In every household, food preservation is extremely necessary to prevent food from spoiling, rotting, smelling bad, and harming the health of our family members. Using plastic food containers has become a commonly used method for preserving food because they are convenient, affordable, and protect food from bacteria. Despite the common use of plastic food containers, a significant portion of the population lacks the knowledge or understanding of proper cleaning and sanitization techniques for these items. Therefore, there are many questions raised upon using plastic container products: “How to clean plastic food containers properly?” These are some methods you can use to effectively clean plastic containers to eliminate stubborn stains and odors.
1. How to clean plastic food containers using vinegar
When it comes to cleaning plastic food containers, using vinegar is one of the most effective ways. It helps to remove dirty stains and food residues that often cling to plastic containers. Below are 4 easy steps to follow.
- Remove the lid and rinse the plastic food containers with hot water
After removing the lid from your plastic food container, make sure there are no leftovers of food inside. Start by giving the container a quick wash under hot water. Empty any remaining water by shaking the container and then set it aside on the kitchen counter. The hot water will help wiping out any dried or sticky remnants inside the container.
- Fill the plastic food containers with vinegar
Vinegar has proven to be an exceptionally effective cleaning agent when it comes to tackling stubborn stains on plastic food containers. Its acidic and antibacterial properties make it an ideal choice for removing a wide range of food residues and odors that often cling to these plastic containers. The amount of vinegar needed depends on the stain’s location. For stains concentrated at the bottom, a small amount (one or two inches) is sufficient. If stains extend up the sides, fill the container completely. To prevent spills, securely replace the lid. If you don’t have vinegar, you can try using alcohol or hand sanitizer, which also have acidic properties and will have the similar effect to vinegar.
- Wait while the plastic food containers soak with vinegar
While soaking, the vinegar’s acidity works to dissolve stains and eliminate stubborn smells. It also dissolves mineral residue from previous washes. Normally, the amount of time for soaking most plastic food containers will be half an hour. For particularly dirty containers, extend the soaking time to an hour or longer before scrubbing.
- Scrub the container with sponge
The acidic properties of vinegar will soften any remaining stains and these stains can be wiped out with a soft sponge. Avoid using hard devices like steel wool as they can leave scratches on your plastic food containers.
2. How to clean plastic food containers using baking soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile substance with many cleaning applications and often used to clean many items. Baking soda is a fantastic tool for removing stubborn stains and eliminating unpleasant smells. Its gentle abrasive quality also makes it effective for scrubbing plastic food containers.
- Make a mixture of water and baking soda
Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water to a bowl and mix all the ingredients well until you have a mixture with a toothpaste-like consistency. If the paste is too runny or thick, adjust it by adding more baking soda/ water to the mixture: to make it thinner, add more water; to make it thicker: add more baking soda.
- Apply the paste on the stains
After forming the paste, you should apply the paste on the stains. It is recommended to use a used toothbrush or cloth to coat the plastic food container with a thin layer of paste. It is recommended that you have a dried container so the paste will stick on the container more effectively.
- Leave the paste on the plastic
To clean the stains and remove smells effectively, you should leave the paste on the plastic food container and wait for the mixture to loosen all the residue that sticks to the container without the need for scrubbing. Normally, it would take about 30 minutes to 2 hours for the mixture to work, however, if you want to ensure the effectiveness of baking soda, leaving it overnight is the better option.
- Clean the paste with cloth or toothbrush
After waiting for the mixture to take effect, you can remove the paste with a toothbrush or cloth. After that, it is recommended to rinse your plastic food container with soap and hot water to make sure that the plastic container is clean and odor-free.
3. How to clean plastic food containers using bleach
Bleach is a dangerous chemical that can cause severe harm if swallowed or absorbed through your skin. While vinegar and baking soda are generally safe cleaning agents, bleach is a stronger chemical. Using bleach is only recommended if other methods fail, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gloves.
- Make a mixture of bleach and water and pour it into the plastic container
For one cup of water, add one tablespoon of bleach to form a solution. After that, carefully pour the solution into your plastic food containers. You should be really gentle to avoid any splashing or spills. Make sure to wear protective gloves at all times to avoid contact with the solution. After adding the bleach, seal the container tightly and give it a gentle shake. Set it aside and let the bleach tackle the stain. You should leave the container somewhere safe to avoid being mistaken for anything else.
- Soak the container for at least 2 hours
Bleach is a very strong chemical and it can remove the worst stains and odors. Therefore, if leaving the bleach inside the plastic containers for too long, the bleach can eat away the plastic, so make sure you set a timer so that the chemicals will not be inside for too long.
- Pour the mixture away and clean your plastic containers thoroughly
After letting the container soak in bleach, all of the stains and odors should be removed. Pour the mixture into the drain and clean the plastic food containers one more time with clean water and soap to remove any excess chemicals. Failing to rinse the plastic food container properly could lead to accidental bleach consumption, posing a health risk to your family. Ensure you wash it until there’s no bleach scent remaining.
With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing household plastics, I have shared with you some tips on how to clean plastic food containers effectively to remove stubborn stains and unpleasant odors. I hope this information will be helpful to you in using our products.
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