Bicarbonate of soda, a common kitchen staple often used in baking, is being highlighted as an easy way to absorb unpleasant odours from food waste caddies, especially during hot weather. Which? has shared simple steps to help households tackle smelly bins and spills.
Why Food Waste Bins Get Smelly
A bin caddy is a small container used to collect food waste, such as vegetable peelings, tea bags, coffee grounds, leftovers and eggshells. Many UK households keep one under the sink or on a worktop before emptying it into an outdoor food waste bin. Without regular cleaning, a food waste caddy can quickly develop odours, spills, and bin juice.
How to Stop Bad Smells and Bin Juice
In its TikTok video, Which? experts discuss a “quick and easy way to clean a smelly food caddy.” Follow these six steps to keep your caddy fresh, clean, and hygienic.
Step 1: Remove Liner
If you use a compostable bag or liner, carefully remove it and empty the contents into your outdoor food waste bin. Compostable liners are available from most UK supermarkets and help reduce mess and leaks, making food waste easier to manage.
Step 2: Remove Leftover Residue
Check the inside of the caddy for leftover food scraps or sticky residue. Use kitchen roll or paper towels to wipe away any food waste, spills, or “bin juice” before giving it a thorough clean.
Step 3: Thorough Clean
Spray the inside of the caddy with a multipurpose cleaner and wipe all surfaces, including the lid and edges where dirt can build up. For a deeper clean, soak the caddy in hot water with washing-up liquid for a few minutes, especially if there is a strong smell or liquid build-up, then wipe it thoroughly.
Step 4: Stubborn Smells
If the caddy still smells, spray it with disinfectant or soak it in hot, soapy water for longer. Rinse it thoroughly afterwards.
Step 5: Let It Dry
Allow the caddy to air dry completely before inserting a new liner. Keeping the caddy dry helps prevent moisture build-up and reduces the likelihood of unpleasant odours returning.
Step 6: Fresh Liner and Bicarbonate of Soda
Once the caddy is clean and dry, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in the bottom to help absorb bad smells and keep it fresher. Then add a new compostable liner. Regular cleaning helps reduce odours, keeps your caddy fresh, and makes emptying it easier.
