What Can I Put in My Wheelie Bin to Stop It From Smelling?

A smelly wheelie bin is one of the most frustrating household issues. Even if you empty it regularly, the combination of food waste, summer heat, bacteria, and moisture can quickly turn it into an unpleasant odor source. If you’re wondering what can I put in my wheelie bin to stop it from smelling, the good news is there are several natural, affordable, and commercial solutions that work incredibly well.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to stop your wheelie bin smelling, what causes the odour in the first place, the best products to eliminate bin smells, and how to prevent flies and maggots from taking over — especially in the summer.

Let’s dive into the most effective wheelie bin smells solutions, from natural bin deodorisers to commercial-grade cleaners and liners that keep your bin fresh all year round.

Why Does Your Wheelie Bin Smell So Bad?

Before we cover ways to stop bin smelling, it helps to understand what actually creates those nasty odors.

1. Food Waste Breaking Down

Food scraps are the biggest culprit behind wheelie bin odor. When scraps rot, they release powerful gases that get trapped inside the bin.

2. Bacteria Growth

Warm weather accelerates bacteria, which leads to that strong, sour smell.
This is why summer bin smell is often worse.

3. Liquid at the Bottom of the Bin

This is known as “bin juice.” It’s usually a mix of stale liquids, oils, and bacteria — and it smells awful.

4. Incorrect Disposal

Unwrapped meat, open food containers, and damp compost attract flies and create a strong bacteria smell in bins.

5. Lack of Airflow

A closed, moist environment helps odor molecules build up.

Once you understand the source, you can choose the best wheelie bin odor removal method to fix it.

What Is the Best Thing to Put in Your Wheelie Bin to Stop Smells?

Here are the most effective things you can put in your wheelie bin to eliminate smells instantly — including both natural and commercial options.

1. Baking Soda (Top Natural Odor Neutralizer)

If you’re looking for natural ways to deodorize your wheelie bin, baking soda is one of the best.
Sprinkle it at the bottom of your bin or inside the bin liner. It absorbs odor molecules and neutralizes them completely.

It works especially well for strong food waste smell.

2. Cat Litter (Powerful Odor Absorption)

Non-clumping cat litter is massively effective at absorbing moisture and odors.
Simply pour a thin layer at the bottom of your wheelie bin.

This is perfect for what to put at bottom of bin for odor control.

3. Vinegar (Natural Disinfectant & Deodorizer)

People often ask: Does vinegar work for wheelie bin smells?
Yes — it cuts through bacteria, kills odor-causing microbes, and neutralizes sour smells.

Mix 50/50 vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it after washing your bin.

4. Lemon & Citrus Peels

Citrus is a natural deodorizer that keeps your wheelie bin fresh.
It adds a pleasant smell and helps reduce bacteria.

5. Essential Oils

Add 10–15 drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemon essential oil to cotton pads.
Place them under your bin liner or inside the lid.

These oils are antimicrobial — great for wheelie bin hygiene and long-lasting scent.

What Commercial Products Work Best for Wheelie Bin Odor Removal?

If you want fast, powerful results, commercial products are extremely effective.

Below are the most recommended wheelie bin deodorizer products that homeowners use to keep their bins fresh.

1. Wheelie Bin Deodorizer Powders

These powders absorb liquid, kill bacteria, and leave a fresh scent.
Perfect for reducing food waste smell, especially in hot weather.

2. Wheelie Bin Cleaning Tablets

Drop a tablet into warm water inside your bin. These dissolve and release cleaning agents that deodorize and disinfect the entire bin.

They’re great for deep cleaning and long-term bin maintenance.

3. Bin Odor Absorber Blocks or Gels

Odour control gels last weeks and trap smell particles before they escape.

These are ideal for stop garbage bin smelling on a daily basis.

4. Scented & Compostable Bin Liners

Using scented bin liners or compostable bin liners reduces smells at the source by containing food waste securely.

5. Fly-Repellent Wheelie Bin Spray

These sprays keep flies away, reduce bacteria, and prevent maggots — essential for summer bin smell.

6. Biodegradable Odour Pads

Place these under your bin bag for continuous wheelie bin odor removal.

