Most homeowners focus on keeping the inside of their homes clean while completely overlooking one of the most bacteria-laden items on their property: their trash cans. In Colorado’s warm summers and varying weather conditions, dirty trash cans become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, attract pests, and create unpleasant odors that can affect your entire outdoor living space. Regular trash can cleaning prevents that.
The Hidden Health Risks in Your Trash Cans
Your seemingly innocent trash and recycling bins harbor more bacteria than most people realize. Studies have found that the average household trash can contains:
- E. coli and Salmonella from food waste and packaging
- Listeria, which can cause serious illness, especially in pregnant women and elderly individuals
- Staphylococcus, which can cause skin infections and food poisoning
- Various molds and fungi can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues
According to the Centers for Disease Control, these bacteria can survive on surfaces for weeks or even months, especially in the protective environment inside a trash can.
Why Colorado’s Climate Makes the Problem Worse
Colorado’s climate creates specific conditions that make trash can contamination particularly problematic:
Temperature Fluctuations: Rapid temperature changes cause condensation inside bins, creating perfect breeding conditions for bacteria.
Intense Sun Exposure: UV rays heat up dark-colored bins, accelerating bacterial growth and creating stronger odors.
Low Humidity: While our dry climate helps with some things, it can concentrate odors and make them more noticeable.
Wildlife: Areas like Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch have active wildlife populations that are attracted to dirty bins, creating additional mess and health risks.
The Pest Attraction Problem
Dirty trash cans don’t just smell bad; they actively attract pests to your property:
Flies and Maggots: Food residue provides perfect breeding grounds for these disease-carrying insects.
Rodents: Mice and rats are drawn to food odors and will chew through bags to access trash.
Raccoons and Bears: Especially problematic in areas near open space, these animals can create significant property damage while accessing dirty bins.
Wasps and Bees: Sweet residues attract stinging insects that can create safety hazards for your family.
What Professional Trash Can Cleaning Involves
Professional trash can cleaning goes far beyond what you can achieve with a garden hose:
High-Pressure Washing: Commercial equipment removes stuck-on debris and buildup that harbors bacteria.
Sanitization: EPA-approved disinfectants eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses.
Deodorization: Specialized treatments neutralize odors at the molecular level, not just masking them.
Eco-Friendly Solutions: Professional services use biodegradable products that are safe for your family and the environment.
The DIY Approach Falls Short
While you might think you can clean your trash cans, the DIY approach has significant limitations:
- Inadequate Water Pressure: Garden hoses can’t remove stubborn buildup and bacteria
- Wrong Cleaning Products: Household cleaners aren’t designed for the level of contamination in trash cans
- Safety Concerns: Handling contaminated surfaces without proper protection poses health risks
- Improper Disposal: Cleaning dirty bins can contaminate your driveway and storm drains
Health Benefits of Regular Professional Cleaning
Regular professional trash can cleaning provides several important health benefits:
Reduced Disease Risk: Eliminating bacteria and viruses reduces your family’s exposure to foodborne illnesses.
Improved Air Quality: Removing odor-causing bacteria improves the air quality around your home’s outdoor areas.
Pest Reduction: Clean bins don’t attract insects and rodents that can carry diseases.
Allergy Relief: Removing mold and organic buildup can reduce allergic reactions for sensitive family members.
Environmental Considerations
Professional trash can cleaning is more environmentally friendly than DIY attempts:
- Water Conservation: Professional equipment uses less water while achieving better results
- Proper Waste Disposal: Contaminated wastewater is disposed of according to environmental regulations
- Biodegradable Products: Professional services use eco-friendly cleaning solutions
- Prevents Contamination: Proper cleaning prevents bacteria from spreading to storm drains and groundwater
Frequency Recommendations
In Colorado’s climate, most households benefit from professional trash can cleaning:
- Monthly, during the summer months, when the heat accelerates bacterial growth
- Bi-monthly during spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate
- As needed during winter, based on usage and weather conditions
Homes in areas like Centennial and Lone Tree with higher property values often choose more frequent service to maintain their outdoor environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is trash can cleaning necessary if I use trash bags? A: Yes. Bags leak and tear, and bacteria can accumulate on surfaces even with bag use. Many items are also put in bins without bags.
Q: What if my trash cans seem relatively clean? A: Harmful bacteria and odor-causing organisms are often invisible. Even apparently clean bins can harbor significant contamination.
Q: Is professional cleaning safe for my driveway and landscaping? A: Professional services use proper techniques and products that are safe for all surfaces and won’t harm your landscaping.
Q: Can I just pressure wash them myself? A: Consumer pressure washers lack the power and proper sanitizing agents needed for effective cleaning. Plus, improper cleaning can spread contamination.
Q: How long does professional cleaning take? A: Most residential trash can cleaning takes 10-15 minutes per bin, and many services can be scheduled to coincide with your regular trash pickup day.
Q: Will cleaning eliminate all odors? A: Professional cleaning removes the bacteria and organic matter that cause odors, providing long-lasting odor elimination rather than just masking smells.
Trash can cleaning might not be glamorous, but it’s an essential service for maintaining a healthy, pleasant outdoor environment for your family. In areas with high property values and outdoor entertainment areas, clean bins are just as important as clean driveways and pristine landscaping.
