Not sure if DF will be ok with the open bucket. As its me who washes them, I guess I have to deal with it. But I have found the smell to be tolerable now, as I'm not opening the back door in the morning, letting sun into the laundry. So now the bucket is in the shade, its not smelling so bad. I put eucalyptus oil in the bucket, letting it drip around the rim, and that helps.