How To Clean Your Garbage Can

February 23, 2022 by Mulberry Maids

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While garbage cans are not the most fun thing to clean, a clean garbage can really improve the cleanliness of your home. With that being said, they are not too difficult to keep clean if you are consistently cleaning them. 

Most cleaning companies in Fort Collins CO will clean around your trash bins, but cleaning the actual bins is generally not part of a regular maid service. Luckily, we are here to tell you all about getting them clean on your own in a matter of minutes!

Keep reading to learn more tips and tricks to keep your garbage and recycling bins consistently clean!

What is the best process to clean my garbage cans?

Like so many things in your home that you may overlook cleaning, the garbage cans shouldn’t be ignored. In addition to keeping the area around your bins clean, washing the actual bins is crucial. 

Tips to help keep your trash can cleaner include:

• Utilizing your garbage disposal for certain types of wet and messy food waste
• Start composting; some cities and towns offer compost pickup as a service, and there are many ways to compost, even in a populated area, using tools like a compost tumbler
• Put old newspapers in the bottom of the trash can underneath your trash bag; this will help to soak up excess moisture, and even can help deodorize the can

To get started on cleaning your trash can, you will first want to get together your cleaning equipment. In addition to your all purpose spray or disinfectant spray of choice, you will need a sponge, brush, or microfiber rag, an old towel, and possibly a hair dryer and rubber gloves.

Steps to clean your trash bin:

• First, start out by taking out the trash bag, and getting any debris that is in the trash bin. 
• Next, you will want to rinse out the can. This is best done outside, using a hose, but can also be done in a bathtub. 
• You will then want to spray and scrub the can with your all purpose or disinfectant cleaner. Depending on the state of your trash can, this may be pretty quick, or it will involve a little extra elbow grease. You can also let some baking soda sit inside the can, along with your all purpose cleaner. This will help to deodorize the bin a bit more. 
• Once you have scrubbed the interior and exterior of the bin, you can rinse it out with a hose or in your tub. Make sure to let the bin dry fully before putting a trash bag inside of it, to prevent any mold or mildew development. You can let it sit out in the sun, or use a hair dryer to speed up the process. Use your old towel to give it a final drying scrub.
• Try to get in the habit of cleaning your trash bin on a regular basis. Luckily, if you keep up with it, a quick wipedown each time you take out the trash will keep it looking and smelling great for a long time. 

How should I clean my recycling bin?

You can use the same steps above to clean your recycling bins. Some helpful tips to keep them in better shape for longer include:

• Washing any recyclables before putting them in the bin.
  • Not only is this required for effective recycling, a rinsed and dry recyclable will keep your bin clean. 
• Make sure there is no food debris getting thrown into the recycling bin. 
• Don’t recycle greasy cardboard or other similar materials. 
  • This will help to prevent odors from building up, and materials coated with grease are not typically recyclable. 

What about my outdoor bin?

While your outdoor trash bin will likely always be a bit dirtier living outside of your home, you can still take some steps to keep it cleaner. These include:

• Making sure that your trash bags are tied up tightly, and not leaking when you place them in the outdoor bin.
• Do a cleaning of the bin every so often to keep odors and grime buildup at bay. This includes:
  • Spraying the interior and exterior of the bin with a hose, and even some mild dish soap.
  • Make sure that the bin is completely dry before putting any trash back into it.
• Use baking soda or newspapers lining the bottom of the bin to help keep odors from building up and to help collect excess moisture and liquids. 

One of the best cleaning companies in Fort Collins CO is at your fingertips!

Booking a cleaning online is super easy with Mulberry Maids. Our online booking form is simple to use, offering transparent pricing, and multiple scheduling options for your upcoming cleaning!

When you book a cleaning with us, you are giving yourself the gift of free time. You can check a dreaded chore off of your list, and instead, take a relaxing morning with your family getting breakfast at Lucile’s in Old Town Fort Collins. 

We are easy to work with and have open communication through phone, text, or email. Reach out today – we can’t wait to help you out with your unique cleaning needs!