As temperatures rise, many households face the unpleasant problem of smelly kitchen bins. Food waste decomposes faster in heat, leading to strong odours and attracting insects. Cleaning expert Nigel Bearman, director at Daily Poppins, explains that the biggest mistake people make is waiting until the bin is full before emptying it.
"A bin that seems fine one day can start smelling the next because heat speeds up bacterial growth," Bearman said. "If you're waiting until the liner is full before taking it out, you're giving those smells much longer to build up."
Why Bins Smell in Warm Weather
Food waste with high moisture content creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, especially when sealed inside a closed bin. The trapped heat and moisture accelerate decomposition, causing strong smells when the lid is opened. This environment also attracts insects such as ants and fruit flies.
Bearman noted: "People often think the lid is helping because it keeps smells inside the bin, but it's also trapping heat and moisture. That creates ideal conditions for bacteria, which is why the smell can be so strong when you open the lid."
The 5p Solution: Bicarbonate of Soda
Instead of masking odours with air fresheners, Bearman recommends a simple household ingredient that "costs pennies." He said: "One of the easiest tricks is to sprinkle a thin layer of bicarbonate of soda into the bottom of a clean bin before putting a fresh liner in. Most people already have it in the cupboard, and it's great at absorbing moisture and neutralising odours before they become a problem."
A pot of bicarbonate of soda costs as little as 65p at Tesco, meaning each application costs approximately 5p when replacing the bin liner. This natural ingredient effectively absorbs excess moisture and neutralises odour-causing compounds.
Additional Tips for a Fresh Bin
Bearman also advises emptying the bin more frequently during warm weather and giving it a weekly clean with warm, soapy water. He said: "If you've thrown away fish or meat, don't wait until bin day if you can help it. Taking those smells outside sooner makes a noticeable difference, especially when the weather is warm."
By following these simple steps, households can keep their kitchen bins smelling fresh without relying on chemical air fresheners or expensive products.
