Written by Andrea Reviewed by Daniel

The Simple Bicarbonate Of Soda Trick That Keeps Your Bin Smelling Fresh

Let’s be honest: nobody wants to walk into their kitchen and be smacked in the face by the smell of last week’s leftovers. You know the one: that unmistakable, stomach turning whiff that seems to linger no matter how often you empty the bin. It’s enough to make you dread opening the lid, and it certainly doesn’t help when you’re trying to keep your kitchen fresh between deep cleans.

But what if we told you there’s a ridiculously simple trick that costs pennies and actually works? Say hello to bicarbonate of soda, your bin’s new best mate.

Table of Contents

Why Your Bin Smells (And Why It’s Not Just You)

Before we get into the solution, let’s talk about why bins smell so rank in the first place. It’s not rocket science, really. Food waste starts decomposing the moment it hits the bin, and that decomposition produces bacteria and gases that create those lovely odours we all know and hate.

Add in a bit of moisture from food scraps, maybe some juice that leaked from a packet, and you’ve got yourself the perfect environment for bacteria to throw a party. The warmer your kitchen, the faster this happens. And even if you’re religious about taking the bin out, those smells can cling to the bin itself, seeping into the plastic and making your kitchen smell less than fresh.

The problem is that most of us don’t have time to scrub out our bins every other day. Between work, family and everything else on your plate, who has the energy? That’s where this simple trick comes in.

The Bicarbonate Of Soda Solution

Here’s the beauty of this hack: it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner. Bicarbonate of soda (or baking soda, if you prefer) is a natural odour neutraliser. It doesn’t just mask smells like those fancy air fresheners do: it actually absorbs and neutralises them at the source.

All you need to do is sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda at the bottom of your bin before you put in a fresh bin liner. That’s it. Seriously. The powder sits there quietly doing its job, absorbing moisture and neutralising odours before they have a chance to take over your kitchen.

When you take out your rubbish, just add a fresh sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda before popping in the new liner. It takes about five seconds and costs next to nothing. A box of bicarbonate of soda is usually less than a quid at most supermarkets, and it lasts for ages.

How To Use This Trick Properly

Let’s break this down into the simplest steps possible, because honestly, it couldn’t be easier.

Start by emptying your bin completely. If it’s been a while since you’ve given it a proper clean, now’s a good time to do that. Just give it a quick rinse with warm soapy water and let it dry. Don’t worry if you can’t do a deep clean right now, as this trick works either way.

Once your bin is empty and dry (or at least mostly dry), sprinkle about two to three tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda across the bottom. You don’t need to be precise here. Just give it a good coating so there’s a visible layer covering the base.

Pop in your bin liner as usual. The bicarbonate of soda will sit between the bin and the liner, working away to neutralise any smells that try to escape. As your bin fills up throughout the week, the powder continues doing its job.

When it’s time to empty the bin, you might notice that the bicarbonate of soda has absorbed some moisture and clumped together a bit. That’s completely normal and actually shows it’s working! Just tip it out with the old liner (or tip it down the sink if you prefer), give the bin a quick wipe if needed, and add a fresh layer before putting in the new liner.

Why This Works Better Than Air Fresheners

You might be thinking: can’t I just use one of those bin freshener discs or sprays? Sure, you could. But here’s the thing: those products typically just mask odours rather than eliminating them. They’re also more expensive and often contain chemicals that you might not want around your food preparation areas.

Bicarbonate of soda, on the other hand, is completely natural, non toxic and safe to use anywhere. It’s the same stuff you use in baking (though you’ll probably want a separate box for your bin!). It works by chemically neutralising odours rather than covering them up with artificial fragrances.

Plus, it tackles moisture, which is often the root cause of bin smells. By absorbing excess liquid, it creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria to breed. Fewer bacteria means fewer smells. Simple as that.

Extra Tips For A Fresher Smelling Bin

While the bicarbonate of soda trick is brilliant on its own, there are a few other things you can do to keep your bin smelling even fresher between deep cleans.

Try wrapping particularly smelly items before they go in the bin. Things like fish packaging, meat trays or nappy bags can be double bagged or wrapped in newspaper before going into your main bin. This creates an extra barrier against odours and helps contain any liquids.
Empty your bin more frequently during hot weather. When temperatures rise, decomposition speeds up, which means smells develop faster. You don’t need to wait until the bin is full: if you notice it starting to pong, take it out early.
Keep your bin out of direct sunlight if possible. Heat accelerates bacterial growth and intensifies smells. If your bin is currently sitting next to a sunny window or near the cooker, consider moving it to a cooler spot.
Give your bin a proper clean every couple of weeks. You don’t need fancy products: just warm water, washing up liquid, and a splash of white vinegar will do the trick. Let it dry completely before adding your bicarbonate of soda and a new liner.
Consider using compostable or scented bin liners. While they’re not essential, they can provide an extra layer of protection against odours. Just make sure you’re still using the bicarbonate of soda trick underneath for maximum freshness.

Keep Your Kitchen Fresh Without The Fuss

At the end of the day, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh shouldn’t require hours of scrubbing or a cupboard full of expensive products. The bicarbonate of soda trick is one of those rare cleaning hacks that’s genuinely effective, ridiculously cheap and simple enough that anyone can do it.

It takes five seconds to sprinkle some powder in your bin, and those five seconds will save you from walking into a smelly kitchen every time you need to chuck something away. For busy people who just want their home to smell clean without spending ages on maintenance, this is the kind of practical solution that makes everyday life a bit easier.

Give it a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Your nose will thank you!

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