Cleaning experts have revealed a trick to keep your food waste from smelling this summer, and all you need is a sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda.
Since then New recycling rules Released in March, many of us are getting to grips with the new Food Waste Caddy. There are rules about when What can you put in the food waste bin?As the temperature starts to rise, unfortunately, they can start to stink.
If you don’t want to end Flies are attracted to your binYou need to know how to prevent food bins from smelling. Luckily, a simple cleaning trick involving bicarbonate of soda is all you need.
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How to stop food waste bin smell
Food isn’t the most glamorous of things, it’s true. Hauling smelly food waste into the big brown bin outside is one of my least favorite household chores, but keeping on top of your food waste hygiene makes the process easier (well, definitely less smelly).

(Image credit: Future plc)
Of course, you can pick up an odor-masking food waste bin. Many Ideal Home editors swear by it Joseph Joseph Food Waste Caddy (£34, Amazon)Which uses a ventilated design and filter to reduce moisture and odors. You can also pick up Charcoal filter for £6.99 on Amazonwhich sticks directly to your bin and absorbs bad odors.
However, you don’t have to part with your cash. A good, old-fashioned dose of bicarbonate of soda works just as well. Which luckily, most of us will already have in our cupboards.
‘When food waste bins are kept outside in the garden, hot weather can create odors very quickly. Heat speeds up how fast food breaks down, especially things like meat, fish and fruit peel,’ says Emma Mannion, cleaning expert. Surprised. ‘The most effective way to prevent odors is to focus on keeping the bin as dry and clean as possible. I recommend lining the base of the caddy with kitchen roll or newspaper, sprinkle the inside Bicarbonate of sodaand ensuring that food waste is well wrapped or sealed before it goes in.’
‘This works because it is preventative rather than reactive. Outdoor food waste bins are exposed to high temperatures, which means moisture and food residue build up quickly. Once the liquid collects at the bottom, the odor quickly becomes strong and difficult to migrate. By absorbing moisture and neutralizing odors early, you prevent odors from developing in the first place, rather than trying to mask them with fragrance later.’
Why do food waste bins smell bad?
Cleaning with bicarbonate of soda A good idea if you want to neutralize the smell. For this reason, it is also worth noting that your bin smells so bad, especially during the summer.

(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘When food waste sits in a hot, humid environment, it starts to release gases as it decomposes, and that’s the smell people notice. Dry materials like paper absorb more liquid, while cooler temperatures slow down bacterial activity. Something as simple as leaving the lid slightly ajar on the outside (if it’s safe to do so) can improve airflow and prevent the build-up of trapped odours,’ explains Nigel Bearman, a cleaning expert. Daily Poppins.
Along with adding newspaper or kitchen roll and bicarbonate of soda to the bottom of your bin, Nigel has a few additional tricks you can use.
‘Wash your food bins regularly with hot water and a mild disinfectant, especially in the summer, I’d say every few days if they’re being used a lot,’ he says.
‘Freezing particularly smelly items like meat scraps until collection day is another trick you can use if you have the space. Try not to let waste sit for too long; Emptying it little and often is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of the problem.’
No one wants a smelly bin or the pest problems that come with it. So, prevention is always better than cure in this case. Every time you empty your caddy, give it a quick rinse before adding kitchen roll and bicarbonate of soda. No more smelly bins for you.





