Domakihub How to Clean a Recycling Bin and Keep It Odour-Free
A quick, effective deep-clean routine that removes stains, bacteria, and lingering smells.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A dirty recycling bin is more than an eyesore — in Greece's warm climate, food residue left on glass, cans, and plastic containers can turn a bin into a breeding ground for bacteria, flies, and persistent odours within days. The video above shows the full deep-clean process in action; this guide breaks it down into clear, repeatable steps suited to homes, holiday rentals, and hotel service areas alike. Follow this routine monthly and your recycling bins will stay fresh, hygienic, and ready for collection all year round.
Why Recycling Bins Need Their Own Cleaning Routine
Most people rinse their general waste bin but forget about the recycling bin — after all, the items going in are supposed to be clean. In practice, yoghurt pots, olive oil tins, wine bottles, and juice cartons always carry some residue, and over time that residue coats the inside of the bin, attracts insects, and creates the same unpleasant odours you were trying to avoid.
Holiday rentals and hotel service corridors face this problem more acutely because bin turnover is high and staff changeovers can mean cleaning steps are skipped. A dedicated monthly clean takes under 20 minutes and prevents the problem from compounding.
What You Will Need
You do not need specialist products. Gather: a garden hose or large bucket of water, washing-up liquid or an all-purpose cleaner, white vinegar, baking soda, a stiff-bristled brush or old toilet brush designated for outdoor use, rubber gloves, and a clean cloth or paper towels for drying.
For heavily soiled bins, a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) is effective. Always work outdoors or in a well-ventilated utility area, and never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners.
Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean a Recycling Bin
- 1
Empty the bin completely and rinse away loose debris
Turn the bin upside down and shake out any loose material — stray labels, bottle caps, or food scraps that missed the rinse stage. Give the inside a first rinse with a garden hose or pour in a couple of litres of water and swirl it around before tipping it out. This removes the surface layer of grime and makes the scrubbing step far more effective.
- 2
Apply your cleaning solution and let it soak
Add a generous squirt of washing-up liquid or all-purpose cleaner to the inside of the bin, then pour in about two litres of warm water. For odour control, add half a cup of white vinegar. Let the solution sit for five minutes — this loosens dried-on residue and starts breaking down bacteria without any scrubbing effort on your part.
- 3
Scrub every surface thoroughly
Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the interior walls, the base, and the underside of the lid. Pay particular attention to the corners and the rim, where liquid tends to pool and dry. If you notice staining from tomato sauce, wine, or oil, sprinkle a little baking soda directly onto the stain before scrubbing — it acts as a mild abrasive that lifts colour without scratching plastic.
- 4
Rinse thoroughly until no suds remain
Tip out the dirty water, then rinse the bin two or three times with clean water until all soap residue is gone. Soap film left behind can actually attract dust and insects, so a thorough rinse is worth the extra minute. Hose down the outside of the bin as well, including the wheels and handle if it is a wheelie bin.
- 5
Dry, deodorise, and reassemble
Stand the bin upside down in the sun to air-dry — sunlight is a natural disinfectant and Greece provides plenty of it. Once dry, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the base before returning any bin liners. This absorbs future odours between cleans. For rental properties, a baking-soda sachet or a few drops of tea-tree oil on a piece of kitchen paper left in the base keeps things fresh between guest changeovers.
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FAQ
- How often should I clean my recycling bin?
- A thorough deep clean once a month is sufficient for most households. If you live somewhere particularly warm, or if your bin collects food packaging frequently (such as in a holiday rental), clean it every two to three weeks. A quick rinse after each collection day takes only a minute and significantly extends the time between deep cleans.
- Can I use bleach to clean a recycling bin?
- Yes, diluted bleach (roughly 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) is effective at killing bacteria and removing stubborn stains. Wear gloves, work outdoors, and rinse the bin very thoroughly afterwards so no bleach residue remains. Never mix bleach with vinegar or any ammonia-based product, as the combination produces toxic fumes.
- Why does my recycling bin still smell even after I clean it?
- Persistent odours usually mean either the bin was not rinsed out completely after cleaning, or residue is still entering from inadequately rinsed items. Make sure recyclables — particularly plastic tubs, glass jars, and cartons — are emptied and given a quick rinse before going in the bin. Lining the base with a sheet of newspaper or a sprinkle of baking soda between cleans also helps absorb odour-causing moisture.