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Cleaning rubbish bins is a crucial task that often gets overlooked until they become a source of unpleasant odors and pest infestations. Regular cleaning not only helps in maintaining hygiene but also prevents the spread of diseases. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean rubbish bins effectively:
1. Prepare the Cleaning Products
Before you start cleaning, gather the necessary products. For a standard clean, you will need:
- Warm water
- Washing-up liquid
- A long, hard-bristled brush
- A scrubbing pad or brush
- Rubber gloves
- A hose or pressure washer (if available)
For tougher grime, you can use:
- Antibacterial or bleach sprays
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
2. Remove Debris
Empty the bin: Ensure the bin is completely empty of any waste bags, debris, and other bits of rubbish.
Scrape off loose debris: Use a long, hard-bristled brush to scrape off as much loose debris as possible from the interior of the bin.
Dispose of debris: Clean out the debris and dispose of it in a garbage bag.
3. Wet the Interior
Stand the bin up: Wet the interiors of the bin with a hose.
Soak the bottom: If there is stubborn grime, fill the bin with 5 inches of water (or more if needed) and let it soak for 15 minutes.
Rinse the lid: Rinse off the lid and allow it to soak as well by pooling water in it.
4. Scrub the Interior
Light scrubbing: Use the same long-handled brush to lightly scrub the interior walls and bottom of the bin.
Rotate the bin: Place the bin on its side and rotate it to ensure all areas are scrubbed.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the bin once again to remove any wet debris.
5. Clean with Soap and Water
Mix cleaning solution: In a bucket of room temperature water, mix ½ cup white vinegar and 1 cup liquid dish soap.
Pour the solution: Pour the cleaning solution into the bin and scrub the interior with a nylon string mop.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the bin thoroughly to remove the cleaning solution.
6. Clean the Lid
Use a handheld scrubber: Use a handheld scrubber or brush to clean the lid.
Apply dish detergent: Squirt some liquid dish detergent over the inner side of the lid and scrub it clean.
Rinse both sides: Flip the lid over and repeat the process for the top before rinsing both sides clean.
7. Clean the Exterior
Wet the surface: Wet the exterior surface of the bin.
Make a soapy solution: Prepare a soapy solution and scrub all sides of the bin with a scrubbing pad or brush.
Rinse with a hose: Spray the exteriors with a hose to rinse off the cleaning solution.
8. Dry and Maintain
Dry the bin: Use a towel or let the bin air dry to prevent moisture buildup.
Regular maintenance: Clean your rubbish bins every two months to keep them fresh and odor-free.
What are the best tools to use for cleaning rubbish bins?
Cleaning rubbish bins effectively requires the right tools to remove stubborn grime and odors. Here are some of the best tools to use:
Long-handled brush or broom: Essential for scrubbing the interior and exterior surfaces of the bin. It helps in removing loose debris and stubborn grime.
Nylon-string mop: Ideal for scrubbing the interior of the bin. Its long handle and effective material make it perfect for removing stains and grime.
Pressure washer: A medium pressure washer is highly effective for removing stubborn deposits and grime. It can be used to clean both the interior and exterior of the bin.
Scrubbing pad or brush: Useful for scrubbing the exterior of the bin and removing any stubborn stains or grime.
Rubber gloves: Essential for protecting your hands from direct contact with waste and potential bacteria.
Mild detergent or specialized bin cleaner: Effective for cleaning the bin without causing damage to the material. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach for routine cleaning.
Baking soda or vinegar: Natural alternatives to chemical cleaners that can help neutralize odors and clean the bin effectively.
Hose: Useful for rinsing the bin thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue
How often should I clean my rubbish bins to keep them odor-free
To keep your rubbish bins odor-free, it is recommended to clean them at various frequencies depending on their usage and location:
Weekly Cleaning: For small households with little waste, weekly cleaning is sufficient to keep odors and pests under control.
Bi-Weekly Cleaning: For larger households or those that produce more waste, cleaning the bins every two weeks is more effective.
Monthly Cleaning: For most residential garbage bins, a monthly cleaning schedule is generally recommended to maintain hygiene and prevent odors.
Additionally, consider the following tips to maintain cleanliness and prevent odors:
Daily Maintenance: Wipe the bin lid and sides daily with antibacterial spray cleaner and paper towels.
Regular Rinsing: Rinse the bin after emptying it to remove any remaining debris or liquids.
Use Liners: Use bin liners or garbage bags to contain waste and prevent direct contact with the bin’s interior.
Odor Neutralizers: Use natural deodorizers like baking soda, lemon peels, or activated charcoal to absorb and neutralize odors.
Summary
Cleaning rubbish bins is an essential task to maintain hygiene and prevent unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning helps in reducing pest infestations and keeps the environment clean. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to clean rubbish bins effectively, including tips on preparing the necessary cleaning products, scrubbing the interior and exterior, and maintaining cleanliness over time.
