Trash Cans: Microbes Mean Money
Foul odors are common in the cleaning industry. Let's face it: odor control is one of the main reasons we need to clean. There are few odors more pungent than that of a wet, dirty trash can. In an age of recycling, much of what we throw away is theoretically separated as “clean” materials. Dry paper, cardboard, and other recycled materials offer no opportunity for odors to exist. The combination of liquid, organic matter, and time is what causes foul odors. Where do these conditions exist? Of course, in the most commonplace of items, a typical trash can or bin.
Let's face it, even the best systems to deal with trash offer possibilities for the creation of bad odors. The biggest culprit is rotting food in the bottom of a trash can. Regardless of whether you are cleaning a home or a commercial property, you are going to be dealing with food waste. One thing we do to avoid this problem is the use of trash can liners. Preventing liquids and foods from gathering at the bottom of trash cans is the only way to prevent these odors, so using bags makes sense. However, this does not always work.
Oftentimes, bags leak. In an effort to economize, many properties and homeowners may be using cheaper bags that are prone to leaking due to punctures, tears, or just due to their inferior construction. High quality plastic bags are substantially more expensive, so cheaper alternatives are used, especially in commercial settings. Also, bags have a tendency to fall in on themselves when items are disposed of, rendering them useless. Tying-off of bags is an effective method to prevent this, although not foolproof. Also, a bag that is too short for the size can being used will simply fall to the bottom of the can when trash is placed in it. Aluminum can recycle bins are notorious for being breeding grounds for bacteria and their accompanying odors.
People obviously have to dispose of their food trash. In commercial buildings, there are often trash bins designated for recyclable and non-recyclable items. Sometimes, business have a “no food or drink at your desk” policy, but these rules are often broken or none exist. How many times have you removed a liner from a trash can to find the remnants of someone's Big Gulp pooling in the bottom of the can? Also, recycle containers are often used as trash containers by those employees who are forgetful, indifferent, or too lazy to use the proper container. A homeowner may have a rule about no food or beverages disposed of other than in the kitchen trash, but human nature (and kids!) often means this does not happen. The bottom line is that this problem exists and how do we deal with it?
Frequently, it is part of a contract to keep trash cans clean. Even if it is not, cleaning them may be an add-on you may offer. In a home, this may not be as much of an issue. Small spills and debris can be hand-wiped using paper towels or rags, or for a particularly bad mess, use a laundry sink or bathtub to scrub out the can, and tip it upside down and allow it to dry. Make sure it is dry before you replace the liner, if one is used. One way to keep cans smelling fresh is to place a dryer sheet between the can and the liner. Even a used one will do the trick! One word of caution though: it is best NOT to soak a metal can in water, as you can cause it to rust. It is best to hand-wipe these to prevent damage.
In a commercial setting, cleaning garbage cans can be a more daunting task. The sheer number of cans requires time and diligence to maintain clean trash cans. Small spills can be hand-wiped as you are going. Big messes may need to be brought to a utility sink to be scrubbed and hosed out, or you may have access to a garage area or outside hose. Liquids can be hosed out, and either wiped dry or be allowed to air dry upside down. Dried foods or sticky messes can be soaked in a cleaning solution, scrubbed if necessary, and dried.
The outside of garbage cans can become dirty as well. Grime, dirt, and dust can accumulate, and needs to be wiped on a regular basis. One way to maintain your garbage cans is to schedule their cleaning on a periodic basis, depending on their usage and soil level. It is far quicker to clean 20 cans all at once, as opposed to cleaning one can twenty different times. You need to evaluate the availability of resources, such as access to janitor closets or hoses, to determine the most efficient method. Hand-wiping a trash can may not be the best way to clean it, but if you factor in the time it takes to get to a water source, clean it, and return it, you may find it quicker just to hand wipe it.
The bottom line is people will notice a smelly garbage can, and this will reflect on your company. Disposing of trash is often not a pleasant task. It is frustrating to your cleaners who have to deal with it on a daily basis, but a necessary duty in this industry. As a contractor, you cannot control the habits of the people you are cleaning for. You CAN make sure you are using bags, changing them as needed, tying them off, and developing a system to deal with keeping trash cans clean. As with so many things in the cleaning industry, customers will not notice a clean garbage can. However, they WILL notice a dirty one and certainly WILL COMPLAIN about a smelly one!
Next week in Part Two of our article, we'll talk about the different types of trash can liners and their uses.
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Steve Hanson helps owners of commercial cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. For more tips on owning a profitable cleaning business, watch the popular Web TV show CleaningBiz.tv and sign up for the newsletter, House Cleaning Profit Tips.
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Copyright TheJanitorialStore.com. All Rights Reserved.
Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at //www.thejanitorialstore.com.
