Trash cans are essential to everyday life but can quickly become dirty and smelly if not cleaned regularly. Cleaning a trash can is one of those things most people tend to overlook, but it's crucial to keep your trash free of unsightly garbage stains or growing bacteria. If you have a dirty or moldy trash can, it could cause germs to spread throughout your area, not to mention it can emit a pungent smell. Keeping your trash cans free of debris and bacteria will ensure a long life for them and keep them looking brand new. It also keeps your public area spotless and looking well-maintained.
Why You Should Clean Your Trash Can Regularly
There are many reasons to keep your trash can clean. Obviously for aesthetic reasons, but more importantly to prevent the growth of bacteria and spread of germs. A dirty trash can is not only unpleasant to look at, but it can also attract insects and other pests. Moreover, if garbage is allowed to build up in a trash can, it can start to decompose and create even more unpleasant odors. It's important to remember that trash cans are often full of bacteria-laden garbage, and preventing the spread of germs is even more vital than keeping up with appearances. If trash cans are used regularly and not cleaned accordingly, bacteria can spread to the surrounding area, leading to mold issues and potential illness.
The frequency you need to clean your trash can will depend on how often it's used. For example, if the trash can sits in a high-traffic area, you may need to clean it weekly or possibly daily. However, if it doesn't get a lot of use, you can probably get away with maintaining it less frequently. Here are some tips for how to clean a trash can or recycling container:
- Empty the trash can and remove any garbage bags. If possible, take the trash can outside and hose it down. This will remove any large pieces of dirt or debris.
- You may need to use a more powerful all-purpose cleaner or even bleach with the warm water. Remember to test out how well cleaning chemicals work by applying them to an old rag first before using them directly on your actual receptacle. You won't ruin its finish or damage the materials with an abrasive cleaner.
- Wipe the inside of the trash can with a sponge or cloth. If your trash can is filthy, you may need to scrub it with a stiff brush to remove all the dirt and grime built up on the inside.
- Rinse the trash can with clean water and allow it to air dry completely before putting another bag inside.
- To keep your trash can smelling fresh, sprinkle a decent amount of baking soda inside it. This will help absorb lingering odors that may have set into the can's porous materials.
Tips for Keeping Your Trash Can Fresh and Sanitary
If you have a trash can with a lid, be sure to clean the lid as well. First, wipe it down with a damp cloth or disinfectant wipes. Disinfecting the trash can lid with a bleach solution or all-purpose cleaner will help kill any germs lurking inside the cover or any crevices of the container. Don't forget that if you have a stainless steel trash can, you may want to use a stainless steel cleaner or wipes on the outside to keep it looking its best. A few wipes with a stainless steel cleaner can remove fingerprints and make your receptacle look brand new.
Regular cleaning of your trash can will help keep it looking and smelling fresh. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your trash can is sanitary. One of the benefits is that it will keep the surrounding area looking more organized and tidy. In addition, a clean trash can will be less likely to attract animals which can pose its own set of dangers.
If all else fails, a disinfectant wipe or sanitizer spray will also eliminate any lingering smells in your garbage container. The alcohol mixture will kill any odor-causing bacteria that may be giving off any nasty smells. Regularly cleaning your trash can helps avoid mold or more severe instances of dirt or grime, which can often lead to health concerns for those in the immediate area.
Add Additional Protection to Your Cans
As an additional step, sprinkle some baking soda into the receptacle once the inside is completely dried. You can also try adding some essential oils, like lavender or peppermint, to the baking soda, which can also help eliminate odors. This will add a pleasant scent that will linger in the area and can ward off unwanted pests as well. Spiders, for example, are often deterred with peppermint oil.
If all else fails, a disinfectant wipe or sanitizer spray will also eliminate any lingering smells in your garbage container. The alcohol mixture will kill any odor-causing bacteria that may be giving off any nasty smells. Regularly cleaning your trash can helps avoid mold or more severe instances of dirt or grime, which can often lead to health concerns for those in the immediate area.
Making a Cleaner Impresion
In addition to being sanitary, keeping your trash and recycling cans clean keeps your space looking its best. This can be a great way to make a positive impression on guests or clients and also help you feel more proud of your office, lobby or business.
Overall, a clean trash can is a critical sanitation measure. By taking the time to clean your trash can or recycling bin properly, you’ll be able to reduce the risk of pests or other health hazards in your space. Regular cleaning also has the added benefit of keeping your area smelling fresh, and just doing a little bit at a time, does not take long. The more you keep up with it, the easier the task becomes. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your trash can and recycling bins are always clean and the area around them gives off a welcoming and professional atmosphere.