Hot Israeli summers can quickly turn a home trash bin into a major source of bad smells, especially if a bag is torn, liquids leak to the bottom, or food scraps sit too long. The problem is worst in kitchen bins, utility balconies, and outdoor bins exposed to direct sun, where heat, moisture and food waste combine to create odor, even when the outside of the bin looks clean.
The article says a simple, inexpensive solution that has gone viral on social media is baking soda. After washing and fully drying the bin, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda on the bottom before inserting a new bag. Paper towels, newspaper or kitchen paper can also be placed underneath the bag to absorb small leaks before they become a smell problem.
Baking soda is effective because it helps neutralize odors rather than just covering them. The piece explains that many trash smells come from acidic materials breaking down, while baking soda is alkaline. It also stresses that moisture is part of the problem, since a wet bin bottom encourages bacteria and odor, so the bin should not be re-bagged immediately after washing.
Lily, who runs the Clean with Lily account, says in a TikTok video that she gives her bin a thorough cleaning once a week. She pours in water, adds a little detergent or scented disinfectant, scrubs, dries it well, then adds paper towels and baking soda. If desired, a few drops of essential oil such as lemon, tea tree or eucalyptus can be mixed in, but the main goal is prevention, not perfume. For especially stubborn bins, the article suggests making a small odor absorber in a clean sock or cloth pouch with baking soda, optional essential oils or dried citrus peel, and replacing it from time to time.
