Those black things in the lid of the kitchen compost bins

[AskBasil]

What are they? What do they do? And can I take it out and wash it?

I do. No idea what they are, but think they're intended to absorb the smells.

I thought that might be their function, but I always wonder why just an airtight lid wouldn't do the job just as well.

So do you find that washing them doesn't affect the smell absorbing function? And how do you wash them, by hand or in the washing machine?

We don't have anything in our lids. Am intrigued

I don't have these either

They're sort of like rough black/ grey felt. I don't know what they're made of

Charcoal filters to keep the wiffiness minimal whilst letting some moisture out.

Ah charcoal filters.

Am going to try hand washing it

I have a rather disgusting looking one in my kitchen compost bin - I noticed replacements for sale in the Lakeland catalogue, but haven't got round to buying them yet. HTH.

We have the Aldi version. The filter keeps smells in and fruit flies out. Just wash the filter in washing-up liquid and peg out. It shrinks over time but can be secured with elastic bands.

It works alright: ours is on the counter in blazing Aussie afternoon sun and never pongs.