How to sanitize an outdoor trash can
3 min read
Rinsing a can gets the loose grime off, but sanitizing is what kills the bacteria causing the smell and health risk. Here is how to do it properly, and the limits of doing it at home.
Rinsing is not sanitizing
A hose rinse moves dirt around but does not kill much. Sanitizing means using heat or a disinfectant to actually reduce the bacteria living in the residue, which is where the smell and germs come from.
How to do it
Scrub the can with hot soapy water, rinse, then apply a disinfectant and let it sit for the time on the label before a final rinse and a full dry in the sun. Household water is not as hot as commercial equipment, so a professional wash sanitizes more thoroughly and contains the runoff for you.