Five expert hacks to stop your bins from smelling this summer – are you storing yours all wrong?

Scottish Sun

13-05-2025

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THE warm weather can cause your kitchen bin to be emit unwanted odours.
To stop your leftover from marinating in the heat, experts have revealed five simple hacks to keep your bin smelling fresh all summer long.
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Cleaning experts have revealed the steps you can take to get your bin smelling fresher than ever (stock image)
Credit: Getty
Echo News spoke to a variety of cleaning pros and rounded up the top five steps to a fresh bin.
First, home cleaning company Method recommended emptying your bin every couple of days.
They added that this is especially necessary if you've just thrown away anything "particularly pungent".
"If you're dealing with food waste, consider getting a compost bin to separate out organic scraps and reduce bin stink altogether," they explained.
Ryan Kaila, who works as a waste and recycling expert for Kingfisher Direct, revealed another way to limit bad smells in your bin.
"Baking soda is a household item that can be used to reduce foul smells in the bin," he advised.
"Simply sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda in the bottom of the bin before placing a new bin liner in."
He explained that baking soda is effective in neutralising odour molecules in the air.
According to the expert, for this hack to work effectively, you should always wash your bin thoroughly beforehand.
Keeping your bins out of direct sunlight can also help prevent foul smells, says Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO of Cleaning Express.
I'm a cleaning expert, you're mopping your floor all wrong, all you need is a pair of socks
"First, try to keep your bins in the shade if you can, as this'll limit how hot they get," he explained.
"If it's not possible to move them, consider building a bin storage area that provides some shade."
He also suggested double-bagging particularly smelly items, including fish packaging, before throwing away.
You can also sprinkle in scented products along with baking soda, battling the bad odours.
Scented bin liners and bin fresheners are popular choices, while anti-bacterial sprays, such as Method's all-purpose cleaner, can also be added to a bin before adding a bin bag.
5 cleaning hacks
Say goodbye to ironing
Don't have time to smooth out the wrinkles of a shirt with an iron? Lenor's Crease Releaser makes wrinkles vanish - simply hang up creased items, give them a quick spritz and smooth against a hard surface.
Teabags for trainers
When trainers smell a little squiffy, pop a used (and still moist) tea bag inside and leave for about an hour. The tannins will seep into the sole of the shoe to fight nasty-smelling odours.
Remove limescale without scrubbing
When bathroom taps start looking a little grimy with limescale, slice a lemon in half and sprinkle on baking soda. Rub the fruit over the taps and with a gentle clean they will come up sparkling. Use a toothbrush to get in all the nooks and crannies.
Streak-free mirrors and windows
White vinegar is a handy secret weapon when it comes to keeping mirrors and windows streak-free. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Squirt then wipe with a microfibre cloth and voilà, clean glass in an instant.
Make your home smell amazing
For dust-free skirting boards, pour some fabric softener onto a cloth and give them a quick wipe. It will stop dirt collecting so quickly and, as an added bonus, make your home smell amazing.
Finally, you will want to ensure your bin remains dry as moisture can significantly increase bacteria levels, causing bad odours.
If you notice condensation inside your bin, wipe it down with a microfibre cloth before replacing the bin liner.
The experts at Method also recommend disposing of any food waste in sealed containers.
This helps to prevent the buildup of unwanted residue at the bottom of your bin, helping to keep things fresh and reduce unwanted smells.