Maya Ellison
Whether you've found a vintage plastic pitcher at a thrift store or have one sitting in your cupboard, it's important to give it a good clean before use. The first step is to disassemble the pitcher and remove the filter. Then, wash the pieces with mild dish soap and warm water, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If there is mildew, use a mixture of white vinegar and water to scrub it off. Rinse the pitcher and let it air dry before reassembling. For disinfection, wash the pitcher with anti-bacterial dish soap and hot water, or soak it in a bleach-water solution. Do not use bleach if the pitcher is made of polycarbonate (PC).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning agent | Anti-bacterial dish soap, mild dish soap, vinegar, bleach |
| Cleaning tools | Brushes, sponge, dishwasher, microwave |
| Rinsing | Tap water, distilled water |
| Drying | Air dry, towel dry |
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What You'll Learn
Use hot water and dish soap
To disinfect a vintage plastic pitcher using hot water and dish soap, begin by disassembling the pitcher into its component parts. This will usually involve removing the lid and taking out the reservoir. Next, fill your sink with hot water and add some dish soap. You can use regular dish soap, but opt for a mild or non-abrasive variety if you're concerned about preserving the finish of your vintage pitcher. Soak the disassembled parts in the sink, using a sponge or soft cloth to scrub away any dirt, grime, or bacteria. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure a thorough clean.
After scrubbing, rinse the pieces under cool water to remove any soap residue. If your pitcher has an unpleasant odour or visible mildew, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water to address this. Combine equal parts vinegar and water, or one teaspoon of vinegar with one cup of water, and use a sponge to scrub away any mildew. Alternatively, you can spray mouldy areas with undiluted white vinegar, which will kill mould spores and remove stains. If your pitcher has a persistent odour, add baking soda to the vinegar solution. Allow this mixture to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Once your pitcher is free of mildew and stains, give the pieces a final rinse under cool water to remove any vinegar residue. It's important to ensure that all traces of soap and vinegar are gone before you reassemble the pitcher. After rinsing, place the parts upside down on a drying rack or dish towel to air dry. This will prevent moisture from becoming trapped inside the pitcher, which can lead to mould growth. Once all the components are completely dry, you can reassemble your vintage plastic pitcher.
While hot water and dish soap are effective for general cleaning and disinfection, you may also consider using other methods for a more comprehensive sterilisation. For example, you can soak the plastic components in a bleach-water solution (around 5 to 10% bleach) to kill bacteria. Alternatively, rubbing alcohol or grain alcohol can be used to disinfect the surface. However, always exercise caution when using chemicals, and be sure to rinse the pitcher thoroughly before using it again.
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Try vinegar to clean
Vinegar is a great option for cleaning and disinfecting vintage plastic pitchers. It is effective in removing different kinds of dirt, grease, and mildew, which can be challenging to get rid of using water alone. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use vinegar to clean your vintage plastic pitcher:
Prepare a Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. You can also use a ratio of one tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of water. Using a spray bottle will make it easier to apply the solution to the entire surface of the pitcher.
Apply the Solution
Spray the vinegar solution generously onto the plastic pitcher. Make sure to cover all the surfaces, including the handle and any crevices or ridges in the design. You can also pour the solution into the pitcher and let it sit for a more intensive clean.
Wipe and Scrub
Using a clean cloth, wipe down the pitcher to remove any loose dirt or grime. For stubborn stains or stuck-on residue, use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to scrub gently. If needed, reapply the vinegar solution to the cloth or brush and continue scrubbing until the stain is removed.
Rinse and Dry
Once you've removed all the dirt and stains, rinse the pitcher thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to remove any residual vinegar or dirt. Finally, dry the pitcher with a soft cloth. You can also let it air dry.
Additional Tips:
- While vinegar is a great disinfectant, it may not be as effective for removing tough stains on plastic. For stubborn stains, you might need to try other methods, such as baking soda paste or diluted bleach solutions.
- Always test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the vintage plastic pitcher first to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or damage.
- If you're dealing with heavy soiling, you may need to repeat the process or try a stronger cleaning solution, like diluted bleach.
- For complete plastic sterilisation, a bleach-water solution soak is recommended. However, always exercise caution when using bleach, and be sure to wear protective gloves.
By following these steps, you can effectively use vinegar to clean and disinfect your vintage plastic pitcher, removing dirt, grease, and mild stains.
