Alexei Volkov
Stained plastic containers can be unsightly and unhygienic, but there are several methods to clean them. It's important to note that some containers may not be suitable for hot water or microwaves, so it's best to check before cleaning. Some common methods for removing stains include using a mild bleach solution, vinegar, baking soda, hand sanitiser, sugar, lemon, and dish soap. To prevent stains, one can spray the container with an unflavoured cooking spray or a non-stick spray. For greasy containers, a second wash with dish soap is recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Baking soda, vinegar, liquid dish soap, bleach, hand sanitizer, soap, water, alcohol, lemon |
| Cleaning tools | Paper towel, cloth, toothbrush-style brush, twisted wire brush, UV lamp |
| Cleaning methods | Soaking, shaking, scrubbing, rinsing, drying, microwaving |
| Tips | Always rinse with tap water, then distilled water, avoid abrasive cleaners, use antibacterial soap, wash before use, avoid reheating certain foods, spray with nonstick spray, let food cool before placing in containers |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning with vinegar
Vinegar is an effective cleaning agent for plastic containers, particularly for removing tough stains and odours. It is also naturally antimicrobial, killing bacteria and neutralising persistent odours.
To clean a plastic container with vinegar, start by removing any leftover food items from the container. Then, give the container a preliminary rinse with hot water to remove any food remnants. Next, fill the container with vinegar, ensuring the vinegar covers any stained areas. Place the lid on the container and leave it to soak for at least 30 minutes. For heavier stains or messes, you can leave the vinegar in the container for up to 12 hours or overnight.
After the vinegar has had time to work, pour out the vinegar and scrub the container vigorously with a kitchen sponge and a few drops of liquid dish detergent. Finally, rinse the container with water and leave it to dry.
For diluted vinegar, mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one cup of hot water. This method is best for fresh stains that are not deeply set. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the vinegar solution to help brighten dull, discoloured plastic and improve the scent.
While vinegar is effective for cleaning plastic containers, it may not be worth the trouble for some, as the process can be time-consuming and may require multiple washes. Additionally, it is important to dilute vinegar with water for lighter stains to prevent the plastic from wearing down.
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Using baking soda
Baking soda is a gentle, natural ingredient that can be used to clean and deodorize plastic containers. It can help remove stains and odours, and is slightly astringent, which is useful when it comes to scrubbing containers.
To use baking soda to clean a plastic container, start by rinsing the container with warm water and dish soap to remove any food remnants. Next, sprinkle one to two tablespoons of baking soda into the container, adding just enough warm water to form a paste. The paste should be slightly thinner than toothpaste, so it spreads easily but is not runny. Smear the paste all over the stained areas of the container, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes. After this, wipe the paste around with a damp cloth, rubbing it well, then rinse with dish soap and warm water.
For stubborn stains, a thicker paste of baking soda and water can be applied to the discoloured plastic. Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it away. Alternatively, a cut lemon can be rubbed into the plastic, along with the baking soda, to deodorize and clean the container. For tea stains, simply coat the inside of the container with baking soda, moving it around until it reaches all sides, curves and nooks.
If the baking soda removes the stain but not the odour, crumple some newspaper, gently pack it into the container, and seal with the lid. Let the container sit for one to two days, then discard the newspaper and wash the container with hot, soapy water.
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Soaking in bleach
Soaking plastic containers in bleach can be somewhat controversial due to the potential risks and concerns associated with it. Bleach is a powerful chemical that can degrade certain types of plastics, particularly those not designed to withstand harsh chemicals. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the type of plastic used in the containers before considering the use of bleach. Most plastic dishes and utensils are labelled with a resin identification code, typically found on the bottom of the item. This code ranges from 1 to 7 and provides information about the type of plastic used.
Plastics labelled with codes 1 (PETE) and 5 (PP) are generally considered safe for use with bleach, as they are more resistant to chemical reactions. However, plastics labelled with codes 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), and 7 (other) are not recommended for use with bleach.
To ensure safety when soaking plastic containers in bleach, follow these guidelines:
- Check the resin identification code on the plastic containers to ensure they are safe for use with bleach.
- Dilute the bleach properly. A mild solution of 2 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water is recommended by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI). Other sources suggest using 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.
- Submerge the containers in the bleach solution and let them sit for a maximum of 2 minutes. Avoid prolonged exposure to bleach to prevent plastic degradation.
- Remove the containers from the solution and transfer them to a drying rack to air dry. Alternatively, rinse the containers thoroughly with clean water after disinfecting them with bleach.
- Ensure proper ventilation during the process and never mix bleach with other cleaners.
- Dry the containers completely before using or storing them.
It is important to note that while bleach can effectively kill germs and bacteria, its use on plastic containers requires caution and proper handling. Always refer to the specific guidelines and recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the bleach product for safe and effective use.
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Dish soap and paper towels
To clean plastic containers with dish soap and paper towels, first, wipe out any dried or sticky residue inside the container with a paper towel. Then, add a few pumps of liquid dish soap, a bit of warm water, and some torn-up paper towel pieces to your container. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 20 to 60 seconds. Finally, rinse the container with fresh, clean water and dry it with a kitchen towel or air dry it.
This method works because the paper towel pieces are supposed to absorb the grease and discoloration when you shake the soapy mixture. However, it may not be effective for old stains. For containers that stink, you can try a baking soda and water scrub (1 teaspoon of baking soda with one cup of water) or undiluted vinegar.
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Hand sanitiser
Plastic containers can get stained from leftover food storage, especially from tomato-based sauces. The stains on the containers are a result of oily food particles, which can be washed away with soap and water. However, sometimes, a more intensive approach is required.
To clean a plastic container with hand sanitiser, pour enough hand sanitiser into the container to cover the stain. Leave the hand sanitiser to sit for around 45 minutes to an hour. Then, wipe the container clean with a paper towel or a soft cloth. Finally, wash the container with hot soapy water and air dry.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the dirtiest side of the item facing the source of the water spray. Avoid stacking items together as water may not be able to reach tightly packed containers. Place plastic ware on the top rack so the force of the water won't flip them upside down.
For liquid stains, use a mild bleach solution made from 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach mixed with 1 cup of hot water. Let the stained plastic container soak for 40-45 minutes, then discard the bleach solution. Wash the container in hot, soapy water and let it air dry. You can also try using hand sanitiser, baking soda, sugar, lemon, denture tablets or Alka-Seltzer.
Always let food cool before placing it into plastic food containers. Avoid reheating tomato-based foods and foods high in fat in plastic containers. These types of foods are best stored and reheated in glass containers. Form a protective barrier in your plastic containers by spraying with non-stick spray before adding food.
