Why put bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of your bin?

Bicarbonate of soda is one of the most adaptable ingredients for household cleaning, and controlling unwanted smells is among its best-known uses. This is why many people sprinkle a spoonful into the bottom of the bin before fitting a fresh liner. The method is straightforward, inexpensive and may help minimise unpleasant odours from food waste over several days.

How does bicarbonate of soda reduce unpleasant smells?

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

It may also absorb some of the moisture that builds up inside the bin, making it harder for the liquids that worsen unpleasant smells to form.

How should you use bicarbonate of soda in the bin?

This technique takes only a few seconds. Before putting in a new bin liner, scatter one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda across the bottom of the bin.

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

• Clean the inside of the bin
• Dry the container thoroughly
• Add one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda to the bottom
• Fit the bin liner as usual
• Reapply bicarbonate of soda whenever the liner is changed
• Give the bin a full clean regularly

Which 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 towel 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 sitting for several days, especially during warm weather, when decomposition happens more quickly.

• Change the bin liner frequently
• Clean the bin every week
• Dry the container after washing it
• Avoid allowing liquids to collect
• Dispose of food scraps promptly
• Use bicarbonate of soda every time you change the liner

Is it worth using bicarbonate of soda in the bin?

For anyone seeking an easy, low-cost solution, bicarbonate of soda can be a useful part of a cleaning routine. Although it does not remove the need to sanitise the bin regularly, it can help manage odours between cleans.

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

A small kitchen habit that can make a difference

Adding a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda to the bottom of the bin takes less than a minute and may help keep the kitchen more pleasant. Combined with frequent rubbish disposal and periodic cleaning of the container, this simple trick helps reduce bad smells without requiring expensive products.

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