How to Clean a Garbage Can — Indoor Kitchen and Outdoor Bins

Garbage cans develop persistent odour and bacterial contamination at the bottom even when garbage bags are always used — bags leak, condensation collects, and organic material accumulates in the gap between the bag and the can. Here's how to clean both indoor kitchen cans and large outdoor bins effectively.

Indoor Kitchen Can

How often

Monthly for a thorough clean; wipe the interior walls and bottom with each bag change if you notice any residue.

Method

1. Remove the bag and take the can outside, to a utility sink, or to your bathtub
2. Rinse the interior with hot water
3. Add a small amount of dish soap and hot water to the can — enough to cover the bottom by an inch or two
4. Use a long-handled scrub brush to scrub the interior walls and bottom
5. Pour out the soapy water
6. Rinse thoroughly with hot water
7. For odour elimination: spray the interior with undiluted white vinegar, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse
8. Invert the can to drain and air dry completely before replacing the bag — placing a bag in a damp can creates the humid conditions that cause odour to develop quickly

Odour prevention

• Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can under the bag to absorb odours between cleanings
• Use a can liner that fits properly — an oversized bag bunches at the bottom and traps moisture
• Empty food waste bins frequently in summer — in Toronto's heat, compost bins particularly need emptying every 1–2 days

Outdoor Bins (Green / Blue / Grey Carts)

Toronto's large outdoor garbage and compost bins need cleaning 2–4 times per year — particularly after summer when heat accelerates odour and bacterial growth.

Method

1. Wait for a warm, sunny day — the bin will air dry faster
2. Bring the empty bin to a driveway or yard area
3. Use a garden hose to rinse the interior, aiming at the walls and bottom to loosen residue
4. Add a cup of dish soap and a cup of white vinegar to the bin with hot water from the hose
5. Use a long-handled scrub brush to scrub all interior surfaces
6. Tip the bin to pour out the soapy water away from storm drains if possible
7. Rinse thoroughly with the hose
8. Leave on its side or inverted in the sun to dry completely — this may take several hours

Note: Do not clean garbage or compost bins into storm drains — this creates pollution. Direct the wastewater to a lawn or garden area, or to a household drain.

Green bin specifically

The green compost bin is the most odour-prone. Line it with paper bags or newspaper when possible, as these absorb moisture and reduce direct contact between food waste and the bin surface. City of Toronto biodegradable green bin liners are available at most grocery stores.

Maidless includes wiping the exterior and interior of kitchen garbage cans as part of the deep cleaning service. Book a Toronto deep clean — HST included.