Why Your Garage Smells (And Why Your Garden Hose Won’t Fix It)
February 18, 2026
If you live in Comal County, you know how it goes. It’s a scorching Texas afternoon, and you open your garage door to leave. Suddenly, it hits you—a wave of sour, rotting stench that makes you want to hold your breath until you reach the driveway.
If you live in Comal County, you know how it goes. It’s a scorching Texas afternoon, and you open your garage door to leave. Suddenly, it hits you—a wave of sour, rotting stench that makes you want to hold your breath until you reach the driveway.
The culprit? Your trash cans.
With many HOAs in New Braunfels requiring bins to be stored out of sight, your garage often becomes a hotbox for bacteria and odors. While you might be tempted to drag the hose out and give it a rinse, true sanitation requires more than just cold water and dish soap. Here is why professional trash can cleaning is the home maintenance service you didn’t know you needed.
The Science of the Stink: What is Lurking in Your Bin?
It’s not just "garbage juice." The smell emanating from your bin is actually the byproduct of bacterial decomposition of organic matter. Without regular professional cleaning, your trash can becomes a breeding ground for harmful pathogens, including:
- Salmonella and E. Coli: Common bacteria found on food packaging and scraps.
- Listeria: A bacterium that thrives in cool, damp environments (like the bottom of a bin).
- Mold and Mildew: Fungi that can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
When you store these bins in your garage, these airborne spores and odors don't just stay in the can—they can seep into your home and vehicle.
Why DIY Cleaning Doesn't Cut It
Many homeowners attempt the "DIY scrub" with a garden hose and bleach. Unfortunately, this method is rarely effective for three reasons:
- Temperature: A garden hose sprays cold water. To effectively kill bacteria and cut through hardened grease, you need water heated to at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pressure: Household water pressure isn't strong enough to blast away the grime stuck in the pores of the plastic.
- The Mess: When you wash your own bin, that dirty, bacteria-laden water has to go somewhere. Often, it ends up running down your driveway and into the storm drain, which is harmful to the local ecosystem (and potentially a violation of city water regulations).
The Clean Cans Co Solution
At Clean Cans Co, we don't just wash your bins; we sanitize them. Our specialized trucks are equipped with a 360-degree cleaning head that blasts the interior of your cans with high-pressure, 200°F water. This process instantly kills 99.9% of bacteria and removes stubborn grime.
Best of all, our system is 100% eco-friendly. Our trucks are self-contained, meaning we capture all the dirty water and dispose of it safely at a treatment facility. We leave you with a sparkling clean, deodorized bin and zero mess on your driveway.
Best of all, our system is 100% eco-friendly. Our trucks are self-contained, meaning we capture all the dirty water and dispose of it safely at a treatment facility. We leave you with a sparkling clean, deodorized bin and zero mess on your driveway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I have my trash cans cleaned?
For most households in Comal County, we recommend a monthly service. This prevents the buildup of grime and keeps odors from returning, especially during the hot Texas summers.
Does cleaning trash cans help with pests?
Yes. The residue in dirty cans attracts cockroaches, ants, flies, and rodents. By removing the food source and sanitizing the bin, you significantly reduce the risk of a pest infestation in your garage.
Do I need to be home for the service?
No! We schedule your cleaning for the day after your regular trash pickup. Just leave your empty bins at the curb, and we’ll handle the rest. You’ll receive a notification when the job is done.
Ready to Banish the Bin Smell?
Don’t let a smelly trash can ruin your garage. Join your neighbors in New Braunfels who trust Clean Cans Co for a safer, cleaner home.
Click here to sign up for your first cleaning and smell the difference!
For most households in Comal County, we recommend a monthly service. This prevents the buildup of grime and keeps odors from returning, especially during the hot Texas summers.
Does cleaning trash cans help with pests?
Yes. The residue in dirty cans attracts cockroaches, ants, flies, and rodents. By removing the food source and sanitizing the bin, you significantly reduce the risk of a pest infestation in your garage.
Do I need to be home for the service?
No! We schedule your cleaning for the day after your regular trash pickup. Just leave your empty bins at the curb, and we’ll handle the rest. You’ll receive a notification when the job is done.
Ready to Banish the Bin Smell?
Don’t let a smelly trash can ruin your garage. Join your neighbors in New Braunfels who trust Clean Cans Co for a safer, cleaner home.
Click here to sign up for your first cleaning and smell the difference!