How do you clean a trash bin?

Question

The one in the kitchen. Do you have a special cloth to do it? And where do you keep that cloth, or do you throw it away afterwards?
That comes up costly (I used Comet to clean it all inside, and then threw the cloth away).

Answer 1

I save old socks and stuff for that purpose. When I have an icky job to do, I just use the old sock, then throw it away after wards. I'll use paper towels sometimes, but some jobs just need something stronger.

(edit) "old socks" sound kind of bad. They are clean. Just have a hole or stain or something.

Answer 2

Well, if it is too messy, I will always throw it out and get a new one. I try to wipe down my trash can at least once a week with a clorox wipe. Of course, I am a housewife, so I probably have more time than most people do to keep things like that clean. I also am sort of a neat/clean freak when it comes to my house. But, that always seems to help it stay looking nice and clean. I just have a plain plastic white one. Or I will use just some dawn and an old rag to clean it out. I don't like to keep the cloth. Germs!!! Yuck! I always take old towels that are on their last leg and cut them up into cloths to use for cleaning. That way, I don't mind if I have to throw it out. It was old anyways. If you use a sponge, I would recommend throwing it out as well. Those things harbor too much bacteria! Comet works well too. I have also used clorox diluted with warm water. Hope this helps you out! Have a great day! :)

Answer 3

?? I think you must be paranoid about germs.

I just read that you should clean your trash bin every week. I usually take mine outside every season and hose it down, then I let it air dry. I have an outdoor brush that I can use to scrub it down if there's any bad junk stuck to it.

Then I bring it in, line it with some old calendar paper, and put in the trash bag.

Rather than using a special cloth, maybe you should try paper cloths, or those new disposable cloths (kind of like a super-sturdy diaper wipe). You could also dedicate one cloth, and bleach it/boil it when you are done, and dry it in the sun. All those things will sterilize it.

If you have a fancy trash bin, you'll want to be careful about scratching the surface. I don't know if I would use Comet -- I think that's too harsh. Baking soda would probably do as good a job, won't scratch, and it de-ordorizes.

Answer 4

blooming chamomile has the right idea as far as using old socks, and old t-shirts, tea-towels, diapers, etc. i keep a rubbermaid container for all of these items and use them as rags. then when i clean icky things like the bins i can throw the rag away without a second thought! the odd time i have just grabbed a J-cloth and used that but it doesn't work as well as heavier fabrics. sponges are just the best breeding grounds for germs, even if you rinse them out well, so i don't use them at all.
comet and elbow grease - a great cleanser so keep it up. the only thing i do differently is i then rinse the bins out with vinegar and hot water.
most people think just a spray cleaner is sufficient but as you and i both know they don't have the grit that comet has, so they don't clean nearly as well!

Answer 5

That was unnecessary to throw your cloth out next time clean your trash can out with some White Vinegar and scrub it down with a stiff brush wait about thirty minutes then rinse with the hose, Vinegar cleans and disinfects and is less expensive than using comet and will leave your trash can clean and odor free, Next turn your trash can upside down outside and allow it to dry in the hot sun. Good Luck !

Answer 6

If it's nice out I put bleach in the bin fill with water and let it soak outside for along time then dump it and let it air dry. This is if you can be without the bin all day. But, this way it cleans itself. Other wise I use papertowel with a good disinfectant spray, I have also used the swiffer wet sheets a time or two, they work great but expensive way to clean.

Answer 7

First wash out the trash bin as best you can. Then use water, detergent and a half cup of bleach to sit in a bucket for an overnight soak. Do not worry about it. Then do one of those easy crossword puzzles. You can usually pick up one of those crossword books at your nearby drugstore or grocery store. You can learn "something" while relaxing and waiting for your cleaning to do its thing. Remember this, What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31. The Lord daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. - Psalm 68:19.

Answer 8

I have an old wash cloth just to clean the trash can. I use soapy water with bleach. clean the trash can then dry before putting the trash bag in... I don't throw out the wash cloth I wash and save it.

Answer 9

I think you would be better with a sponge, When ever you empty it , wash straight away , Then rinse the sponge before putting it in the washing machine. I normal do this every day once finished in the kitchen tea towels sponges all go to the washing machine. No need to throw the sponge away

Answer 10

I use a lot of old white socks too, like gym socks, I keep a small bucket under my bathroom sink and when I have a dirty job to do I pick up one of the white socks and if its too dirty when done, I just toss it. I cut a small slit in the cuff so that if the sock is just lightly soiled, once washed, I know it goes back under the sink and not into the sock drawer.