home smelling fresher and feeling cleaner!!🥰 By following the steps above, you will have yourself a clean trash can in a matter of minutes!!✨
Have you cleaned your trash can lately?🤔
See you next week!
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