Help- my bin stinks!

[Corriewatcher]

Our main wheelie bin was collected today (not the "green" recycling one - but the one that has everything else in) and the whole road stank of bins for a while after. Our bin stinks along with others. I poured some hot water down it and let it drain, and then put a bit of disinfectant down. But it still stinks, and there are flies around it. There is some horrid sludgey stuff at the bottom that I have no real way of getting rid of (I'm not much taller than the bin!).

Anyone got any tips that help? It's not usually a problem. FWIW we have a new kitten that is confined to the inside, so I have had to empty the litter tray into the bin (but inside a plastic bag) - I doubt that has helped in the current heatwave.

Bleach and more hot water and the mop! Give it a good clean out and it should be fine.

Throw mop afterwards Yuck!

Should listen to my own advice

Unless you are tall enough, don't try leaning into the bin from above. Old ladies fall into their bins sometimes. Lie it down flat and you can hose or swab it.

A soft nylon-bristled broom is quite useful for swabbing as it does not absorb water or dirt like a mop and can be hosed clean or rinsed out.

I find a strong mix of hot water and GP cleaner will wash it, tipped in from a bucket or, if you have a watering can, you can direct it down the sides. I can swab mine easily when upright, then tip it over to pour out. If you have hose you can squirt it out, but lie it down first so the water runs out while you are squirting. If you use a hose when upright it may become too heavy for you to deal with. Leave it open to dry after washing, preferably upside down. Wash the inside of the lid if dirty. When empty, you can leave the lid open in heavy rain to help wash it.

absorbent material like scrunched newspapers or cardboard in the bottom will help absorb the bin-juice. Some foods break down and exude juice as they rot. Potatoes and meat are very bad for that, and stink.

Putting small amounts of stuff in small bags, knotted, and putting them in a big bag inside the bin will help reduce the leakage and maggots. Plastic sacks left by doorstep collectors are strong and free.

Gosh, that's really useful.

I swear you should have your own newspaper column, PigletJohn!

All rubbish here is double-wrapped in cheapest bags before going into bin - if bags are air-tight smell doesn't escape. Neutradol do a powder-sprinkler specifically for bins, about £1. PJ's right about washing system, do be careful - have only had to wash bins once, after maggots, it's worth taking time or maybe paying for cleaning service.

Thanks for the advice. I agree that there is material here for a newspaper column! Happy to report that my bin now smells much better!