Even when garbage bags do their job, the bin itself will inevitably get covered in dirt and grime over time. And reaching to the bottom to clean it can be physically awkward, if not impossible. But this one simple hack can make cleaning your trash can easier than ever.
Toilet Brushes Aren’t Just for the Bathroom
The long-handled design of a typical toilet brush isn’t a coincidence. It’s meant to keep your hands far from dirty toilet water. That long reach comes in handy for other cleaning tasks too, including scrubbing the bottom of a dirty garbage bin that you’d otherwise struggle to reach.
Use a clean toilet brush that’s dedicated to kitchen tasks so you don’t risk spreading bacteria from the bathroom. First, turn the bin over and shake out any loose residue. Next, wash the bin with water from the kitchen sink — a pull-down sprayer on the faucet comes in handy here — or if you have access, rinse it with an outdoor hose. Then spray a disinfectant cleaner and use the toilet brush to scrub away at the corners and crevices at the bottom of the bin.
After scrubbing, let the cleaner sit for an additional five minutes to break down any remaining grime or residue. Rinse the garbage bin with water again, then let it air dry completely.
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This method works well for both indoor kitchen trash cans and outdoor bins. Dedicate different brushes for each, though. You wouldn’t want to wipe down the outdoor garbage and then carry that bacteria into the kitchen.
