The dreadful smells that come from your bins this summer can be prevented with this clever hack that only costs you 65p, experts have shared their top tips in keeping your bins smelling fresh
Rising temperatures hitting the UK in their fourth heatwave of the year are causing more issues for UK homeowners. The nasty smells and pests in bins have increased due to the hot weather. The solution comes from waste management experts at Business Waste with their cheap hack costing a mere 65p to get rid of this foul problem.
Business Waste named some top tips to stop your bins smelling. The news comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment.
Charming Cornish town often ignored for more popular neighbour named among ‘best in UK’ ‘I tried Fox’s new pistachio flavour biscuits – there’s one thing you need to know’
Add bicarbonate of soda to the bottom of your bin (costs 65p)
Bicarbonate of soda neutralises foul odours. These bin smells are often caused by acidic substances released due to the breakdown of food waste. However, bicarbonate of soda is an alkaline and counteracts this, “creating a chemical reaction that neutralises the odour.” It can “also absorb “bin juice” and other moisture that creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria that may contribute to bad smells.”
Store your bin in a cool, dry place
Your wheelie bin should be out of direct sunlight if possible as it “will slow down the decomposition of waste” and limits the possibilities of these “bad odours developing.” Some people may have a bin store which is great option but others if they can should “look for a shaded spot on your property, preferably under shelter or in a garage.”
Always keep the lid closed
The lid should be closed to reduce the “amount of oxygen reaching your waste, which will slow down the aerobic bacteria responsible for breaking down waste and producing strong smells.” If kept open there will be an increase in bad odours. Bin lids kept closed will also prevent “pests and insects and rats from getting inside. These can contribute to bad smells by laying eggs and disturbing your waste.”
Dispose of food waste correctly
Waste food should ideally be composted or thrown away in a separate food waste bin. However, if that option is not feasible then making sure all “food scraps are sealed in biodegradable bags or wrapped tightly before being placed in the bin.” Food waste can be put in a “smaller, sealed container when you can and only transfer it to the larger bin closer to collection day.”
Clean your bin regularly and effectively
Using a bucket of warm water, a cloth and washing up liquid are perfectly fine to use to clean your bin. But if the bin has some stubborn stains and has gotten extremely dirty then these are the instructions to follow:
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 – when spraying water into the base, get rid of dirt from the sides too. Spray anti-bac all over the sides and leave it for as long as you need to allow germs to be killed. Then scrub the sides “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 – Wipe the underside with a cloth and warm water, spray it with anti-bac and leave it for a few minutes. Rinse the spray off with a sponge or a cloth and water and let it dry.
Whilst antibacterial sprays and bleach sprays are crucial to destroy germs, there are more eco-friendly options too. Water, white vinegar and lemon juice mixed together work just as well to use as a spray.
Graham Matthews, waste management expert at Business Waste shares whilst it is not the most fun job in the world to keep your bins clean, “spending time cleaning your bins every couple of months is a great way to stop insects like flies and maggots from taking over.”
These simple and cheap hacks “will prevent smells and pests at the source. Correct food waste disposal helps keep your bin clean, but it also means you’ll be doing your bit for the environment.”
