How to Clean a Wheelie Bin 

Whose turn is it to clean the wheelie bin? That’s the dreaded question. Despite being an everyday life essential, our wheelie bins can attract insects and get a bit smelly. So how do you clean a wheelie bin and keep smells and bugs away? Here’s our guide.

How come my bin gets so dirty and smelly?

With wheelie bins, it’s the perfect storm. You’ve got rotting waste, liquid pooling in the bottom and less frequent bin collections. Add to this the warmer weather and you can see why your bin might not smell so pleasant. Smells, moisture and rotting waste is also heaven for pests and maggots who thrive in warm, moist conditions. This is why it’s so important to know how to care for your wheelie bin.

How to clean a wheelie bin

Reach for the bleach

You should aim to clean it at least once per month. There are several options available when it comes to wheelie bin cleaning products:

Diluted bleach: One of the most effective ways to clean a wheelie bin is by squirting some bleach into it then filling it up about halfway with warm water.  Swill it around then leave it in the bin for around an hour. Tip the water out and rinse the bin with clean water. The thing to be aware of here is that it’s not great for the environment if you tip bleach down a drain. This goes for other detergents as well. Many strong cleaning products can be harmful to aquatic life if they end up in waterways.

Greener ways to clean a wheelie bin

Biodegradable cleaning products: There are environmentally friendly wheelie bin cleaning products on the market now. They are just as effective as standard detergents but you won’t expose yourself, your family, or the environment to any harsh chemicals.

All-natural wheelie bin cleaners: One of the greenest ways to clean a wheelie bin involves using products from your own kitchen! Baking soda and lemon juice can cut through grime and germs, leaving your bin looking and smelling fresh.

Use a hose

If there’s food debris and other gunk stuck in the bottom corners of your bin, you might need to do more than give it a quick swill. This is when your humble garden hose comes in handy. This is one of the best ways to clean a wheelie bin with stubborn food stuck on it.

Lie your wheelie on its side and blast the inside with a hose or pressure washer. Empty any debris down the drain then give your bin a spray with your detergent of choice. Leave the detergent to work its magic, then give your bin another blast with the hose. Turn it upside down and let it dry naturally.

We hope we’ve inspired you to get around to tackling your smelly wheelie with our guide to cleaning a wheelie bin. If you’d like to read more tips and interesting articles, check out the rest of our blog.