A kitchen bin works every single day, so it needs regular care. Otherwise bacteria multiply quickly, unpleasant smells appear and in summer you may even find fly larvae.
Stainless steel bins look smart, but they easily pick up fingerprints, drips and greasy marks, and the pedal and lid start to squeak over time. Here is how to get your bin clean and shiny again.
What you will need
- rubber gloves, a non-abrasive sponge, microfibre cloths
- hot water and detergent or disinfectant
- baking soda
- an insect larvae treatment (if needed)
- WD-40 Multi-Use
- WD-40 Smart Straw for the pedal and lid hinge
Important: Never mix bleach-based products with vinegar or other household chemicals, as harmful gases are released. Wear gloves and ventilate the room. Do not use the abrasive side of a sponge on stainless steel, as it scratches.
Step 1
Wash the inside
Remove the bag and the inner bucket if there is one. Dilute your chosen cleaner in hot water: washing-up liquid, vinegar, baking soda or disinfectant. Scrub the walls and base thoroughly with a sponge, repeating until every mark is gone.
Finish by wiping the inside with a clean dry cloth: leftover moisture helps bacteria grow and causes smells.
Step 2
Prevent bad odours
Even after washing, a smell sometimes lingers. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom: it absorbs moisture and odours. You can also put a few drops of a scented product on a cotton ball and place it under the bag.
Replace the soda each time you wash the bin.
Step 3
Get rid of larvae
In warm weather, especially during a heatwave, fly larvae can appear at the bottom of the bin. Pour boiling water over the base, leave it for a few minutes and then empty the water along with the larvae.
Then wash the bin as in step one, dry it and treat the walls with a larvae product according to its instructions. Repeat the treatment a month later.
Step 4
Clean the outside
Wipe the outer casing with a soft cloth or the soft side of a sponge, dampened with soapy water or glass cleaner. Pay extra attention to the lid, handle and pedal, which are touched most often.
Wipe along the grain of the metal and dry straight away so no drops are left.
Step 5
Lubricate the pedal and lid
If the lid jerks open or squeaks, apply a little WD-40 Smart Straw to the lid hinge and pedal pivot through the thin straw. Press the pedal a few times to spread it and wipe away the excess.
The mechanism will work quietly and smoothly, and moisture from washing will not cause rust on the pivots.
Step 6
Bring back the shine
Shake a can of WD-40 Multi-Use, spray evenly over the dry casing and buff with a clean microfibre cloth. The stainless steel will have an even, streak-free shine.
The thin protective film repels water and dirt, so fingerprints and drips will be less noticeable.
Tip: To wash the bin less often, put a few sheets of newspaper or cardboard on the bottom under the bag: they absorb any liquid if the bag leaks.
What next
Wash the bin roughly every two weeks, more often in summer, and renew the shine and pedal lubrication once a month. The same routine works for your sink and other stainless kitchen appliances.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».