Cleaning expert at Marigold Alex Rorrison-Leech revealed the common household item everybody needs to help clean their kitchen bin. "There’s nothing worse than when you can smell the bin as soon as you walk into your kitchen," said Alex.

"For a deep clean that will rid your bin of odours, make a paste with some bicarbonate of soda and warm water," Alex shared. Bicarbonate of soda, also known as baking soda, is a common kitchen staple – especially for keen bakers. Yet the kitchen ingredient is a super cleaning agent that can be bought for as little as 59p in major supermarkets, such as Sainsbury's.

Once the baking soda and water paste has been made, all you need to do is "wipe down the insides of your bin using a durable microfibre cloth".

But, first, it's best to keep yourself protected against any germs you might encounter by donning a pair of cleaning gloves.

Alex said: "No one likes sticking their arm into a smelly, dirty bin, so make sure you keep them protected with gloves, such as the Marigold Stronger Bathroom Gloves, which feature long cuffs for that extra protection."

As for why baking soda is a key item everybody should use when cleaning the bin, Alex explained: "Bicarbonate of soda is a natural deodoriser."

Back to the cleaning instructions, Alex said: "Wipe off the solution with a damp microfibre cloth and, crucially, let the bin dry before you add a bag."

This is to avoid trapping excess moisture between the bin and liner, which could otherwise become a breeding ground for bacteria.

"An extra tip is to add a sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda to the bottom of your bin – it really helps eliminate odours," Alex stated.

"You can also add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender oil, to the bottom of your bin liner, to keep it smelling lovely."

Step-by-step bin cleaning guide

1. Wear protective cleaning gloves

2. Mix together baking soda and water to make a paste

3. Wipe down the bin with the paste on a microfibre cloth

4. Wipe off the solution with a damp microfibre cloth

5. Let the bin dry

6. Add some baking soda at the bottom of the bin, and/or an essential oil

7. Place the bin liner inside