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

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

How does bicarbonate of soda help reduce unpleasant smells?

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

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

How should you use bicarbonate of soda in the bin?

The process is very easy and takes only a few seconds. Before putting in a new bin liner, scatter one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda over 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
• Put one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda in the bottom
• Fit the bin liner as usual
• Reapply bicarbonate of soda with every liner change
• Clean the bin thoroughly on a regular basis

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 to create 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 in the bin for too many days, particularly 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 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, low-cost solution, bicarbonate of soda can be a useful addition to their cleaning routine. Although it does not remove the need to clean the bin regularly, it helps manage 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 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 can help keep the kitchen more pleasant. Combined with frequent rubbish disposal and regular cleaning of the container, this simple trick helps cut down unpleasant smells without requiring expensive products.

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