What to Do If Your Rubbish Bin Smells Terrible in the House
A smelly rubbish bin can quickly make your entire house feel unpleasant. The good news is that there are simple and effective ways to eliminate those bad odors and keep your home smelling fresh. Here’s what to do if your rubbish bin smells terrible.
In this guide:
1. Empty the Bin Regularly
One of the most straightforward ways to prevent bad smells is to empty your rubbish bin regularly. Leaving trash to sit for too long allows odors to build up, especially if you’ve disposed of food scraps or other organic materials.
- Take out the trash daily if possible, particularly in warmer weather when food decomposes more quickly.
- Use smaller trash bags so that you’re more likely to fill and empty them frequently, preventing odors from lingering.
2. Clean the Bin Thoroughly
Even with regular emptying, residue and spills inside the bin can still cause odors. To tackle this, it’s important to clean your bin thoroughly.
- Take the bin outside or to an area where you can easily rinse it out.
- Use hot, soapy water to scrub the inside and outside of the bin. You can use a sponge or scrub brush to get rid of any stuck-on grime.
- Rinse the bin thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely before putting in a new liner.
For a deeper clean, consider using a disinfectant or a mixture of vinegar and water to sanitize the bin and eliminate bacteria that cause odors.
3. Deodorize with Natural Ingredients
After cleaning, you can keep your rubbish bin smelling fresh by using natural deodorizers.
- Baking soda: Sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom of the bin before placing a new liner. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors.
- Charcoal: Place a small piece of activated charcoal in the bin to neutralize smells. Charcoal is also effective at absorbing moisture, which can contribute to odors.
- Citrus peels: Adding a few citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to the bottom of the bin can provide a natural, pleasant fragrance that masks bad smells.
4. Use Bin Liners and Bags
Using bin liners and properly sealing trash bags can help contain odors and make it easier to remove trash without spills.
- Double-bag particularly smelly trash, like food waste or diapers, to prevent odors from escaping.
- Ensure your bin liner fits well and doesn’t tear easily. Consider investing in high-quality, scented trash bags for an added layer of odor protection.
5. Keep the Bin Dry
Odors are often worse when there’s moisture in the bin, which can cause bacteria to grow and smells to intensify. Keeping your bin dry can help prevent this.
- Place newspaper or paper towels at the bottom of the bin to absorb any liquids that might leak from trash bags.
- Dry the bin thoroughly after washing it and before putting in a new liner.
6. Store Food Waste Separately
If your rubbish bin smells primarily because of food waste, consider storing food waste separately until you’re ready to take out the trash.
- Use a smaller, sealed container for food scraps that can be emptied more frequently.
- Compost: If possible, compost food waste to keep it out of your indoor rubbish bin entirely.
7. Consider Professional Help
If you’re struggling to keep your rubbish bin and the surrounding area clean, a professional cleaning service might be a good solution. Go Cleaners London offers domestic cleaning services that can help keep your home, including those tricky spots, fresh and odor-free.
8. Take Preventative Measures
Preventing bad smells before they start is the best way to keep your home smelling pleasant.
- Seal smelly items like diapers, food scraps, and pet waste in separate bags before throwing them in the bin.
- Empty small amounts of food waste directly into outdoor bins to reduce the risk of odors indoors.
- Regularly clean the area around the bin, including the floor and walls, to prevent spills and grime from contributing to the smell.
A smelly rubbish bin can be a nuisance, but with a few simple steps, you can eliminate bad odors and keep your home smelling fresh. Regularly emptying and cleaning your bin, using natural deodorizers, and taking preventative measures are all effective ways to manage odors. And if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Go Cleaners London for professional assistance to keep your home clean and pleasant.