Smelly bins are a common problem that can make your home or workplace unpleasant. However, there are many effective ways to banish bad smells from bins for good. In this comprehensive guide, I will share my top tips for keeping bins fresh and odor-free.
Why Bins Smell
Before looking at solutions, it’s helpful to understand what causes bad smells in bins. There are a few key culprits:
Food Waste
Decaying food is one of the major contributors to bad bin odors. Food waste like fruit and vegetable peels, meat scraps, and leftover grease contain proteins and nutrients that bacteria and molds thrive on. As they break down the waste, they release smelly compounds.
Dirty Bin Interiors
Spilled liquids, leftover food residue, and grease on the inside of bins also encourages bacteria growth and bad smells. Even cleaning with water may not fully eliminate stuck-on messes.
Poor Air Circulation
Lack of air flow allows smells to concentrate inside bins and escape whenever the lid is opened. Small bins tucked in cupboards or tightly packed bins suffer from poor ventilation.
Infrequent Cleaning
When bins aren’t cleaned regularly, odors have time to build up. The longer waste sits, the worse it will smell.
Tips to Stop Bin Odors
Luckily, you can take simple steps to combat each odor culprit and keep bins smelling cleaner.
Reduce Food Waste
Reducing the amount of food waste helps lower smelly bacteria growth. Some tips:
- Plan meals to use all ingredients and avoid spoilage
- Store fruits/veggies properly to prevent molding
- Compost peelings and trimmings if possible
- Freeze leftovers instead of tossing
Empty Bins Frequently
Empty bins daily or every other day to limit waste buildup. Take out recyclables first, then food waste, then general trash last. Immediately replace trash bags.
Clean Bins Thoroughly
Wash bins with hot soapy water or bin cleaning spray weekly (or more if very dirty). Use a scrub brush on stuck-on gunk and rinse well. Also sanitize the lids.
Use Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda absorbs odors on the bin bottom before adding a new bag. It also deodorizes when mixed into the bag.
Line Bins
Use bin liners to prevent food juices and liquids from sticking to bin sides. Take out bag daily.
Allow Ventilation
Keep bins open when not in use. If storing bins in cupboards, drill ventilation holes or leave the door ajar. Avoid overpacking bins.
Air Out Indoor Bins
Take indoor bins outside periodically to air out. Sunlight and fresh air helps neutralize odors.
Use Scent Pouches
Place scented pouches or gels in bottom of bins to mask smells between cleanings. Change monthly.
Try Deodorizing Sprays
Mist the inside of bins with vinegar- or enzyme-based sprays to help break down organic matter and bacteria.
Switch Bins Regularly
Rotate 2-3 bins so one can air out while the other is in use. Bins absorb odors over time.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Bleach, ammonia and harsh chemicals may worsen smells instead of eliminating them. They don’t remove all waste.
Get Bigger Bins
Upgrade to a larger bin if yours overflows frequently. Ample room decreases odor buildup.
Use Odor-Blocking Bags
Invest in scented, odor-blocking bags to contain smells. Take out bags when 3/4 full.
Install a Lid
Covered bins contain odors better than open bins. Get a flip or swing lid.
When to Call a Professional
If DIY solutions haven’t conquered persistent rotten stenches coming from your bins, it may be time to call a waste management company. They can fully disinfect bins and deodorize them.
Conclusion
Following these tips will help you successfully reduce unpleasant smells coming from indoor and outdoor rubbish bins. Small habits like taking out the garbage daily, cleaning bins weekly, allowing airflow, and using deodorizers can make a big difference in keeping bins fresh. Implement a combination of these odor-fighting solutions and you’ll be able to banish bad bin smells for good.