The Stillwater Compost Bin Ritual

A simple way to reset one of the hardest-working corners of the kitchen.

The compost bin is probably not the first place you’d expect to find a cleaning ritual. But it might be one of the places that needs one most.

Whenever I take out the compost, I give the bin a quick reset before putting in a fresh bag. It takes only a few minutes, and Stillwater has become my go-to for it.

First, I remove the compost bag and wipe away any liquid or debris that has collected at the bottom of the bin. Then I spray the inside generously with Stillwater and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it clean.

That little bit of contact time gives the formula a chance to do its work, while the cool botanical blend of lavender, eucalyptus and mint cuts through the lingering smell of food waste and leaves the bin smelling remarkably fresh.

There’s some interesting science behind the ingredients, too.

Witch hazel has a long history of use for its cleansing and astringent properties, and research on Hamamelis virginiana extracts has demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings. Lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils have also been studied for their antimicrobial properties, with eucalyptus and peppermint in particular showing activity against a range of bacteria.

We don’t position Stillwater as a disinfectant. It’s simply a thoughtfully formulated everyday cleaner. But I love knowing that the botanicals chosen for the formula bring more to the bottle than their scent alone.

And Stillwater is particularly good here. Lavender softens the experience, eucalyptus gives it that unmistakable sense of clean, and mint leaves everything feeling cool and fresh.

A compost bin will always be a compost bin.

But it doesn’t have to smell like one.

Remove. Wipe. Spray. Let it sit. Wipe clean.

One small ritual. A much fresher kitchen.