How to Deodorize a Garbage Dumpster

That big plastic garbage dumpster that holds your garbage awaiting pickup is one smelly, stinky container after a while. It's amazing how fast a garbage dumpster can start reeking, especially in the summer. Cleaning the dumpster is inexpensive, fast and simple.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garbage dumpster or can
• Outdoor hose with a pressure nozzle
• Chlorine bleach, pine-based or citrus-based cleaner
• Old floor mop

1. Put the nozzle on the hose, set to the most powerful setting, usually "jet."

2. Roll the dumpster out to the driveway, close to the street.

3. Open the top of the dumpster and use a strong stream of water to wash down the sides. Add about 6 inches of water to the inside. Add 1 cup of cleaner (bleach, orange or pine oil soap).

4. Shake the dumpster using both hands. You can also roll it around grabbing onto the handles, and mixing up the water with the soap. Let it sit that way for a half hour or so.

5. Tip the dumpster over, and let the water drain on the driveway, near the street.

6. Lay the dumpster on its side, and start hosing down the sides of the container. If there is serious grime and grunge on the sides, use an old mop to break loose the baked on dirt. If the dirt is seriously crusted onto the surface, pour some bleach or soap solution on the mop and scrub the sides where the dirt is the worst. Lay the dirty side on the concrete so that it's like scrubbing a floor.

7. Rinse the dumpster after it is all cleaned, leaving it open to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not drain the soapy or bleach solutions onto soil. It will adversely affect plants or kill plants you may put there in the future. Bleach is the most toxic of solutions. If you have helpful dogs, keep them in the house while you clean the dumpster. Orange oils are nontoxic in the house, but may be toxic to plant roots.