It’s dirty, really dirty… but who has the time to clean it? It’s one of the most contaminated areas in the house, yet it’s often overlooked. Yes, we’re talking about the kitchen trash can.
The Underrated Hotspot for Germs: Your Kitchen Trash Can
In nearly every kitchen, there’s one spot we tend to intentionally ignore: the trash can. This humble receptacle is a magnet for scraps, food leftovers, greasy packaging, and much more. And here’s a fun fact: starting in January 2024, it’s illegal to throw organic waste in the trash in certain places! But let’s get back to the mess inside the can itself. Sure, you don’t toss food directly into the trash bin—there’s usually a plastic bag inside, right? However, even with a bag in place, the juices, greases, and other waste still manage to seep through. Over time, the trash can becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and those unpleasant odors we all dread.
Let’s be honest: when was the last time you cleaned your trash can? If the answer is “never” or “I don’t remember,” you’re not alone. Experts recommend giving your trash can a deep clean at least once a week. Yes, you read that correctly—weekly cleaning. If that feels excessive, cleaning it every two weeks is acceptable, but if you experience a bag rupture or liquid leaks, you should take immediate action to prevent the smell and mess from getting worse.
A Simple and Effective Cleaning Method for Your Trash Can
We know cleaning your trash can is not exactly anyone’s idea of fun. It’s dirty, it’s smelly, and no one likes the idea of getting their hands involved. But here’s some good news: cleaning it is actually simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for a spotless trash can:
- Prepare the space: Start by emptying the bin completely. If any debris is stuck to the bottom, use your hands or a disposable spatula to remove it.
- Use hot water and soap: Hot water is key—it dissolves grease and loosens stubborn residues. Soap helps neutralize bad odors and germs, leaving the bin smelling fresh.
- Degrease and disinfect: For a deeper clean, apply a degreaser with disinfectant to all surfaces. Let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Dry it thoroughly: Don’t skip this step! A damp trash can is a perfect breeding ground for mold. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to dry every corner.
- Don’t forget the outside: The exterior of the trash can collects dust and dirt too. A quick wipe with a damp cloth will keep it clean, so make sure to do this regularly.
Bonus tip: If you want to make the process easier, consider taking the trash can into your shower or bathtub. It’s much more convenient to rinse it off with the showerhead than to continuously use a sponge.
Cleaning the trash can might not be glamorous, but it’s an essential part of maintaining a healthy kitchen. After all, a clean trash can leads to a cleaner, fresher home environment.
