How Bicarbonate of Soda Helps Keep Your Bin Smelling Fresh

Bicarbonate of soda is among the most versatile household cleaning ingredients, and controlling odours is one of its best-known uses. For that reason, many people put a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of the bin before fitting a fresh liner. This straightforward, low-cost tip can help lessen unpleasant smells caused by food waste over several days.

How does bicarbonate of soda help reduce bad smells?

Much of the smell from a bin comes from decomposing food scraps and moisture collecting at the bottom of the container. Rather than simply covering odours with a fragrance, bicarbonate of soda can neutralise some of them.

It may also absorb some of the moisture that gathers in the bin, making it harder for liquids to form and intensify unpleasant smells.

How to use bicarbonate of soda in the bin

The process takes only a few seconds. Before putting in a new bin liner, sprinkle a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda across the bottom of the bin.

Whenever you replace the liner, take the opportunity to quickly clean the container and apply a fresh layer of the product.

• Clean the inside of the bin
• Dry the container thoroughly
• Add a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda to the bottom
• Fit the bin liner as usual
• Reapply bicarbonate of soda with every liner change
• Give the bin a full clean regularly

What other ingredients can enhance this trick?

Some people add a few drops of lemon, lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to the bicarbonate of soda for a more pleasant scent. Another option is to place a small piece of kitchen roll over the bicarbonate of soda before fitting the bin liner, which helps keep the powder at the bottom of the bin.

It is also important not to leave organic waste building up for many days, particularly during hot weather, when decomposition happens more quickly.

• Change the bin liner frequently
• Clean the bin weekly
• Dry the container after washing it
• Avoid allowing liquids to collect
• Dispose of food leftovers promptly
• Use bicarbonate of soda whenever you change the liner

Is it worth using bicarbonate of soda in the bin?

For anyone looking for a simple, inexpensive solution, bicarbonate of soda can be a useful addition to a cleaning routine. Although it does not remove the need to sanitise the bin regularly, it can help control odours between cleans.

Used alongside good hygiene habits, this ingredient can make the space more pleasant and reduce the need for dedicated air fresheners.

A small habit that can make a difference in the kitchen

Putting a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of the bin takes less than a minute and may help keep the kitchen more pleasant. Combined with frequent rubbish disposal and regular cleaning of the container, this simple tip helps reduce bad smells without requiring expensive products.

With a few basic precautions and affordable ingredients, it is possible to keep the bin cleaner and the kitchen free from unpleasant odours for longer.