Cleaning/Sanitizing Trash Bins

Cleaning and sanitizing your trash bins is important for maintaining a hygienic and odor-free environment around your home. Over time, trash bins accumulate food scraps, liquids, and waste that can attract pests, bacteria, and unpleasant smells. Regularly cleaning and sanitizing the bins helps prevent the buildup of germs and mold, reducing the risk of contamination and unpleasant odors. It also keeps your outdoor space clean and ensures that your trash containers remain in good condition for longer. A clean trash bin is a simple yet effective way to promote sanitation and cleanliness in your household.

See a step-by-step guide, below!

What You’ll Need:

• Rubber gloves
• Trash bags
• Bucket or large container
• Dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant or bleach (optional)
• Hose (if available)
• Scrub brush or long-handled brush
• Paper towels or clean cloth
• Baking soda (optional, for deodorizing)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Area

• Take the trash bin outside if possible, to avoid spreading dirt or mess inside your home.
• Lay down a tarp or old towel to catch any debris or water spillage.

2. Empty the Trash Bin

• Remove the trash bag and make sure to dispose of the contents properly. If you're dealing with a lot of waste, it’s a good idea to take out any large pieces of trash (such as pizza boxes) manually before starting the cleaning process.

3. Rinse the Bin

• Use a hose to rinse the interior and exterior of the bin. This will remove the loose debris and dirt, making the deep cleaning process easier.
• If you don’t have a hose, you can use a bucket of water to rinse.

4. Apply Cleaner

• Add dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner to the interior of the bin. You can also add some cleaner to a spray bottle if it’s easier for you to spray into the corners.
• Let the cleaner sit for 5–10 minutes to break down any grime or residue.

5. Scrub the Bin

• Use a scrub brush or long-handled brush to scrub the inside and outside of the bin. Focus on the bottom, corners, and edges where dirt tends to accumulate.
• If you find stubborn stains, consider using a more abrasive cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub away the grime.

6. Rinse Again

• Once you’ve scrubbed the trash bin thoroughly, rinse it out with water again to remove all soap and debris.

7. Disinfect (Optional)

• If you want to ensure that your bin is sanitized, use a disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Spray or pour the solution inside and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
• You can also use a disinfecting wipe or spray if you don’t want to use bleach.
• If you’re using bleach, make sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.

8. Dry the Bin

• Wipe down the inside and outside of the bin with a clean cloth or paper towels to remove excess water.
• Leave the bin upside down to air-dry completely. This will help prevent mold and mildew buildup.

9. Deodorize (Optional)

• To eliminate odors, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the bin before inserting a new trash bag. You can also place a small container of baking soda inside the bin to absorb odors between cleanings.

10. Replace the Trash Bag

• Once the bin is clean and dry, place a new trash bag in the bin, and ensure that it fits securely around the edges.

11. Clean the Bin Lid (Optional)

• Don’t forget to clean the lid of the trash bin. Wipe it down with soap and water, or disinfect it just as you did with the rest of the bin.
• Make sure the lid closes properly to avoid any pests or odors escaping.

Tips:

• Clean your trash bins regularly, especially if they are used frequently for food waste or pet waste. Cleaning them every 2-4 weeks is ideal.
• If your trash bin has stubborn odors, consider using a trash bag with odor control or placing scented trash bags inside.
• For extra disinfection, wipe the bin’s handle with disinfectant wipes.

With these steps, your trash bins will be clean, sanitized, and odor-free!