How to Clean Trash Can: A Step-by-Step Guide

A trash can is one of the most used items in our homes. It serves us well, but unfortunately, it is often overlooked regarding routine cleaning. 

While the living room and kitchen trash can still be given considerable love, the bathroom trash remains underappreciated due to out-of-site or out-of-mind principles.  

Despite the items that accumulate in your trash can, if you don’t regularly clean it, it will become a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, mold, unwanted pests and insects, and the stinky trash smell that we all hate. 

Luckily, with a few basic cleaning supplies and a step-by-step guide about how to clean trash can, you can become a pro at trash can cleaning. 

Cleaning supplies you need 

• Sponge

• Rubber Gloves 

• Microfiber cloths

• Garden hose

• Nylon-bristled scrub brush

• Harpic Bathroom Cleaner Trigger Spray

How to clean trash can

Follow these steps to clean the bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor trash cans. 

1. Empty the trash can

Wear rubber gloves and empty the trash can, removing any lingering food particles or debris that may have fallen into the can.  

2. Rinse out the trash can

Take the trash can outside and thoroughly rinse it using a garden hose. If it is impossible, rinse the trash can in the bathroom tub or shower and use the showerhead or faucet to do the same.  

3. Apply the cleaner 

Once the trash can has been thoroughly rinsed, use Harpic Bathroom Cleaner Trigger Disinfectant Spray to saturate the inside and the outside of the trash can. 

This bathroom cleaner has a thick formula with powerful cleaning agents that remove dirt, dust, grime, stains, and 99% germs while leaving a pleasant, fresh fragrance. 

4. Exterior of the trash can

Now comes the most laborious part. Clean the exterior of the trash can using the same disinfectant spray and sponge, microfiber cloth, or a nylon-bristled scrub brush. 

If your trash can has lids, clean both the inside and outside of the lid and scrub the trash can's interior to remove dirt and grime. 

5. Rinse well and dry

Once the disinfectant cleaner has done its job, rinse the trash can again. Spray the inside and outside of the trash can without forgetting the lid. 

Next, allow the trash can to air dry, or if you need to use it quickly, wipe it completely using fresh paper towels or microfiber cloth. Additionally, if you usually use a liner, place a new liner in your freshly cleaned can. 

FAQs

How often should I clean the trash can? 

You should empty your trash cans at least once a week. However, the frequency of cleaning the trash can depends on its use. 

As part of your routine cleaning, inspect the trash can after emptying it to see if it requires thorough cleaning to remove the food particles, debris, or other residues. 

How to get rid of the trash can smell? 

Keeping the trash can clean is the best way to eliminate the odors. Make it a habit by incorporating it into a cleaning routine that works for you. 

What's the best way to dry a trash can after cleaning?

The best way to dry a trash can after cleaning is to let it air dry. However, if you have to use the trash can immediately, completely dry it using fresh paper towels or microfiber cloth.