If you are using a plastic trash can and have been wondering how to clean that can, you will want to read this article. It gives you several simple tips on not only how to clean the trash can but also how to maintain it so the cleaning will not be needed often.
In the today's "consume and dispose" societies the trash can has become the must used piece of furniture. Because of the frequent use in large families that prepare a significant portion of their food at home, the kitchen trash can may sometimes become a source of an unpleasant odor. And other times, it could be a sore to look at. Especially with the plastic trash cans, dirt and food leaks may permeate the walls of the can and cause odors even after we have removed the trash. We will cover the following points about cleaning a plastic trash can: How to minimize odor and stains before cleaning is needed, Washing and scrubbing the trash can, and finally, Removing the residual odor.
How To Minimize Odor and Stains Without Cleaning the Can
The trick when using a plastic trash can is to empty the trash bag out regularly, preferably daily. So the first consideration should be the size of the trash can and the size of the trash bags or liners. When you pick the sizes just right, the trash can bag will be filled by the end of the day just about every day. It will become an easy daily chore to go out and empty the trash. The reason why removing trash daily from the plastic trash bag is so important is that the inner wall of a plastic trash can is susceptible to absorbing the organic dirt and when not removed daily, that dirt can diffuse deeper into the inner wall, making it difficult to clean thoroughly later.
Washing and Scrubbing the Can
Once you have been following the previous point for a while, you will notice a lot less dirt inside the plastic trash bag. To clean that dirt, remove the bag or liner from the trash can. Take the plastic trash can outside and hose it with water. Add some soap or dishwasher liquid to the mix. If you can not go outside, use the kitchen sink hose/shower head to hose the inside and the outside of the trash can with water. Clean the can with a sponge soaked in soap or dishwasher liquid. Then scrub the remaining stains with the sponge or use an old toothbrush to clean small, hard to reach areas.
Removing the Residual Odor
If you have followed the above directions, there will not be much residual odor. However, you can let the can dry and then scatter some baking soda on the bottom of the can. Baking soda is known as an active absorber of odors. As you replace the trash can back in its usual place, just remember to keep the daily routine of emptying the can, and your trash can will remain clean much longer.
Here you have it. Three simple steps to keep your plastic trash can odor free and to clean it when cleaning is needed. Now that you know the simple steps, pay attention to your kitchen trash can. Is it odorless and stainless? If not, why not take the time now to accomplish the three steps and clean your plastic trash can. Then, remember to buy the right size trash bags so you will be able to remove the trash daily and the odors will never have a chance to diffuse deep into the walls of the plastic trash can. And you will not need to clean the can for a long time coming.
If you feel emptying the trash daily will be a difficult feat to accomplish, join me later - I will write about how to accomplish the daily trash removal from the kitchen in one of my upcoming articles. That way if you are by yourself or if you have a family, you will no longer have any trouble getting the trash removed in a timely manner.
Jason has been writing articles for over three years now. Not only has this author been writing practical advice to make everyone's life at home easier, you can also go check out his latest website http://plastictrashcan.org about the plastic trash can choices. The advantage of plastic is the lower price, easier maintenance, and fewer hassles compared to other kinds of trash cans such as stainless steel.
No comments:
Post a Comment