Experts have shared a simple and inexpensive way to stop your bin from smelling in hot weather – and all you need is a common kitchen ingredient that costs as little as 65p
A common kitchen ingredient costing under £1 could prevent your bin from stinking during sweltering weather, experts claim. It has been recommended that people should try bicarbonate of soda, an everyday yet affordable kitchen essential (available for just 65p), by sprinkling the powder, an item that also has other uses, into the base of your wheelie bins.
This easy method can “neutralise many bad smells”, specialists explained, noting that foul odours wafting from our bins typically stem from acidic substances released when food waste breaks down.
The specialists explained that bicarbonate of soda acts as an alkaline which combats this issue, creating a chemical reaction that eliminates the stench.
They also highlighted that it can soak up what they termed “bin juice”, alongside other types of moisture.
Graham Matthews, waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, commented: “Keeping your wheelie bin clean reduces bad smells, germs, and stops pests. While it might not be the most glamorous job, spending time cleaning your bins every couple of months is a great way to stop insects like flies and maggots from taking over.
“There are some simple storage and disposal hacks that will prevent smells and pests at the source. Correct food waste disposal helps keep your bin clean, but it also means you’ll be doing your bit for the environment.”
Other handy tips to combat bin odours include keeping your bin in a cool, dry spot, making sure the bin lid is always closed, and disposing of food waste properly (in a separate food bin, biodegradable bags, or wrapped tightly before being put in the bin). Regular bin cleaning was also emphasised as crucial.
Bicarbonate of soda, often used in baking, has a multitude of other uses, especially when it comes to cleaning.
Healthline reports that it can be utilised for mouthwash, teeth whitening, as a deodorant ingredient, air freshener, for laundry whitening, kitchen and bathroom cleaning, carpet stain removal, and even silver polishing.
Kitchen items that can be spruced up using bicarbonate of soda include stained mugs, ovens, microwaves, grease stains, counters, drains, tiles and marble.
In the bathroom, this versatile ingredient can clean many common surfaces, such as sinks, baths, tiles, toilets and showers; all you need is baking soda and water.
Just mix the two ingredients into a paste, apply it to your chosen surface with a sponge or cloth, then wipe it clean after 15 to 20 minutes with a damp cloth.
Moreover, the publication suggests that not only can it improve the smell of your bins, but also your shoes. For this purpose, pour two tablespoons of bicarbonate into two cheesecloths or thin fabric.
All you need to do next is secure the cloths with string or an elastic band, and place them inside your shoes.
