Like all trash cans, this one gets messy on the outside with smudges and spills but it cleens up very nicely and looks brand new again. I wipe the outside with baby wipes that I always have on kitchen table to clean up all messes my 1 year old makes. I like how there is a lip around the lid where the opening is so that when it's closed my 1 year old can't pry it open with his fingers.