How to Clean a Garbage Can? | Smell-Free In 5 Steps

Clean a garbage can by rinsing it out with a hose, scrubbing it with a cleaning solution, rinsing again, and letting it air-dry completely with the lid open.

Nobody wants to think about how to clean a garbage can, but the payoff is worth it. A dirty bin doesn’t just smell; it actively invites flies, and the odor can seep into your garage or yard. The whole job takes about 15 minutes of actual work, though drying takes longer. The good news is that you almost certainly have everything you need at home already.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

The right prep makes a messy job tolerable. Gather these before you touch the bin:

• Rubber gloves — you don’t want contact with unidentified grime.
• A garden hose or pressure washer for rinsing.
• A long-handled brush so you don’t have to lean into the bin.
• A cleaning solution — dish soap and water, white vinegar, all-purpose cleaner, or Simple Green mixed with water all work.
• Baking soda for lingering odors after the wash.

Wear old clothes or shoes you don’t mind splashing. Position the can near a water source with good drainage — tipping it on its side lets dirty water escape instead of pooling in the bottom, which is the single biggest mistake people make.

Step-By-Step: The Actual Cleaning Method

This five-step sequence handles nearly every household plastic or metal trash can, and it’s the order that stops odors from coming back. Start right after your regular pickup so the can is empty and you’re not fighting a half-full bin.

1. Empty the can completely. Remove trash bags and any loose debris stuck in the bottom. If something is glued to the floor of the bin, scrape it out first.
2. Rinse the interior and exterior with a hose or pressure washer. Turn the can on its side so the dirty water drains out rather than collecting inside.
3. Scrub with a cleaning solution. Apply your chosen cleaner to the inside and outside, then work the brush over every surface, including the corners, the rim, and the underside of the lid — those are the spots people miss, and they’re exactly where smell hides. Simple Green’s own guide recommends a 50/50 mix of cleaner and water.
4. Rinse again until the water runs clear and no soap residue remains. Residue attracts dirt and can leave a sticky film.
5. Let the bin dry fully with the lid open, ideally overnight or upside down. Trapped moisture causes the very odors you’re trying to eliminate. For faster results, dry the can with towels before it air-dries.

Cleaning The Exterior Without Damaging It

Most bins have a plastic interior that shrugs off vigorous scrubbing, but the same rules don’t apply to a stainless-steel exterior. Wirecutter’s guide notes that stainless-steel surfaces need gentler care: dish soap and warm water only, applied with a soft cloth or sponge, never an abrasive pad. Harsh scrubbers leave permanent scratches that hold dirt and rust over time.

Commercial-grade bins that live at the curb can tolerate tougher cleaners than household cans, but unless you’re certain what your bin is made of, stick to the gentle route. One municipality’s maintenance guide also urges care with bleach-based products — they’re not universally safe on all surfaces, so an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar solution is the safer default for most homes.

If you’re battling persistent odors after a wash, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom of the dry bin before replacing the liner. It absorbs residual smells and costs pennies. And if your trash situation follows you into the car, a dedicated car garbage can stops spills before they start — a much easier fix than deep-cleaning upholstery.

How Often Should You Clean It?

There’s no universal schedule, but a simple rule works: clean the bin every time it starts to smell, or roughly monthly during hot weather. In summer, bacteria multiply fast, and a monthly rinse keeps flies and odors at bay. In winter, most households get away with every other month.

One caveat: if you’re using disinfectants, some guides suggest a spray-and-wait step with a dwell time before rinsing. That’s optional, not essential — the scrub-and-rinse method already removes the organic material that causes smells, which matters more than the disinfectant itself.