Omar Khalid
Lunchboxes are a great way to carry meals, but they can often develop a pungent smell that is hard to get rid of. This is a common problem, and there are many ways to deal with it, such as using vinegar, potatoes, or lemons. However, the smell is usually a result of poor maintenance, and it can be avoided by regularly cleaning the lunchbox and ensuring it is dried properly. While buying a new lunchbox, it is also important to look for those that are BPA-free.
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent a lunchbox from smelling
Many new lunchboxes smell of plastic. However, there are several ways to prevent a lunchbox from smelling. Firstly, prevention is key. Encourage your children to throw away food scraps, empty bags, and wrappers at school, rather than keeping them in their lunchboxes, as this can cause smells to develop. It is also important to teach your children to wipe down the inside of their lunchboxes with a paper towel or napkin when needed. Leaving the lunchbox open when it is at home to air out can also help to prevent smells from developing.
If the lunchbox is already smelly, there are several ways to eliminate the odour. One method is to leverage the power of cold temperatures by placing the lunchbox in the freezer overnight. For stronger smells, a mixture of white vinegar and water can be applied to the inside of the lunchbox and left to sit for a few hours or overnight, before being rinsed and dried. Alternatively, a paper towel soaked in vinegar can be left in the closed lunchbox overnight, and then rinsed. For particularly stubborn smells, a mixture of cold water and vinegar can be left to soak in the lunchbox overnight.
Other methods to remove smells include sprinkling baking soda into the lunchbox, especially in any crevices, and leaving it overnight. Lemon juice and peel can also be used to clean and deodorize lunchboxes, as the citric acid in lemon peels is a natural deodorizer. Boiling lemon peels and leaving the water in the lunchbox for half an hour before cleaning can help to remove bad smells. Similarly, boiling water with cinnamon sticks and leaving the water in the lunchbox for ten to fifteen minutes before washing with hot water can help to eliminate smells, due to the antibacterial properties of cinnamon.
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Cleaning methods for plastic lunchboxes
Plastic lunchboxes can retain a strong odour, especially when food is left inside for long periods. To prevent smells, it is recommended to unpack the lunchbox as soon as you get home, wipe it over, and store it open to air.
Warm Soapy Water
Fill your sink with warm water and a small amount of dish detergent. Use a sponge or cloth to clean the interior and exterior of the lunchbox. Rinse the box with warm water to remove any soap residue, then pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure the lunchbox is completely dry before storing or using it again to prevent mould or mildew growth.
Machine Wash
Some plastic lunchboxes are machine washable. Check the care label for specific instructions. If it is machine washable, turn the box inside out and wash it on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cold water. Air dry it afterward.
Baking Soda
For persistent odours, place a small open container of baking soda inside the lunchbox overnight. Baking soda helps absorb and neutralise odours.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar
Lemon juice and vinegar have natural deodorizing properties. Use a few drops on a cloth to wipe the interior of the lunchbox. Alternatively, mix equal parts of vinegar and water and let the lunchbox soak in the solution for a few hours or overnight, then rinse thoroughly with water.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has antibacterial properties that help reduce smells. Put some water and cinnamon sticks in a vessel and bring to a boil. Pour the cinnamon water into the lunchbox and leave for ten to fifteen minutes. Afterward, wash the box with hot water and rinse well.
Preventative Measures
To prevent smells, insist that any leftover food is thrown out of the lunchbox immediately after use. Wash the lunchbox with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry.
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Washing machine as a cleaning method
A new lunchbox, especially one made of plastic, can sometimes have a strong plastic smell. This is not uncommon, and there are several ways to get rid of the odour. One method is to wash the lunchbox in a washing machine. This method is effective, and many people have reported success with it.
It is important to note that not all lunchboxes are suitable for washing machines, and one should exercise caution to avoid damaging the lunchbox or the machine. Firstly, check if the lunchbox has any specific care instructions from the manufacturer. Some lunchboxes may have removable parts, such as a plastic lining, that can be washed separately. It is also a good idea to check for any loose components that could come off during the wash cycle and potentially cause damage.
Before placing the lunchbox in the washing machine, it is recommended to wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any food residue or stains. If the lunchbox has a strong odour, you can try using baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to neutralise the smell. Sprinkle baking soda generously inside the lunchbox, focusing on crevices and corners, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Alternatively, you can soak the lunchbox in a mixture of cold water and vinegar, or use lemon juice to eliminate odours.
