5 Tips To Keep Bugs Away From Your Dustbins

Kitchen and wheelie refuse bins are a magnet for insects and bacteria. Follow these bin cleaning tips to keep them clean and smelling sweet.

In the kitchen

# Use a bin with a lid to contain bad smells and keep insects out.

# Wipe over daily using antibacterial spray cleaner and paper towels

# Once a week, wash and disinfect the bin thoroughly with hot water and a liquid disinfectant.

Outside your home

# Wheelie and dustbins are magnets for bacteria and insects. You can reduce this by rinsing out packaging such as tins and bottles, and squeezing air out of rubbish bags and tying them before putting into the bin (the lack of air slows down the decomposition rate).

# If possible, store outside bins in the shade to minimise smells and reduce the likelihood of attracting flies.

# Try smearing citronella oil around the lid of the bin if flies do become a problem.

# Wash outdoor bins once a month by squirting some bleach into them and half filling with water from the hose. Swill this around and leave to sit for an hour or so. Tip the dirty water into an outside drain and rinse the bin again, inside and out, with clean water. Turn upside-down to drain dry.