Why do you need to keep the HOTBIN clean?
Rodents and other pests are generally largely attracted to compost bins because they can smell a food source. By keeping the HOTBIN and its surroundings as clean as possible, you reduce the attraction for pests. You can take the following measures for this.
Adding waste
Be careful when adding waste to the HOTBIN. Small pieces can easily stick to the lid and around the edge of the HOTBIN. After you have added your waste, wipe the area immediately with a piece of kitchen paper (which you then add back to the HOTBIN). Check the outer walls of the HOTBIN while doing this.
Removing compost
Once your compost is ready, we recommend that you empty your HOTBIN completely. This takes about one month for good mulch quality, and three months for richer compost. We strongly advise against leaving the compost in the HOTBIN for longer than six months, as this can cause the HOTBIN to become anaerobic and start to smell. Not sure if your compost is ready for use? Then view the page What does HOTBIN compost look and feel like?
Once you remove the compost, clean up properly behind you. Some handy tips are:
- Place a tarp on the ground in front of the HOTBIN's harvest hatch before opening it, and use the hatch as a small table to sort out the coarser pieces;
- Use a plastic spatula to scrape the compost from the walls of the HOTBIN. Try to avoid metal tools as much as possible. Do you only have metal tools at hand? Then take good care not to damage the inside of the HOTBIN. Remove all loose compost particles inside the HOTBIN and on the edges of the harvest hatch.
Finally
Always wipe the inside of the HOTBIN with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive materials and the use of harsh chemicals. Also, do not use a high-pressure cleaner to spray the HOTBIN clean, as this can cause serious damage to the HOTBIN.
