To clean out a garbage can, empty it, rinse away debris, scrub with soap and water, rinse again, and let it dry completely before adding a new liner.
A clean trash can is the difference between a fresh kitchen and a lingering odor that no air freshener can mask. The process takes about 20 minutes and needs only supplies you likely already own. Whether you’re tackling the kitchen bin or the outdoor can that’s seen one too many hot summer pickups, the routine stays the same: remove the waste, wash the surfaces, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before relining. Below is the full method, plus the safety steps that keep you and your bin in good shape.
What Do You Need To Clean A Garbage Can?
Gather these items before you start so you’re not hunting mid-job. Most are already under your sink.
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands from residue and cleaning chemicals
- A stiff scrub brush or nonabrasive sponge
- Dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, or a bleach-based sanitizer
- A garden hose or access to a utility sink for rinsing
- An old towel or a sunny spot for air-drying
For stainless steel bins, swap the scrub brush for a nonabrasive sponge and stick to dish soap with warm water — abrasive tools will scratch the finish permanently.
The Step-By-Step Cleaning Method
Start by fully emptying the can. A surprising number of people skip this and end up pushing wet trash around instead of actually cleaning. Remove the liner, dump any loose debris into a trash bag, and tip the can over to shake out crumbs and grit.
Next, rinse the interior with water to loosen stuck-on grime. A hose works well outdoors; in the kitchen, use a spray nozzle or pour water from a pitcher. This pre-rinse matters because scrubbing a dry, crusty surface just redistributes the dirt.
Now scrub. Apply dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner to the inside walls and floor, working from top to bottom with your brush. Pay extra attention to the bottom corners where liquids pool and odors breed. For a deeper sanitizing pass, spray the inside, outside, and lid with a bleach-based cleaner and let it sit — But first, wash surfaces with soap and warm water to remove dirt before the sanitizer goes on, since disinfectants can’t penetrate grime.
Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water. Make sure no soapy residue remains, then tip the can on its side or position it over a drain so the rinse water runs out — trapped water at the bottom is the fastest way to bring odors right back.
Finally, let the bin dry completely with the lid open. Air-drying overnight is the standard move for outdoor cans. For kitchen bins, a few hours in a well-ventilated spot works, or you can speed things up by wiping the interior with a dry towel. Never put a fresh bag into a damp can; that trapped moisture creates mildew and sour smells within days.
Common Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid
The biggest error is leaving the can damp before relining it. Moisture plus leftover organic residue equals odor, no matter how well you scrubbed. The second is skipping the pre-rinse, which leaves grit embedded that the soap never reaches.
On the safety side, never mix bleach with other cleaners — combining chemicals can produce dangerous fumes. Use gloves through the whole job and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. And if you’re cleaning a stainless steel bin outdoors, skip the pressure washer on the exterior; it can pit the finish.
For a can that handles heavy-duty use, like a basketball-themed bin in a game room or garage, the same routine applies. If you’re shopping for a new one, our tested roundup of the best basketball garbage can options covers durable picks that are easier to keep clean.
How Often Should You Clean A Garbage Can?
Kitchen bins need cleaning every one to two weeks, or whenever you notice an odor starting despite regular bag changes. Outdoor cans do fine on a monthly schedule during warm months, when heat accelerates bacterial growth, and every other month in cooler seasons. Compost bins should be rinsed after each empty and get a full scrub-down monthly.
One practical trick for outdoor cans: schedule the deep clean for right after pickup day. The can is already empty, so you’re starting from a clean baseline instead of wrestling a half-full bin.
FAQs
Can I use a pressure washer on my garbage can?
Yes, for plastic and resin outdoor bins a pressure washer works well for the interior and exterior. Keep the nozzle moving to avoid cutting the plastic, and never use it on stainless steel exteriors — the force can dent or pit the finish. After pressure washing, tip the can to drain fully and air-dry with the lid open.
What’s the best way to get rid of stubborn trash can odors?
Wash the can with soap and water first, then sanitize with a bleach-based cleaner per the label directions. Baking soda helps absorb residual smells: sprinkle a cup across the bottom, let it sit for an hour, then rinse. The key is drying completely — moisture is what lets odor-causing bacteria multiply.
Is it safe to clean a garbage can with bleach?
Yes, bleach is effective for sanitizing trash cans, but wash the surfaces with soap and warm water first to remove dirt and debris, per CDC guidance. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. Use it in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, and follow the dilution ratio on the product label.
References & Sources
- CDC. “How to Safely Clean and Sanitize with Bleach.” Explains the wash-first, then sanitize protocol for surfaces.
