Genius hacks for cleaning that gross-smelling FOGO compost bin: 'Good idea!'

If you're tired of battling decomposing smells wafting from your kitchen organics bin, the internet has come to the rescue with a plethora of creative solutions, thanks to the Mums Who Clean Facebook group.

One mum sought advice from the group to maintain her compost bin's freshness, and the people provided. Sharing a photo of her kitchen caddy on the countertop, she admitted while she was committed to using it, she was struggling to remove the persistent smell it creates.

"The only issue I have is keeping this clean. About once a week, I give it a good scrub out but can never get rid of the mould or stains."

The post received an overwhelming response, brimming with countless suggestions to keep your kitchen compost bin smelling fresh.

Some members shared the effectiveness of council-provided kitchen caddies with holes on top, preventing condensation and mould. These ventilated caddies not only reduce odour but also help food scraps dry through evaporation, making them a cleaner choice.

Meanwhile, the majority of the group raved about the convenience of using green compostable bags from councils. These eco-friendly bags are readily available from many local councils when you collect your kitchen caddy, or are available to purchase from stores like Bunnings.

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However, for others residing in states where councils don't allow compostable liners, they've had to get more creative.

One popular approach involved placing a lining of some sort at the base of the bin.

"We put a couple squares of paper towel directly in the bottom of the bin," one resourceful group member shared. "The paper towel helps absorb any moisture."

Another user shared a pro-tip that garnered plenty of praise, "I keep mine in the freezer, no smell!" They wrote, with another person sharing they too use the freezer for their food scraps, storing their waste in ice cream buckets, safely tucked away in the freezer until bin night, when they empty them out.

"The freezer is a good idea if you have the room!" Another group member replied.

Coffee lovers found their saviour in dried coffee grounds, which were suggested for use as a bottom layer in the bin, effectively neutralising unpleasant smells while also soaking up any liquid.

Others opted for another eco-friendly route, lining their bins with newspapers and emptying them every 2-3 days, rinsing with water to avoid adding detergents or chemicals to their compost.

For those seeking a natural scent solution, one user suggested spraying the bin with diluted clove oil after washing and allowing it to dry.

"Generally, a 1/4 teaspoon of oil of cloves to 1 litre of water is sufficiently strong to kill mould on most surfaces," the group member explained.

Another chimed in with a weekly dishwasher cleaning ritual, ensuring a clean compost bin.

Other inventive ideas included placing cotton balls with nil odour at the bottom of the bin, soaking it, and using Ajax powder for a thorough cleanse.

And if you're ready to take a more unconventional route, one user humorously proposed, "Buy some chickens, and then you don't need to worry about food scraps anymore!"

How Australia's States tackle kitchen waste

When it comes to handling kitchen waste in Australia, each state has its own approach to encourage sustainable practices.

In most states, you'll find the convenient caddy starter kit, complete with 150 compostable liners made to Australian Standards. These compostable liners are the key to capturing food waste effectively. Remember, steer clear of degradable or biodegradable bags as they may be made of plastic and won't break down into organic materials, defeating the purpose.

Aligned with the National Waste Strategy's ambitious target to halve food waste by 2030, the Federal Government has set its sights on providing all households with a FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bin by 2023. This move is poised to significantly reduce organic waste going to landfills.

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