Best Way to Clean a Wheelie Bin

Best Way to Clean a Wheelie Bin

If you’re wondering about the best way to clean a wheelie bin, it probably depends on which camp you fall into. Are you eco-conscious and prefer to use natural products in and around the home? Or do you prefer to blast germs with standard cleaners? Either way, you can get your wheelie bin sparkling clean and odour-free.

Why should I need to clean my wheelie regularly?

Your wheelie bin is a paradise for germs. Rotting waste, warmth, and moisture means that they thrive. As waste breaks down it will start to smell, which is not only unpleasant, it attracts pests like flies. You’re fighting a war on a few fronts here. But keeping your wheelie clean will keep germs, pests, and odours at bay.

Best way to clean a wheelie bin: The standard way

Even if you do your best to avoid getting food debris or liquid in the bottom of your bin, it does happen. Rubbish bags leak, or maybe you didn’t rinse those recyclables as well as you thought. This is why it’s important to make sure you reach all those nooks and crannies.

A good way to do this is to lie your wheelie bin on its side. Using a garden hose or pressure washer, blast off those bits of gunk in the bottom of your bin. Empty any loose debris down the drain.

Next, you need to use a detergent as water alone won’t get rid of germs. When you want to clean a wheelie bin, you have a few options. You can use an antibacterial washing up liquid or disinfectant spray. Another option is diluted bleach to give your bin a really good clean. Swill it around your bin and leave it for long enough to allow it to work its magic. Finish by giving it a good rinse, tipping out the fluid and letting your wheelie dry.

Best way to clean a wheelie bin: The eco-conscious way

If you want to clean a wheelie bin while minimising the use of chemicals, you can try a more natural approach. Are you savvy with natural cleaning products? Then you’ll know that ingredients you already have at home make formidable cleaners. Vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are well-known for their ability to cut through grime and get rid of germs and odours.

Mix vinegar, water, lemon juice, and a few drops of essential oil to make a natural cleaning spray. Our top tip: if your bin is swarming with flies in the summer, use an essential oil like citronella which repels them.

Just use your hose or pressure washer to blast the debris off your bin, then follow up with the cleaning spray. Sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom for extra odour-killing power.

Want an eco-conscious way to clean a wheelie bin or are you more of a standard cleaner person? Whichever camp you're in, there’s a way to keep your bin smelling fresh and free from debris all year round.

To read more interesting tips and articles on all things wheelie bins, check out the rest of our blog