Natural Ways to Deodorize Your Wheelie Bin (Fast & Safe)

If you prefer eco-friendly options, these natural solutions work wonders for odor control:

✔ Baking soda
✔Vinegar cleaning spray
✔Lemon juice + hot water
✔Activated charcoal
✔Cat litter
✔Coffee grounds
✔Essential oils
✔Newspaper to absorb moisture

These solutions are cheap, safe, and perfect for households that want a greener approach to wheelie bin hygiene.

What to Put at the Bottom of Your Wheelie Bin for Odor Control

This is one of the most common questions from homeowners.
To stop odours at the source, place any of these at the bottom:

• Baking soda
• Cat litter
• Activated carbon
• Biodegradable odour pads
• Newspaper layers
• Wheelie bin deodorizer powder
• Bin odor absorber blocks

This prevents “bin juice” buildup and keeps your wheelie bin fresh between collections.

How to Stop Food Waste Bins from Smelling

Food waste is the biggest cause of wheelie bin odor. Here’s how to control it effectively:

1. Use Compostable Bin Bags
These reduce moisture and seal in smells.

2. Freeze Meat Until Collection Day
This prevents rot — the main cause of food waste smell.

3. Rinse Containers Before Throwing Them
Even a tiny amount of leftover food can stink up your bin within hours.

4. Add Lemon Peels Inside the Food Caddy
Great natural deodorizer that lasts for days.

5. Use Odor Absorber
Activated charcoal or commercial bin odor absorbers work extremely well.

How to Prevent Flies & Maggots in Wheelie Bins

A smelly bin attracts flies, and soon you get maggots.
Here’s how to stop maggots in wheelie bins:

1. Keep the Lid Closed

Prevents flies from laying eggs.

2. Use Fly-Repellent Wheelie Bin Spray

Repels insects and reduces bacteria.

3. Wrap Meat and Fish Scraps

These cause the strongest odors.

4. Add Salt After Every Bag

Salt kills maggots instantly.

5. Clean the Bin Weekly in Summer

This disrupts fly breeding cycles.

These simple steps can prevent a maggot infestation entirely — even in hot weather.

Wheelie Bin Cleaning Hacks & Maintenance Tips

If you want to keep your bin fresh long-term, follow these wheelie bin cleaning hacks:

• Rinse the bin after every collection.
• Use pressure washing for deep cleaning.
• Spray with vinegar or all-purpose cleaner.
• Dry the bin in sunlight to kill bacteria.
• Use a wheelie bin disinfectant for monthly maintenance.
• Always use liners — compostable or scented.
• Avoid throwing loose food waste directly into the bin.

These steps reduce bacteria growth and prevent long-term odor buildup.

How Often Should You Clean Your Wheelie Bin?

Many people ask this long-tail question — and it’s an important one.
To maintain wheelie bin hygiene:

• Clean every 2 weeks in winter
• Clean every 7 days during hot weather
• Clean immediately after spills or “bin juice” leaks
• Deep clean monthly with cleaning tablets or disinfectant

Consistent cleaning is the easiest way to stop garbage bin smelling year-round.

Best Tools & Products for Long-Term Wheelie Bin Odor Control

Here are the most effective commercially available solutions:

✔ Wheelie Bin Cleaning Tablets

Deep clean + deodorize in minutes.

✔ Wheelie Bin Deodorizer Powder

Absorbs moisture + adds fresh scent.

✔ Bin Odor Absorber Gel

Long-lasting odor control for 30–60 days.

✔ Compostable Bin Liners

Contain moisture and bacteria.

✔ Scented Bin Bags

Mask mild smells and make cleanup easier.

✔ Fly-Repellent Spray

Stops flies and keeps maggots away.

✔ Biodegradable Odour Pads

Perfect for continuous deodorizing.

Using these regularly will dramatically improve your bin’s freshness.

Conclusion: Here’s What to Do Next

If you’re tired of a smelly bin, now you know exactly what you can put in your wheelie bin to stop it from smelling — from baking soda and vinegar to powerful wheelie bin deodorizer products and odor absorbers that work instantly.

By combining natural methods with commercial solutions, you can completely eliminate bin odors, prevent flies, and keep your wheelie bin fresh all year round.

Whether you choose eco-friendly odor absorbers, compostable bin liners, or professional cleaning tablets, each solution helps you maintain long-lasting wheelie bin hygiene and a much cleaner-smelling home.

Frequenlty Asked Questions