When using the washing machine, set it to a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water to avoid potential warping or damage to the lunchbox. Place the lunchbox inside a laundry bag or a pillowcase to protect it and provide additional gentle cleaning. You can also add a small amount of mild detergent to the wash cycle.
After the cycle is complete, remove the lunchbox from the machine and allow it to air dry thoroughly before using it again. Inspect the lunchbox for any signs of damage and ensure that all components are intact. If your lunchbox has a strong odour, you may need to repeat the process a few times or try alternative methods.
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Natural deodorizers to eliminate bad smells
The smell of plastic is often caused by strong-smelling food. This is because polypropylene, the material used in plastic containers, is porous and can absorb smells. Luckily, there are several natural deodorizers that can help eliminate bad smells from plastic containers.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a common kitchen staple that is highly effective in neutralizing odors. It absorbs acidic particles and balances the pH of an area. To use this method, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the container and let it sit for a few hours. You can also create a paste with baking soda and water and rub it inside the container to eliminate stubborn smells.
Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that works by breaking down and neutralizing odor-causing molecules. Soak the plastic item in a vinegar and water solution for about 30 minutes, and then wash it thoroughly to get rid of any remaining vinegar smell. For lunch boxes, you can also get a paper towel wet with vinegar, leave it in the closed lunch box overnight, and then rinse.
Lemon
Lemons are natural deodorizers and have a refreshing scent that can help eliminate unpleasant smells. To use this method, rub lemon on the inside of the container. You can also add lemon essential oil to a spray bottle and spritz it onto the plastic surface.
Newspaper
Newspaper contains carbon, which aids in absorbing odors. To use this method, fill the plastic container with scrunched-up newspaper sheets and close the lid tightly. Let the container sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours. Afterward, remove the newspaper and discard it, ensuring that the container is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
Other tips
- Activated charcoal can be used to eliminate odors.
- Exposing plastic containers to direct sunlight can help eliminate odors.
- To prevent lunch box odors, encourage your kids to throw out scraps and empty bags or wrappers at school and show them how to wipe down the inside of the lunch box.
- Leave the lunch box open when it's at home to let it air out.
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How to prevent stains on plastic lunchboxes
Plastic lunchboxes often smell of plastic when they are new, and they can develop unpleasant odours over time. They can also become stained, which can be off-putting when you're eating. Here are some tips to prevent stains on plastic lunchboxes:
Preventing Stains
To prevent stains on plastic lunchboxes, it is important to clean them regularly and thoroughly. Here are some steps to follow:
- Rinse the lunchbox with water as soon as possible after each use. Cold water won't effectively remove stains and grease, but it will make them easier to remove later.
- Use a tissue, paper towel, or newspaper to wipe out any grease or stains manually.
- Wash the lunchbox with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution. Avoid using harsh detergents and scrubbers, as these can be too abrasive for plastic.
- If there are still stubborn stains, create a solution of equal parts water and vinegar (one cup of water and one tablespoon of vinegar should suffice) and let the lunchbox soak in it for at least an hour or even overnight. Then, rinse and wash the box with dish soap to remove the vinegar scent.
- If you don't have vinegar, you can use lemon wedges or juice instead. Squeeze half a lemon and rub the juice all over the box, leaving it for about 15 minutes before rinsing and washing with soap. You can also mix lemon juice with a mild detergent.
- For tough stains, make a paste with baking soda and warm water and apply it to the stained areas. Leave it for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse with dish soap and warm water.
- If you have hand sanitizer lying around, pour enough of it into the container to cover the stain and let it sit for about an hour. Then, wipe the container with a paper towel and wash it as usual.
- Always ensure you thoroughly rinse and dry your lunchbox after each use and between washes to prevent stains and odours.
Preventing Odours
To prevent odours in your plastic lunchbox, follow these tips:
- Encourage your children to throw away food scraps, empty bags, and wrappers after each meal, rather than leaving them in the lunchbox.
- Wipe down the inside of the lunchbox with a paper towel or napkin after each use.
- Leave the lunchbox open when it's not in use to allow it to air out.
- Wash the lunchbox regularly with hot, soapy water, especially if it has been used to store foods with strong odours like fish or milk.
- Avoid microwaving strong-smelling foods like curry or sauces directly in the lunchbox; use a glass container instead, or line the box with aluminium foil.
- If the lunchbox develops a strong odour, soak it in a mixture of cold water and vinegar overnight, then rinse and wash with soap.
- If the smell persists, try using a sterilizing solution, or a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
- Wipe the lunchbox daily with a damp cloth and vanilla fridge spray to keep odours at bay.
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