Steps on How to Clean a Trash Compactor
It’s a good practice to clean your trash compactor at least once a month. Here are the steps that you should follow while cleaning a trash compactor.
The most important step before cleaning your trash compactor is to unplug it from the power source. Most compactors come with safety features to prevent accidents but it's always necessary to be alert and cautious before cleaning any electric appliances.
The next step is to carefully take out the trash bag and make sure there are no pieces of trash that have fallen back inside the bin. Check the inside of the compactor for any leftover remains and remove it with a vacuum cleaner.
Wear rubber gloves while cleaning the trash to keep your hands clean.
Use a mild dish detergent and warm water solution. Spray down the solution using a spray bottle inside the walls and floor of the compactor. Let the solution settle down for a few minutes. Wipe it off using a dry cloth or paper towels in order to get rid of the grease.
Let the trash compactor completely dry. If not dried properly, it can lead to a foul smell. Wet and damp walls of the compactor can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria which later gets difficult to clean. Double check before proceeding to the next step of cleaning.
Use a dry cloth or paper towel to dry up the surfaces inside the compactor.
Many trash compactors use air filters made of charcoal to block bad odor from spreading in the rest of the kitchen. Check the model and read the manual’s guideline on how frequently you have to replace the filter. If you keep noticing bad smells, it's a sign that you need to replace the air filter.
Once everything is checked and cleaned the final step is to replace the bag. Before doing that make sure you wipe the exterior of the compactor. Then sprinkle a little baking soda at the bottom of the bin. This acts as a compactor deodorant and helps you prevent bad smell. Now replace the garbage bag and enjoy a fresh smelling trash compactor.