My bokashi bin turned into a science experiment overnight

I set up my bokashi bin last week and followed the instructions perfectly, layering food scraps and the bran stuff. The next morning I came out to find the spigot dripping this weird liquid that smelled like pickles mixed with a dead mouse. Turns out I forgot to burp the air out of the lid, and the whole thing was fermenting way too fast. Now I'm wondering if I can salvage the compost tea or if I just start over with a fresh batch. Anyone else had their bokashi bin go rogue on them like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

wendy729d ago

That pickle mouse smell is actually pretty normal for bokashi, you don't need to start over. The liquid is just fermented juice that happens when the pressure builds up from not burping it. Just let the gas out now by opening the lid a crack, then close it back tight. You can still use that liquid as drain cleaner or dilute it 1:100 with water for plants, but don't use it full strength or it'll burn everything. Your bin is fine, just check the spigot daily and burp it every few days going forward.

alex_king8d ago

1:100 is way too strong, I'd do more like 1:50 or even 1:30.