NewsUK NewsHomes and propertyIt's especially important to do it this summer03:11, 06 Jul 2026Consumer champions at Which? are urging households to take action before it's too late.‌Summer heat can quickly turn wheelie bins into a disgusting mess, and the smell can linger, making you feel pretty sick. Items like food scraps, warmer temperatures and trapped moisture create the perfect conditions for unpleasant odours, leaking residue and swarms of flies, which can quickly turn into maggots.‌A thorough clean is often the most effective way to remove stubborn smells and built-up grime. To help consumers, Which? has urged people to do a key task - clean.‌Which? recommends keeping your bin out of direct sunlight where possible, as heat can make smells stronger and encourage bacteria to build up