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Bleach can be used, but carefully
Bleach can be used to disinfect a vintage plastic pitcher, but it must be done carefully. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can effectively kill bacteria and other organisms on surfaces. However, when using bleach on plastic, it is important to follow certain precautions.
Firstly, always use a diluted bleach solution. A common recommendation is to mix around 5 to 10 percent bleach with water. This diluted solution retains its disinfecting properties while minimising the potential negative effects of bleach on plastic. It is important to note that bleach should not be mixed with other cleaning agents, especially ammonia, as this can be dangerous.
Before using bleach, check that the plastic pitcher is suitable for disinfection. Some plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC), should not be cleaned with strong alkaline agents or bleach. Always check the manufacturer's instructions or look for a symbol on the product indicating whether it can be disinfected with bleach.
When using bleach, wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes. Do not leave the bleach solution on the plastic for longer than necessary, as prolonged exposure to bleach may damage the plastic. Rinse the pitcher thoroughly with clean water after disinfecting to remove any bleach residue.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while bleach is effective, there are alternative methods to disinfect plastic pitchers. Mild dish soap and warm water can be used for a basic cleaning, and natural alternatives like white vinegar or apple cider vinegar are effective at killing mildew and removing limescale without damaging the plastic.
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Disassemble and scrub
Disassembling your vintage plastic pitcher is an important first step in the cleaning process. Take the pitcher apart by removing the lid and separating the reservoir, or the piece that holds the filter. If your pitcher has a filter, discard it, as you should be doing this every two to six months anyway.
Once your pitcher is disassembled, it's time to start scrubbing. For proper plastic disinfection, wash all the pieces with antibacterial dish soap and hot water. The soap will immediately kill surface bacteria, but it may not guarantee complete sterilisation. Combine washing with another method, such as a disinfectant, for more effective results. Be sure to get into every nook and cranny to tackle germs and bacteria. Avoid using anything abrasive, such as scouring pads or strong alkaline cleaning agents, as these can damage the plastic.
If your pitcher has mildew, create a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water, or use apple cider vinegar if you don't have white vinegar on hand. Dip a sponge into the mixture and use it to scrub off the mildew. You can also use vinegar to naturally clean your pitcher without causing damage.
Rinse all the pieces with warm water, ensuring you get all of the soap out of each part before moving on. If you're going to use a disinfectant, now is the time to apply it. Commonly used disinfectants include alcohol, iodophors, and quaternary ammonium. For complete sterilisation, soak the plastic container in a bleach-water solution of about 5 to 10 percent bleach. However, be sure to check that the bleach you have is intended for disinfection and never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
Finally, let all the pieces air dry before reassembling your vintage plastic pitcher.
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Rinse and dry
Rinsing is an important step in the cleaning process. After washing your vintage plastic pitcher with soap and water, or vinegar, or bleach, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with tap water. Then, rinse it again with distilled water. This second step will ensure that all soap residue is removed, which is important because soap can leave a taste or odour if not thoroughly rinsed away.
If your pitcher has mildew, you will need to be more thorough with your rinsing. After scrubbing the mildew with vinegar, rinse the pitcher with warm water. Then, fill the pitcher with clean water and leave it to soak for several minutes. Pour out the water and repeat this process until the water you pour out is completely clear. This will ensure that all traces of vinegar are removed.
Once you have finished rinsing your pitcher, it is important to dry it properly. Turn the pitcher upside down and place it on a dish towel or drying rack. Leave it to air dry. If you wish to speed up the drying process, you can wipe the pitcher down with a towel, but this is not recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
To clean a vintage plastic pitcher, start by disassembling it and removing the filter. Then, wash the pieces with mild dish soap and warm water. If there is mildew, scrub it with a sponge soaked in a mixture of one teaspoon of white vinegar and one cup of water. Rinse the pieces and let them air dry before reassembling.
To properly disinfect a vintage plastic pitcher, wash it with anti-bacterial dish soap and hot water. For complete sterilization, soak the pitcher in a bleach-water solution of about 5-10% bleach. Alternatively, use a non-diluted alcohol rinse to disinfect the pitcher.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the plastic. Do not use strong alkaline cleaning agents if your pitcher is made of polycarbonate (PC). Do not put the pitcher in the dishwasher, as it cannot withstand high temperatures and may warp.
You can use anti-bacterial dish soap, bleach, or alcohol to disinfect a vintage plastic pitcher. White vinegar is also a natural, non-abrasive cleaning agent that can kill mildew and remove limescale.
