A “clean trash can” may sound oxymoronic, but having one is a very important aspect of maintaining my sanity. Thought it’s never directly in my line of vision (unless I’m throwing something away), giving it a scrub instantly makes my kitchen cleaner, brighter, and more serene.
Though most people aim to get their trash in the (lined) can, spills, splatters, and smears inevitable end up under the liner, as well as on and around the outside of the can. It’s not the most obvious eyesore, but it’s dingy, subtly stinky presence is ever so slightly oppressive, and cleaning it almost always puts me in a better mood. (It’s the little things.)
Just rinse the (empty, unlined) can with a hose—or in your shower if you’re an apartment dweller—then wipe up excess moisture with a paper towel. Spray it with some sort of disinfecting solution, scrub it with a dedicated trash-can-only bristle brush (a toilet brush works), making sure to get the bottom and the lid, as well as the insides and outsides. Give it another rinse, then let it dry in the sun or in the tub. For extra credit, throw a couple of dryer sheets in the bottom under the new liner, then notice just how much brighter and cleaner your entire kitchen feels.