A Step-by-Step Guide to Deep-Cleaning Trash Cans on the Homestead

If you’ve lived on a homestead long enough, you know that your trash can attract every stubborn smell and grime known to humankind. To make matters worse trash can cleaning often gets pushed down the list, especially when other chores pile up. However, you can tackle trash cleaning easily and keep your homestead smelling fresh. Here are some simple steps to follow. 

1: Empty and Inspect the Trash Can

Before anything else, you need a clean slate. It sounds obvious, but if you’re like most homesteaders juggling ten tasks at once, you’ve probably opened a bin before and thought, “Wait, when did that even happen?” This first step isn’t glamorous, but it sets the tone.

Once the bin is empty, take a second to look at it. Not a quick glance. A proper look. You’ll likely discover bits of who-knows-what stuck to the bottom, maybe a sticky patch from last week’s kitchen scraps that leaked through, or even a few insects that thought they found real estate. When you know what you’re dealing with, you clean more effectively.

2: Pre-Rinse and Loosen the Grime

You can’t just throw soap into a dry, crusty trash can and expect miracles. A good rinse, preferably with some water pressure, is what loosens everything up. If you’ve got a garden hose with a jet setting, perfect. If not, anything that wets the surface thoroughly will do.

When the water hits the inside of the can, you might notice old residue breaking apart and running out. This is oddly satisfying, right? Like watching the first layer of a problem peel away. Don’t rush this part. You want that water to really soak into the dried-on bits so they come off easier later. Consider it the “softening” stage.

3: Scrub With a Natural Cleaning Solution

Once everything’s wet, now comes the real work: scrubbing. But let’s keep this simple. You don’t need fancy commercial products. Most homestead folks have vinegar, baking soda, or mild soap somewhere on a shelf. That’s all you need. .

Start with the inside walls, using a stiff brush or even an old broom if the can is deep. You want something with bristles strong enough to break through grime without you feeling like you’re scrubbing the floor of an old barn. The bubbling of vinegar and baking soda, if you choose that combo, adds a little excitement. You may notice that certain spots refuse to budge. Don’t panic or get annoyed. This happens. Apply more solution, let it sit a minute, and then go at it again. 

4: Rinse Thoroughly and Let It Dry Completely

After scrubbing, you need to rinse everything out. Any leftover soap or cleaning solution will attract dust, and dust leads to new grime, and you may be right back where you started. So don’t cut corners here.

Run water through the can until it flows clean. Tip it upside down, shake it a little, rinse the lids, and rinse the handle. Now comes the part most people skip: letting the can dry completely. Moisture is the silent troublemaker. If you put a bag back in before it’s dry, you invite bacteria, mold, and odors to return fast. 

The Bottom Line

Deep cleaning your trash cans might not be the highlight of your week, but it’s one of those chores that pays off every single day afterward. Less smell, fewer pests, and a cleaner homestead environment overall. And honestly, once you get into the rhythm of it, you’ll probably wonder why you ever put it off.