Freshen a Smelly Bin
Eliminate bad smells from your kitchen or outdoor bin using bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and lemon peels. A quick weekly routine stops odours before they start.
Quick answer
Empty the bin completely. Scrub the inside with hot soapy water and a splash of white vinegar. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the base, add lemon peels and line with newspaper to absorb future smells.
A smelly bin attracts flies and makes your kitchen unpleasant. Most odours come from food residue and moisture trapped at the bottom. A deep clean and a few absorbent layers will fix it quickly.
What you’ll need
- hot soapy water
- bicarbonate of soda
- white vinegar
- lemon peels
- newspaper
- disinfectant spray
Step by step
- 1
Empty the bin and rinse it out
Take the bin outside if you can. Remove the bag and any loose debris. Rinse the inside with a hose or a bucket of warm water to clear the worst of the residue.
- 2
Scrub with hot soapy water and vinegar
Fill a bucket with hot soapy water and add 100 ml of white vinegar. Dip a stiff brush or cloth into the mixture and scrub every surface, including the lid and corners where grime hides.
- 3
Rinse and dry thoroughly
Tip out the dirty water and rinse the bin with clean water. Leave it upside down to drain and air-dry completely. Moisture breeds bacteria, so do not skip the drying stage.
- 4
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the base
Once dry, scatter two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda across the bottom of the bin. This absorbs smells and soaks up small leaks from the next bin bag.
- 5
Add lemon peels and line with newspaper
Drop a handful of lemon peels on top of the soda for a fresh scent. Lay two sheets of newspaper flat over the base before you fit the new bin bag. The paper catches drips and makes cleanup easier next time.
Never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners. The fumes are toxic. Ventilate the area if you use any strong products.
Common mistakes
- Putting a new bag in before the bin is fully dry
- Using too much water and creating a puddle under the bag
- Forgetting to clean the lid and hinges where bacteria collect
- Ignoring outdoor bins during winter when smells still build up
Frequently asked
How often should I clean my bin?
Clean the inside every week and deep-scrub it once a month. Wipe the lid and exterior regularly.
Can I use essential oils instead of lemon peels?
Yes. Add a few drops to the bicarbonate of soda before sprinkling. Avoid undiluted oils on plastic as they may stain.
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