How to clean a trash can
Clean first. Sanitize or disinfect only if needed.
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Clean, sanitize, disinfect
The CDC says cleaning removes most germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces, with water, soap, and scrubbing. It says sanitizing reduces germs to levels public health codes or regulations consider safe, and disinfecting kills most germs on surfaces and objects.
Clean first
The CDC says to clean first, and then sanitize or disinfect if needed, because impurities like dirt may make it harder for chemicals to get to and kill germs. It says cleaning alone removes most harmful viruses or bacteria from surfaces.
Is disinfecting needed?
The CDC says sanitizing or disinfecting to reduce the spread of disease at home is likely not needed unless there are sick people in your home. It says to disinfect when someone is sick or at a higher risk of getting sick.
Under the liner
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says to check under liners in garbage containers and, if necessary, use soap and water to remove all organic residues.
If you disinfect
The CDC says to read and follow the directions on the label, wear the recommended protective equipment such as gloves or goggles, and ensure good ventilation. It says to leave the disinfectant on for the contact time in the directions, with the surface wet the whole time. EPA also says to pay close attention to the contact time.
Never mix products
The CDC says not to mix products or chemicals with each other. It says to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds right after, and to store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
FAQ
General information only. Keep a trash can that holds spoiled food, sharp objects, or batteries behind a lid a child cannot open, or out of a child's reach. Knot plastic bags before you throw them away, and keep button and coin batteries out of reach of children. Keep cleaning products in their original packaging, out of sight and reach of children and pets, and never mix cleaning or disinfecting products. Read and follow the label on every cleaner and the maker's manual for your can, including how to change or remove its batteries. A swallowed button or coin battery needs medical help right away; do not delay. If you think a child swallowed something harmful, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222; if the child is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures, call 911. If a pet did, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: trash can odor
Scraps, leaks, and lids.
