How to Clean All the Trash Cans Inside—and Outside—of Your Home So They Smell Fresh

While you might think you’ve cleaned every last surface in your house, there’s one that almost everyone misses every single time—the garbage can. A dirty trash can may not seem like a big deal. After all, no one really sees it. But it could leave a lingering odor, especially during the warmer months. A dirty trash bin can also attract unwanted guests such as bugs or mice... yikes. So it’s crucial to wipe down your wastebaskets and bins regularly. Here’s how to clean every trash can in your home.

Kitchen Trash Can

Robin Murphy of ChirpChirp House Cleaning says the first step to cleaning your trash can is to empty it completely. “Make sure all garbage and debris are removed,” says Murphy.

If you need to spray down the inside because it is extra dirty or has stuck-on debris, use water from the sink or a spray bottle. Then, “apply a multipurpose cleaning solution both inside and outside the can using a cloth, scrub pad, or scrub brush to thoroughly scrub the surfaces, paying extra attention to any sticky residues,” she instructs.

Once the grime is removed, spray with disinfectant, allowing it to sit for the recommended time on the bottle. This will get it extra clean as well as eliminate the source of any odors. The disinfectant spray you probably use to clean your bathroom will work for this purpose. “Finally, let the bin air dry naturally or use a cloth to dry it before lining it with a clean trash bag,” Murphy adds.

Bathroom Trash Bin

Like the kitchen trash can, start cleaning your bathroom wastebasket by emptying it out. “Typically, bathroom trash bins are small enough that you can wipe them clean with a damp cloth or sponge and all-purpose cleaner. But if there is sticky residue, you may need to rinse it out with warm water before that,” says Murphy.

While the bathroom trash can usually doesn’t have food debris, it’s still a good idea to disinfect this receptacle, especially if someone in the home has been sick. Let the disinfectant sit in the can for the recommended amount of time on the packaging before you wipe it down. Keep in mind that if you have a metal trash can, the inside might rust from the cleaning spray if it isn’t made from stainless steel!

Outdoor Trash Can

Cleaning your outdoor trash can is a little more work because they’re usually extra dirty from being exposed to the elements. They’re also larger than kitchen and bathroom cans.

“Use a garden hose to spray down the interior and exterior of the can. Apply a multipurpose cleaning solution to both the inside and outside of the can, including the lid. A long-handled scrub brush is ideal for scrubbing the surfaces, especially the bottom and sides,” says Murphy. “Thoroughly rinse the can with the garden hose to remove all the cleaning solution and grime. After rinsing, apply a disinfectant spray, allowing it to sit for the recommended time, and let it air dry.”