Trash can cleaning

What It Means

Trash can cleaning is washing out the can itself, beyond changing the bag, so leaks and residue don't turn into a smell. The right method depends on the material. Clorox gives steps for disinfecting a can with a bleachChlorine bleachHousehold bleach made with sodium hypochlorite that whitens, removes stains and disinfects, but can fade colors and damage some fibers. See more-based cleaner, while simplehuman, which makes stainless steel cans, says never to use bleach on its stainless steel cans and recommends a weekly wash with mild detergent.

How It Sounds at Home

• "The bin stinks even with a new bag in."
• "Hose out the garbage can while it's sunny."
• "Something leaked in the bottom of the trash."

The Breakdown

How often

Cleaning a plastic can (Clorox)

1. Empty it and take out the bag.
2. Spray a bleach-based cleaner until the surface is thoroughly wet.
3. Let it stand 5 minutes, or as long as your cleaner's label says.
4. Rinse and wipe it clean.

Cleaning a stainless steel can (simplehuman)

1. Wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a mild detergent.
2. Skip steel wool, stainless steel polish, bleach, salts and acids.

Make it last. Buhata's suggestions: tie bags closed before they go out, wipe a leak the day it happens, and let the can dry before rebagging.

Good to Know

Bleach never goes in with ammonia or an acid such as vinegar, which releases toxic gas, as Buhata's chlorine bleach page explains with Poison Control's guidance. Work with fresh air moving, especially with an indoor can. Plastic and stainless steel need opposite care: a bleach cleaner that suits a plastic can will damage a stainless one, so check the can's own care guide first.

Related Terms and Categories

• Chlorine bleach

  Household bleach made with sodium hypochlorite that whitens, removes stains and disinfects, but can fade colors and damage some fibers.

• Recycling

  Collecting used materials such as paper, cardboard, glass and some plastics so they can be processed and made into new products.

• Composting

  Turning food scraps and yard waste into a dark, crumbly soil amendment by letting them break down in a managed pile or bin.

• Garbage disposal cleaning

  Keeping a sink garbage disposal clean and odor-free by using it often, scrubbing under the rubber baffle, and grinding only food.

• Mixing cleaning products

  Combining two or more cleaners in one bottle, bucket or bowl. Some pairs, such as bleach with ammonia or with an acid, give off toxic gas.

Chores, cleaning and home care