Omar Khalid
Plastic containers are notorious for retaining unpleasant smells, especially if they are not cleaned or stored correctly. Luckily, there are several household remedies that can help eliminate these odours. Some common methods include using baking soda, white vinegar, charcoal, coffee grounds, salt, vanilla extract, and crumpled newspaper. While mildew smells can be challenging to remove, these simple solutions can help restore your plastic containers to their fresh and odour-free state.
How to get mildew smell out of plastic containers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Baking soda, vinegar, salt, charcoal, newspaper, vanilla extract |
| Cleaning methods | Soaking, scrubbing, sealing, airing out, using sunlight |
| Additional tips | Wash containers with soap and water after every use, dry containers before storing, store dry food items in an odorless material like tissue |
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What You'll Learn
Using baking soda and water
Baking soda and water can be used in a few different ways to get mildew smell out of plastic containers. One way is to mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of water to create a paste. This paste can then be rubbed onto the interior of the plastic container, left to sit overnight, and washed out with water and dish soap the next morning. This method can be especially effective at removing food stains and lingering food odours.
Another method is to fill the plastic container with water, add a generous amount of baking soda (at least a tablespoon, and more if the container is large or very smelly), put the lid on, and let it sit for an hour before rinsing and washing normally. This method can also be done by first wetting the lid and then sprinkling baking soda on it before putting it on the container.
A third way to use baking soda and water to remove mildew smell from plastic containers is to mix a cup of white vinegar with 1/4 cup of baking soda in a large bowl. Place the plastic container in the bowl and add water until the container is submerged. Let the container soak for one to two days, then wash it in the dishwasher or with soapy water to get rid of the vinegar smell.
Additionally, if the mildew smell persists after trying one of these methods, you can try sprinkling some baking soda over the container, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then washing it out again.
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Vinegar and baking soda
Alternatively, fill the container with water and add a generous amount of baking soda. Gently massage the baking soda into the plastic with wet hands and let it sit for a few hours. Then, rinse and wash the container with dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth.
To use vinegar, fill the container with a solution of 1 tablespoon (15 millilitres) of white vinegar and 1 cup (236 grams) of hot water. Let the vinegar solution sit in the container for at least an hour or several hours for a deeper clean. Wash the container with dish soap and running water afterward.
You can also use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. First, clean the container with a paste made of baking soda and water. Let it sit for a day or two, then wash the container. Next, add 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons of vinegar and fill the container with hot water. Let it sit for about 2 hours. Finally, put in a large pinch of salt or used coffee grounds, seal the container, and leave it for a day to absorb any remaining smells.
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Charcoal
Make sure to use plain charcoal, not mesquite or easy-light variations. You can put the charcoal directly into the container or make a little cup out of foil to hold the charcoal. The amount of charcoal needed depends on the size of the container, but generally, one piece of charcoal is enough.
After removing the charcoal, be sure to wash the container with dish soap and water. Charcoal is a great way to get rid of unwanted smells in plastic containers, but it is important to follow these steps to ensure the container is clean and safe to use for food storage.
In addition to charcoal, there are other methods to remove odors from plastic containers. For example, crumpled newspaper can be sealed in the container for a few days to absorb odors. Also, placing the container in direct sunlight for a day or two can help break down odor-causing molecules.
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Newspaper
To get mildew smell out of plastic containers, crumple up some newspaper and stuff it into the container. Put the lid on and leave it for 24-48 hours. The newspaper will absorb the unpleasant odours. Make sure to wash the container with dish soap and water afterwards, as the newspaper ink may stain the plastic.
For best results, combine the newspaper method with other techniques. For example, you can first wash the container with soap and hot water, then fill it with water, add a generous amount of baking soda, and leave it overnight. Rinse and wash the container the next day, then stuff it with crumpled newspaper and seal it for another 24-48 hours.
Additionally, you can leave the container open and place it outside in direct sunlight for a day or two. The sunlight will help break down odour-causing molecules. However, this method may not be practical for everyone, especially those living in apartments or without a yard.
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Airing the container
Airing out your plastic containers is a great way to prevent mildew smells from developing in the first place, and can also help to eliminate bad odours. Here are some tips to maximise the benefits of airing your containers:
Firstly, it is important to routinely check the condition of your containers and the items stored inside. Regularly opening your containers and allowing fresh air to circulate can prevent mildew from developing due to trapped odours. Always store your containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
If your container is already emitting a mildew smell, airing it out can still be an effective method of eliminating the odour. Remove any contents from the container and leave it open in a well-ventilated area. If possible, place the container in direct sunlight, as this will help to break down odour-causing molecules. Rotate the container periodically to ensure that all sides receive direct sunlight. Leaving the container open near an open window can also help, as the fresh air will displace the bad smells.
To further enhance the odour-eliminating effects of sunlight, you can also try airing your containers outside. Place the containers outside on a sunny day to benefit from the fresh air and the sun's natural odour-fighting properties.
By following these steps, you can effectively prevent and eliminate mildew smells from your plastic containers through the simple yet powerful method of airing.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several household ingredients that can help get rid of mildew smell in plastic containers. Here are some options:
- Baking soda and water: Make a paste with one tablespoon of baking soda and one cup of water. Rub the paste inside the container and let it sit overnight. Wash the container with water and dish soap the next day.
- Vinegar and water: Mix one cup of white vinegar with 1/4 cup of baking soda in a large bowl. Place the plastic container in the bowl and add water until the container is submerged. Soak for 1-2 days, then wash with soapy water.
- Charcoal: Place a piece of plain charcoal in the container and seal the lid. Leave it for 1-2 days.
Here are some tips to prevent mildew smell in plastic containers:
- Wash containers with soap and water after every use.
- Ensure containers are completely dry before storing anything new.
- Store food items with strong smells separately or in airtight bags.
Other methods to remove mildew smell from plastic containers include:
- Soaking a crumpled-up newspaper in the container overnight and then washing it
- Placing a pinch of salt in the container overnight
- Soaking the container in a solution of vanilla extract and water for a few hours
