How Often Should You Be Cleaning Your Bathroom Trash Can?

From scrubbing the toilet to wiping down counters and mirrors, bathroom cleaning can feel like a never-ending list of chores. With so many items on your checklist, it's easy to get caught up in the obvious tasks and miss the smaller ones, like cleaning out the bathroom trash can. While you might be consistent with emptying it regularly, actually cleaning the can itself often falls off the radar. But here's the thing: If you use it regularly, you should thoroughly deep clean your bathroom trash can at least once a month, with a quick weekly wipe-down to fight the bacteria and keep your trash can smelling fresh.

If it's been a while since you've cleaned your bathroom trash can, you're certainly not alone. But letting it go too long can lead to some pretty gross consequences. Mold, mildew, bacteria, and even pests can thrive in the moist, enclosed environment, especially if you toss tissues, floss, or personal hygiene items in there. And that faint, persistent smell? It's not going away on its own.

Your trash can might be one of the things in your bathroom you should be cleaning weekly, but fortunately, regular maintenance doesn't take much time. After emptying the can, rinse it with warm water and a little dish soap (adding 5 to 10 drops of soap to a bucket of water is a good ratio). Wipe it down inside and out, then let it dry completely before replacing the liner. Once a month (or more if needed), give the trash can a deeper clean. Spray it with your go-to homemade or store-bought cleaning solution and scrub any stuck-on grime inside, then out, using a brush. For the best results, follow up with a disinfectant and let the can air-dry to prevent any odors from forming due to leftover water.

If you're leaning toward natural, homemade cleaning options rather than commercial ones, there's a whole slew of helpful ingredients that you might already have on hand. For example, vinegar is a game-changer for cleaning your bathroom trash can, and so are baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and even lemon juice. These options are safe, budget-friendly, and do the job without leaving behind strong chemical odors. Adding them to your routine care can go a long way in keeping your bathroom fresh and making sure your trash can isn't a hidden source of stink.