Wheelie bins get dirty — fast.
Between food scraps, leaking bags, summer heat, wildlife, rain, and weekly use, your bin can become one of the most unhygienic places around your home.
But when it comes to keeping it clean, many Australians wonder:
“Should I hire a professional bin cleaning service, or just do it myself?”
This 2025 comparison guide breaks down the pros, cons, costs, hygiene benefits, and which method suits your household best — plus how to keep your bin cleaner for longer.
Fix your wheelie bin problems permanently — add LidStop to your bin today.
👇 See the product below
What Professional Bin Cleaning Services Actually Do
A proper bin cleaning service typically includes:
- high-pressure washing
- detergent/degreaser application
- disinfectant treatment
- odour neutralising
- lid and hinge cleaning
- bin drying
- bin sanitisation
- maggot removal (if needed)
- exterior clean
Many services clean bins after collection, leaving them fresh, sanitised and odour-free.
Cost of Bin Cleaning Services in Australia (2025)
Average prices:
| Service Frequency | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| One-off clean | $15–$30 |
| Monthly clean | $8–$15 per bin |
| Fortnightly | $5–$10 per bin |
| Quarterly | $12–$20 per bin |
Prices vary depending on:
- location
- number of bins
- level of contamination
- maggot removal fees
For a household with 2 bins cleaned monthly, average yearly cost is $192–$360.
DIY Bin Cleaning: What’s Involved
DIY cleaning requires:
- hose or pressure cleaner
- disinfectant
- dish soap
- long-handled brush
- optional deodoriser
- gloves
The basic steps:
- Rinse
- Scrub
- Disinfect
- Rinse again
- Dry fully
- Add deodoriser if needed
DIY is effective — but requires time, effort and proper technique.
Comparison: Bin Cleaning Service vs DIY
✔ 1. Convenience
Service: Very convenient — done for you
DIY: Time-consuming, especially in summer
Winner: Service
✔ 2. Hygiene Level
Service: Deep sanitisation + chemicals + pressure wash
DIY: Good results if done thoroughly
Winner: Service
✔ 3. Cost
Service: $100–$360/year
DIY: Very low cost (just cleaning supplies)
Winner: DIY
✔ 4. Frequency Required
Service: Monthly or fortnightly
DIY: Every 4–6 weeks in summer, 6–8 weeks in winter
Winner: Tie
✔ 5. Environmental Impact
Service: Uses more water but cleans efficiently
DIY: Can be eco-friendly with mild detergents
Winner: DIY (slightly)
✔ 6. Odour Prevention
Depends far more on lid sealing than cleaning frequency.
Winner: Either — if lid stays sealed
✔ 7. Wildlife & Cockatoo Control
Both cleaning methods only work if the lid stays closed to prevent:
- flies
- maggots
- birds
- possums
- cockroaches
Winner: Neither — sealing the lid is what matters
Where LidStop Fits Into This
Most bin cleaning problems start because the lid:
- popped open
- lifted in wind
- was opened by birds
- didn’t close after overfilling
- allowed moisture, flies or odours to escape
LidStop dramatically reduces:
- maggots
- odour
- leachate
- wildlife access
- bin mess
- rainwater contamination
Which means:
- bins stay cleaner longer
- DIY cleaning becomes easier
- professional services are needed less often
LidStop is the “prevention layer” that keeps your bin area hygienic between cleans.
Cost Comparison Table
| Solution | Upfront Cost | Ongoing Cost | Effectiveness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Cleaning | $10–$30 supplies | Very low | Medium–High | Most households |
| Professional Cleaning | $15–$30 per visit | $100–$360 per year | Very High | Busy households, problem bins |
| LidStop + DIY | $20–$30 | Very low | Excellent | Anyone wanting long-term cleanliness |
| LidStop + Service | $20–$30 + service fees | Medium | Maximum | Elderly, families, high-use bins |
So… Which Option Is Best in 2025?
It depends on your lifestyle:
Choose DIY if:
- you’re comfortable cleaning your bin
- you want to save money
- you clean 4–6 weekly
Choose a Service if:
- you want a spotless bin
- you’re busy
- you dislike cleaning
- your bin has recurring odour/maggot problems
Choose LidStop (recommended for all households) if:
- you want your bin to stay fresh longer
- you want fewer maggots
- you want fewer smells
- you want zero wildlife access
- you want less cleaning overall
- you want to prevent overfilling gaps
LidStop + DIY cleaning is the most cost-effective, hygienic solution for 90% of homes.
FAQ
1. Are bin cleaning services worth it?
Yes — they sanitise and deodorise more effectively than DIY, especially in summer.
2. How often should bins be cleaned?
Every 4–6 weeks, more often in hot weather.
3. Does LidStop reduce how often I need to clean?
Yes — keeping the lid sealed prevents odours, moisture and flies.
4. Is DIY enough for hygiene?
For most households, yes — if the lid stays closed.
5. Can bin cleaners remove maggots?
Yes, most offer maggot-removal services.
