The trash bin at home is one of the simplest tools of hygiene preservation in our everyday lives. They perform just one simple task. Consolidate all the waste we dispose of. For context, the average resident in Dubai disposes of 2.7 kilograms per day. The main problem here is not the task it performs, but dealing with the odour from the trash bin. This is especially the case when you’re disposing of a lot of biodegradable and organic waste in the bin. Luckily, there happen to be plenty of solutions to deal with this. Here are five simple life hacks to reduce odours from trash bins.
1. Baking Soda is a fantastic solution
Baking soda isn’t just for baking. It has natural anti-bacterial properties that make it capable of absorbing strong and pungent odours. All you need to do is sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda at the bottom of your bin before lining it with a bag. Every time you change the bag, replace the baking soda underneath it as well and you’re good to go. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution to trash bin odours that is readily available whenever you need it.
It’s scientifically proven! Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are the main source of unpleasant odours from plastic trash bins. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Chemical Engineering & Data found that baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) effectively absorbs volatile organic compounds by binding them to its porous surface.
2. Citrus is an organic solution to the problem
After peeling an orange or lemon, don’t dispose of the peels immediately. Their zesty essences are powerful against unpleasant odours and act as natural air fresheners. Toss a few peels alongside your bin liners or place a bowl filled with them near the garbage bin. The citrus oils combat unpleasant smells, leaving a refreshing, invigorating scent in their wake.
3. Ground coffee replaces odours with a mesmerising essence
Everyone loves the smell of ground coffee. And there’s always leftover ground coffee after every serving. It can continue to serve a purpose. Place a small bowl filled with used coffee grounds near your bin or sprinkle them directly onto the bottom of the bin before lining it. Cold coffee grounds usually tend to be even more effective against strong odours.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Environmental Science & Technology found that coffee grounds possess high adsorption capacity. This means they can effectively bind and trap odour molecules. The porous structure of coffee grounds provides a large surface area for odour absorption, making them a natural deodorizer.
4. Vinegar isn’t just a salad dressing or cleaning solution.
It features acidic properties which work wonders against unruly odours. It’s an incredibly capable deodorant against pungent smells coming out of your trash bin. Dilute some white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and mist the inside of your bin after emptying it. The vinegar neutralises bacteria and eliminates lingering smells, leaving your bin smelling fresh and clean.
5. Essential oils and aroma therapy products
Aroma therapy is exactly what it says on the table. Aroma therapy. Naturally extracted essential oils aren't just a form of aroma therapy but also strong shields against trash bin odours. Their rich, soothing essence effectively nullifies the strong and unseemly smell coming from trash bins. Harness the power of nature's essential oils to create a fragrant shield against bin odours. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a cotton ball and place it at the bottom of your bin. Alternatively, dilute the essential oil with water and mist the inside of the bin.
At the end of the day, the simplest way to deal with trash bin odours is to counter the strong, pungent smell with a stronger, more soothing aroma. But there are also some hygienic anti-bacterial measures you can take to avoid trash bin odours altogether. All it takes is some patience and perseverance. Use any of these five life hacks and your home will be odour-free in no time.
