3 Trash Can Cleaning Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

No one really gets excited about cleaning trash cans. It’s one of those chores that feels… grimy, no matter how you approach it. But here’s the thing: those bins that sit quietly in your kitchen corner or outside by the driveway can turn into bacteria factories and cause severe illnesses. 

Interestingly, most homeowners don’t think much about trash can cleaning until the smell becomes unbearable or a swarm of flies decides to move in. The good news? Keeping your trash cans clean isn’t complicated. A few simple habits can keep things smelling fresh and looking decent.

Here are three trash can cleaning tips that every homeowner should know.

1. Make Cleaning a Routine

If you’re waiting for your trash can to reek before you clean it, you’re already too late. Once odors settle in, they cling to the plastic like bad perfume. It’s way easier to prevent smells than to get rid of them after they’ve set in.

So here’s what works: clean your trash can regularly, not just “when it looks bad.” Depending on how often you use it, once every two weeks is a good start. For outdoor bins that get hit with all kinds of garbage, once a month should be your minimum.

To make it less of a hassle, try cleaning it right after your trash pickup day. That way, the can is already empty, and you won’t have to haul out dripping bags later. Just spray it down with a garden hose or pressure washer, scrub with a long-handled brush, and let it dry completely in the sun. The sunlight kills lingering bacteria, and the fresh air does wonders for keeping odors away. If you treat it like part of your normal cleaning routine, it’ll stops feeling like a nasty chore. 

2. Use Natural Deodorizers

You don’t need fancy cleaning products or harsh chemicals to keep your trash can smelling decent. Some of the best odor-fighting tools are probably already sitting in your kitchen. Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice? Absolute lifesavers.

Sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom of your can once it’s clean and dry. It’s great at absorbing moisture and neutralizing odors. You can even mix it with a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender) if you want a fresher scent.

For deeper cleaning, fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. Give the can a good misting, let it sit for about ten minutes, and then rinse it out. Vinegar’s natural acidity helps kill bacteria and cut through grime without leaving behind that chemical smell. If you’re dealing with something really stubborn, add a little lemon juice to the mix. It will help break down greasy residue and leave things smelling citrusy-clean.

Here’s a little tip most people forget: once your can is dry, place a dryer sheet or a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball at the bottom before you line it. It keeps the air inside fresher between cleanings and gives you a small “ahh” moment every time you toss something in.

3. Line It Right

It sounds obvious, but lining your trash can properly can make a massive difference in how clean it stays. You’d be surprised how often spills and leaks happen just because the bag slipped down or tore.

When you line your trash can, press the bag down firmly along the sides and tuck a bit of the extra plastic underneath the rim to keep it from sliding. If your bag still tends to fall in (which happens especially with larger bins), try looping a rubber band or a bungee cord around the top of the can to hold it in place.

And here’s something to remember. Don’t wait for your trash to overflow before taking it out. Overstuffing the bin puts pressure on the bag, causing it to tear and leak liquids into the can. Emptying the trash more frequently might seem like extra work, but it’s easier than having to deep-clean a sticky, smelly can later.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your trash cans regularly will make your home healthier and more comfortable to live in. A clean trash can means fewer odors, fewer pests, and fewer headaches. You don’t need an elaborate system or fancy products. Just consistency, a few household staples, and the habit of paying attention before things get out of hand.