The 65p hack that stops your bin from smelling bad – it keeps pests out the garden, too
THERE’S nothing more off-putting in the summer than the smell of bins when you want to sit in your garden.
Not only is it hard to ignore, but the smell can linger for days, especially in the sunshine and warm weather.
And with at least four huge outdoor bins at most homes, sometimes there’s not a lot of space where you can put them to get them out of the way.
Luckily, experts have shared their fool-proof top tips to stop your outdoor bins from smelling this summer.
And one handy trick only costs 65p – and you might even already have it in your kitchen cupboard.
Graham Matthews, waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, says homeowners should keep on top of their rubbish every few months.
Not only can this get rid of smells, but it also keeps pests and insects away.
He said: “Keeping your wheelie bin clean reduces bad smells, germs, and stops pests.
“While it might not be the most glamorous job, spending time cleaning your bins every couple of months is a great way to stop insects like flies and maggots from taking over.
“There are some simple storage and disposal hacks that will prevent smells and pests at the source.
“Correct food waste disposal helps keep your bin clean.
“And it also means you’ll be doing your bit for the environment.”
1. Add bicarbonate of soda to the bottom of your bin
Bicarbonate of soda can be picked up for as little as 65p in supermarkets including Tesco.
And it can be a lifesaver for getting rid of unwanted smells, which in turn stops pests from being attracted to your garden.
Graham suggests sprinkling some at the bottom of the bin as it can help get rid of ‘bin juice’.
He explains: “Doing this helps neutralise many bad smells.
“Bad bin odours are often caused by acidic substances released as food waste breaks down.
“Bicarbonate of soda is an alkali, which helps counteract this, creating a chemical reaction that neutralises the odour.
“Bicarbonate of soda can also absorb ‘bin juice’ and other moisture that creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria that may contribute to bad smells.”
2. Store it in a cool, dry place
As mentioned before, you might not have a lot of options for places to store your bins, especially if your garden is on the smaller side.
But trying to put it somewhere that’s cool, dry or shaded can make a big difference when it comes to the smell.
Graham advises: “Moving your wheelie bin out of direct sunlight when you can will slow down the decomposition of waste, which reduces the chance of bad odours developing.
“A bin store can be a great solution.
“If this isn’t an option, look for a shaded spot on your property, preferably under shelter or in a garage.”
3. Always keep the lid closed
This may seem like an obvious one, but the experts say it can be an easy mistake than many homeowners make.
Graham has urged everyone to make sure they shut the lids after putting something inside their bin.
He warned: “If your bin lid remains open for long periods of time, it can contribute to bad smells.
“Keeping the lid closed reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your waste, which will slow down the aerobic bacteria responsible for breaking down waste and producing strong smells.
“Alongside this, keeping the lid closed prevents pests like insects and rats from getting inside.
“These can contribute to bad smells by laying eggs and disturbing your waste.”
Expert's tips for giving your bin a good, deep scrub
While most of the time we can use washing-up liquid to clean our bins, sometimes it's just not enough.
So Graham has shared his top pieces of advice on how to properly clean your bin if it’s been left untouched during the cold, winter months.
- Base – “Scrape out any thick bits of grime, dirt, or rubbish stuck to the sides or bottom of the bin with a trowel or shovel. Lie the wheelie bin on its side and use a hose or pressure washer to blast away the dirt, pouring it out into a drain. Put the bin upright and add the antibacterial spray, bleach, or eco-friendly alternative and swill it around the bottom. Leave to destroy the germs, then pour it out and rinse with clean water.”
- Sides – “As you spray water into the base, make sure you get the sides as well to remove any bits of dirt. Cover the four sides with the antibacterial spray too and leave for as long as necessary to kill any germs. Scrub the sides clean with a mop or hard brush before pouring out the cleaning solution in the base. After the bin is emptied of all liquids, leave it to dry, either on its side or upside down (you can also use a towel to speed up the process).”
- Lid – “After washing the sides and base inside the bin, move onto the lid. Simply wipe the underside clean with a cloth and warm water, then apply the antibacterial spray and leave for a few minutes. Rinse it off with a sponge or cloth and some fresh water and leave it to dry.”
He adds: “Antibacterial or bleach sprays are necessary to destroy germs, but there are eco-conscious options to stay green when you clean. A homemade recipe of water, white vinegar, and lemon juice works just as well.”
4. Dispose of food waste correctly
We’re all guilty of just chucking our food waste in outdoor bins – especially in the summer when you’re having a BBQ.
But Graham says that doing this can not only cause the bin to smell, but it can also attract pests like rats and foxes.
The expert said: “Ideally, waste food should be composted or put in a separate food waste bin.
“If that’s not possible, make sure all food scraps are sealed in biodegradable bags or wrapped tightly before being placed in the bin.
“Keep food waste in a smaller, sealed container when you can and only transfer it to the larger bin closer to collection day.”
5. Clean your bin regularly and effectively
It’s not a pleasant job, but it’s the easiest way to keep it clean and get rid of smells.
And Graham says all you need is some washing-up liquid for the job.
He explained: “You should keep on top of cleaning your bin regularly.
“A bucket of warm water, a cloth, and some washing-up liquid should do the job.”