If you don't do this, you had better start08:24, 11 Jul 2026Bin juices. Two words that instantly make us recoil. But for many people, the smell, mess and dreaded leaks are part of the routine every time they empty the bin.Thankfully, Which? has shared handy advice in a TikTok that could stop the horrible mess - and a handy kitchen item you can place inside to soak up the smell. Talking about a "quick and easy way to clean a smelly food caddy", the experts urge people to always use a bag, and if you're not, to start using one.A bin caddy is a small container used to collect food waste. In many UK homes, it is kept under the sink or on a worktop. Inside, you put things like vegetable peelings, tea bags, coffee grounds, leftover food scraps and eggshells. When it’s full, you empty it into your outdoor food waste bin or council collection container.‌How to clean a food waste bin to stop bad smells and bin juiceContent cannot be displayed without consentA food waste caddy can quickly accumulate smells, spills, and “bin juice” if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Follow these simple steps to keep it fresh and hygienic.Step 1: Remove the linerIf you use a compostable bag or liner, remove it carefully and empty the contents into your outdoor food waste bin. Compostable liners are widely available from UK supermarkets and can make dealing with food waste much easier by helping reduce mess and leaks.Step 2: Remove any leftover residueCheck inside the caddy for any food scraps or sticky residue left behind. Use kitchen roll or paper towels to wipe away any leftover food waste, spills or “bin juice” before cleaning the inside properly.‌Step 3: Give it a thorough cleanSpray the inside of the caddy with a multipurpose cleaner and wipe all surfaces, including the lid and edges, where grime can build up. For a deeper clean, especially if your caddy has a strong smell or a build-up of liquid, soak it in hot water with washing-up liquid for a few minutes before wiping it clean.Step 4: Tackle stubborn smells‌If the caddy still smells, spray it with a disinfectant or leave it to soak with hot soapy water for longer. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.Step 5: Let it dry completelyAllow the caddy to air dry before adding a new liner. A dry caddy helps prevent moisture build-up and reduces the chance of unpleasant smells returning.Step 6: Add a fresh linerOnce the caddy is clean and dry, fit a new compostable liner and it’s ready to use again. Regular cleaning helps keep your food waste caddy fresher, reduces odours and makes emptying it a much less unpleasant job.A handy tip is to use "bicarbonate of soda to absorb some of these horrible smells", Which? suggests. This handy kitchen item is something you likely already have in your home, so just sprinkle it at the bottom of your caddy and wait for, well, no smell.