How do wheelie bins get so dirty
If your home and garden is your pride and joy, the last thing you need is a dirty, smelly wheelie bin cramping your style. Okay, so maybe a wheelie bin isn’t pretty and its job is to store rubbish after all, but there are a few reasons why wheelie bins can get extra smelly, and a few things you can do to stop it from happening.
How do wheelie bins get so dirty?
The things you throw away
If you put food waste in your bin for example, it will soon begin to decompose, especially in higher temperatures. Try adding it to a compost heap if appropriate, put it in a designated food waste bin, or if this is not possible, bag it separately from the other waste in your bin.
Leaky bags and containers
Bags and containers in your bin can leak and cause liquid to pool at the bottom of your bin which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Empty containers before you put them in the bin and tie any bags securely and store them upright in the bin where possible.
They attract pests
The warmer months and the decaying waste can prove to be an irresistible attraction to pests that feed on waste like maggots. To get rid of maggots from your bin, make sure it’s emptied regularly, pour hot water on them to kill them and clean the inside of your bin thoroughly. There’s no need to use harsh chemicals, make a natural cleaner out of 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar. Keep bags of rubbish tightly sealed and rinse out any food containers before you dispose of them. Keep your wheelie bin out of direct sunlight as pests and bacteria thrive in warm and moist conditions.
How to keep your wheelie bin clean
Give it a thorough clean
If there’s residue or waste inside your bin, use hot soapy water to give it a good clean. Rinsing it with vinegar or lemon juice is also a great option. Lemon juice will help to get rid of any unpleasant odours. Let the bin dry in the sun.
Enlist a professional
If your bin is particularly filthy, you might need the help of a professional to clean and restore your bin to its former glory.
Use heavy duty rubbish bags
Using tougher bags will prevent leaks and splits. It might help to line your bin with a large heavy duty bag which can prevent residue and debris from sticking to the insides of the bin.