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Taking out the trash isn’t anyone’s favorite household chore, but you can’t exactly leave it alone either. Over the week leading up to trash day, the stuff in your kitchen garbage can probably gets stinky. But what makes it even worse is the fact that those odors tend to seep into the can itself, compounding the problem. This is why it’s a good idea to periodically do a thorough cleaning of your kitchen trashcan. Here’s how to get the job done right so you can live stink-free.
1. Get Ready
For a deep cleaning of your garbage can, you’ll need your favorite all-purpose cleaner (anti-bacterial is always good), a scrub brush, some baking soda, and a clean, new toilet brush (hello there, dollar store). You might want some rubber gloves, too. You’ll probably want to do this task either outside or in your bathtub. This may get a little wet!
2. Get Set
Before you can clean your can, you need to empty it out of EVERYTHING. Turn it upside down and make sure all crumbs and other debris are outta there. Grab your hose or shower head and give the bottom a good rinse to loosen anything that’s stuck, and then dump it out again. Now you’re ready to go to work.
3. Clean
Start with the outside of the can. Spray it with your all-purpose cleaner and use your scrub brush to get rid of any food splatters or other messes that have probably hardened over time. Once you’ve loosened all the gunk and rinsed it away, it’s time to go to work on the inside of the can. Spray it with your cleaner and use your clean toilet brush to reach all the way down inside. There are probably nooks and crannies in there you may not have even noticed before. Make sure you scrub them thoroughly. If needed, add some hot water to your cleaner and let it soak for a bit before scrubbing. When you’re done, give the inside of your can a power rinse. Don’t forget to scrub the lid, too! It might actually be the dirtiest, smelliest part.
4. Dry Thoroughly
Never put a trash bag inside your can until the can is totally dry. You can use paper towels or let it sit out in the sun for a while. If the can isn’t dry first, putting a bag in there will probably result in a mildew odor — and that might be even worse than what you had. Once it’s clean and dry and before adding your bag, sprinkle the bottom with baking soda to help with future odors.
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