Little-known kitchen staple that stops food waste bin odours

A common kitchen staple, often used in baking, could be the simple solution to help households tackle smelly food waste bins.

Bicarbonate of soda is the everyday cupboard item that’s being highlighted as an easy way to absorb unpleasant odours from food waste caddies. Thankfully, Which? has shared simple steps to follow to help tackle unpleasant smells and spills.

In its TikTok video, the experts discuss a “quick and easy way to clean a smelly food caddy.”

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.

How to stop bad smells and bin juice

A food waste caddy can quickly develop odours, spills, and bin juice if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Follow these simple steps to keep your caddy fresh, clean, and hygienic.

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.

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.

If the caddy still smells, spray it with disinfectant or soak it in hot, soapy water for longer. Rinse it thoroughly afterwards.

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.