A freshly cleaned home can still harbor strange odors if your trashcan is neglected. To ensure your living space remains fresh, follow these steps for a thorough scrubbing of both indoor and outdoor trashcans.
1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before diving into the cleaning process, gather your cleaning supplies. Consider whether to use chemical cleansers or opt for homemade solutions. For a simple yet effective cleanser, mix vinegar and hot water. Alternatively, you can choose commercial soaps, bleach, or disinfectants. When using bleach and soap, ensure compatibility to prevent caustic fumes. Mix soap and bleach in water before scrubbing.
2. Tackle Dried and Stubborn Stains
Dried and stubborn stains within the trashcan can pose a challenge. Leave bleach on these stains for a few minutes before rinsing. Stainless steel trashcans require specialized cleaners, as recommended by experts. Conduct the cleaning process outdoors and ensure thorough air drying, followed by towel drying.
3. Combat Lingering Odors Effectively
Even with a thorough scrubbing, odors may persist inside the trashcan. To combat this, experts suggest spraying the interior with a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide after cleaning. This additional step not only disinfects the trashcan but also eliminates lingering microbes and unpleasant odors.
4. Establish a Cleaning Schedule
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for trashcan cleaning. Include it in your regular cleaning schedule or opt to clean the trashcan each time you empty its contents. After the cleaning process, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the trashcan to absorb odors effectively.
By following these simple yet effective steps, you can keep your trashcan clean, odor-free, and an inconspicuous contributor to a fresh-smelling home.
