My sister taught me this trick to remove musty smell from stored plastic Easter bins with 0 effort. Here's how it works. Full article

 

My sister taught me this trick to remove musty smell from stored plastic Easter bins with 0 effort. Here’s how it works

May 12, 2026 by admin

Every year, as Easter approaches, many of us find ourselves rummaging through our storage spaces to retrieve those beloved plastic Easter bins filled with cherished decorations and mementos. However, nothing can dampen the festive spirit quite like opening a bin and being greeted by a musty odor. This unpleasant scent can cling to your decorations, making them less enjoyable to display. Thankfully, my sister shared a genius trick with me that requires virtually no effort and effectively eradicates that musty smell.

With this simple method, you won’t need to spend money on fancy cleaning products or spend hours scrubbing your bins. Instead, you can tackle the problem with common household items and a few easy steps. In this article, I’ll share exactly how to implement this trick, why it works, and additional tips to ensure your Easter decor smells fresh year-round.

1. The Problem With Musty Plastic Easter Bins

Plastic storage bins are a convenient solution for organizing and storing holiday decorations, but they can develop a musty smell over time. This odor often results from a combination of factors such as trapped moisture, lack of airflow, and the natural breakdown of organic materials. Even if you think your bins are dry when you store them, changes in temperature and humidity can introduce moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Musty smells are not only unpleasant but can also cling to the items inside the bins. This can result in your Easter decorations smelling less than fresh when you finally take them out, which can be disappointing after a year of anticipation. Addressing the root of the problem is essential to ensure that your decorations remain as delightful as the day you packed them away.

2. The Simple Trick My Sister Swears By

The trick my sister swears by is remarkably simple and involves using a few household items: baking soda, a small dish or fabric bag, and essential oils if desired. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and can neutralize smells effectively without leaving behind any residue. By placing an open dish or a fabric bag filled with baking soda in your storage bin, you can absorb the musty odors.

For an added touch of freshness, you can mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the baking soda before placing it in the bin. This not only helps in absorbing odors but also introduces a pleasant scent. My sister recommends using lavender or lemon essential oil for a subtle, refreshing aroma.

3. Why Stored Plastic Totes Start To Smell Musty

Stored plastic totes develop a musty smell primarily due to the accumulation of moisture and lack of ventilation. Plastic is not breathable, which means any moisture trapped inside the tote remains there, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Over time, this can produce a musty odor that permeates everything inside the bin.

Additionally, organic materials such as paper, fabric, or even certain types of plastic can break down over time, releasing volatile organic compounds that contribute to the musty smell. The combination of stagnant air, moisture, and the breakdown of materials creates the perfect storm for unpleasant odors.

4. What You Need On Hand (No Special Products Required)

To execute this odor-eliminating trick, you only need a few items that are likely already in your home. You’ll need baking soda, which is renowned for its odor-absorbing properties. If you choose to add a scent, pick your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or lemon, which can provide a fresh fragrance.

In addition, you’ll need a small dish, bowl, or a fabric bag to hold the baking soda. These items are typically found in most kitchens or can be repurposed from other uses. The simplicity and accessibility of these materials make this trick not only effective but also convenient and cost-effective.

5. Step-By-Step: Set It Up In Seconds And Walk Away

First, start by ensuring your storage bin is empty and dry. This is crucial because any residual moisture can contribute to mustiness. Next, fill a small dish or fabric bag with about half a cup of baking soda. If you’re using essential oils, add 5-10 drops to the baking soda and mix well.

Place the dish or bag inside the bin, ensuring it’s stable and won’t tip over. If using a fabric bag, you can hang it from the lid or simply place it at the bottom of the bin. Close the lid tightly and store the bin in its usual place. The baking soda will begin to absorb and neutralize odors immediately, and you can walk away knowing your decorations are protected.

6. How The Trick Actually Works To Neutralize Odors

Baking soda works to neutralize odors through a chemical process in which it reacts with acidic and basic odor molecules, neutralizing them. This process effectively removes the odor rather than just masking it with another scent. The addition of essential oils can enhance this effect by introducing a fresh, pleasant aroma.

The porous nature of baking soda allows it to absorb moisture from the air, which is often the underlying cause of musty smells. By reducing the moisture level inside the bin, baking soda helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, further mitigating unpleasant odors.

7. How Long It Takes Before The Musty Smell Disappears

The time it takes for the musty smell to dissipate can vary depending on the severity of the odor and the conditions in which the bin is stored. However, most people notice a significant improvement within a few days to a week. The baking soda will immediately start absorbing odors, so you may detect a difference in scent within a day or two.

For persistent odors, it might be beneficial to replace the baking soda every few weeks or as needed. If you’re using essential oils, refreshing the scent every month can help maintain a pleasant aroma each time you open the bin.

8. Extra Tips To Keep Easter Decor Smelling Fresh All Year

To keep your Easter decorations smelling fresh all year, consider adding a sachet of dried lavender or another fragrant herb to the bin. This not only provides a natural fragrance but also has mild antimicrobial properties that can help inhibit mold growth.

Ensure that decorations are dry before storing them, and avoid storing bins in damp or humid environments. If possible, store bins off the ground in a well-ventilated area. Regularly airing out the bins and refreshing the baking soda and essential oils can also help maintain a fresh scent.

9. Common Mistakes That Make Storage Bins Smell Worse

One common mistake is storing items that are not completely dry, which introduces moisture into the bin and encourages mold growth. Another is neglecting to clean the bin itself before storage; dust and debris can contribute to odors over time.

Using too many scented products can also backfire, as overpowering scents can mix and create an unpleasant smell. It’s important to use a light touch with essential oils and avoid using multiple strong fragrances together.

10. When This Hack Isn’t Enough—And What To Try Next

If this baking soda trick isn’t enough to eliminate the musty smell, it might be necessary to conduct a deeper clean. Start by washing the bin with a mixture of vinegar and water or a gentle dish soap to remove any residues. Ensure the bin is completely dry before attempting to deodorize it again.

For persistent odors, consider using activated charcoal or silica gel packets, which are highly effective at absorbing moisture and odors. These can be placed in the bin alongside or instead of baking soda for enhanced odor