Alexei Volkov
Plastic containers are a convenient way to store food, but they can also absorb strong food odours such as onion, garlic, or tomato. To prevent this, it is important to clean containers thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place. However, if odours remain, there are several methods to remove them, including: using baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, charcoal, coffee grounds, salt, or sunlight. These methods can neutralise or absorb odours, leaving your containers fresh and ready to use.
Characteristics and Values Table for Removing Odors from Plastic Food Storage Containers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Label containers with storage dates, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, use tight-fitting lids, line with odorless material like tissue, use Ziploc bags |
| Cleaning methods | Wash with soap and hot water, scrub with lemon juice or a cut lemon slice, use vinegar and water solution, use baking soda and water paste, use charcoal, use newspaper, use salt, use coffee grounds, use vanilla extract, use sunlight |
| Maintenance | Know when to replace containers, avoid heat and humidity |
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What You'll Learn
Soak containers in baking soda and water
Soaking containers in baking soda and water is an effective way to remove odors from plastic food storage containers. Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer, and it's great at absorbing lingering food smells. It has alkaline properties, which make it effective at killing acidic odors. It also absorbs oils and grease, eliminating their odors.
To soak your containers in baking soda and water, start by filling your containers with warm water. Add a generous amount of baking soda—a teaspoon of baking soda in a container filled with warm water is a good starting point. If the odor is strong, add more baking soda. Stir the solution to dissolve the baking soda. Let the container soak in this solution for several hours or even overnight. Then, dispose of the solution and rinse the container with clean water.
For very stubborn smells, you may need to let the baking soda absorb the odor and then bring in an enzyme cleaner to fully break it up. You can also create a thick paste of baking soda and spread it inside the containers. Allow it to sit for an hour and then wash it clean.
Baking soda is a versatile odor eliminator that can be used in various scenarios, such as removing odors from laundry, compost bins, garbage disposals, and even raw fish. It is an inexpensive and safe option for maintaining a fresh and odor-free environment in your home.
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Use vinegar to disinfect
Vinegar is a well-known disinfectant that can effectively remove basic odors from plastic containers. It is a weak acid that is safe to use on plastic and can be used to disinfect and remove stains from plastic containers.
To use vinegar to disinfect and remove odors from your plastic containers, follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a container. Use distilled white vinegar, which is a natural, non-toxic cleaner, and dilute it with water to about 5% acidity.
- Soak a clean cloth or sponge in the vinegar-water solution and use it to wipe down the inside and outside of the containers. Ensure you cover all surfaces, including the lids, as a loose or broken lid can cause odors to settle faster.
- Let the vinegar solution sit on the containers for a few hours or even overnight. Vinegar can help neutralize odors and kill bacteria, but it may not be effective for strong smells or grease.
- After the soaking period, thoroughly rinse the containers with clean water to remove any residual vinegar smell.
You can also try using vinegar in combination with other odor-fighting methods. For example, if sunlight is available, rinse out any large food bits, then leave the containers in direct sunlight for an hour or two before washing them as usual. The sunlight will help to eliminate odors, and the vinegar will disinfect and remove any remaining smells.
Additionally, you can use vinegar as a preventative measure by regularly cleaning your containers with the vinegar-water solution to prevent strong odors from developing in the first place.
While vinegar is generally safe for plastic, avoid using it on certain materials like aluminum, copper, iron, stainless steel, and some types of stone countertops, as it can cause corrosion or etching. Always test on a small area first if you are unsure, and be sure to rinse the containers thoroughly after using vinegar to avoid any residual vinegar smell or taste.
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Air containers outside in the sun
Airing out your plastic containers in the sun is an effective way to remove odors. The sun's heat and UV rays can help to eliminate odors and kill bacteria. To do this, simply leave your containers outside in direct sunlight for a couple of hours with the lids off. This method is especially useful if you live in a sunny area.
However, it is important to note that heat can also increase odors, so you may want to first try airing the containers in a well-ventilated area that is cool and dry. Keep in mind that if your containers have loose-fitting lids, odors may persist as dust and odors can settle faster.
If sun exposure is limited in your area, or if you are concerned about potential damage to the plastic from UV radiation, there are several alternative methods you can try to remove odors from your plastic containers:
- Using baking soda: Mix baking soda and water to form a paste, then rub it inside the container. Leave it for a day or two before washing the container. Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer and can help neutralize acidic odors.
- Using vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in your container and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Vinegar has disinfectant properties and can effectively remove basic odors.
- Using lemon: Rub the inside of the container with lemon juice or a cut lemon slice. The citric acid in lemon juice is great at neutralizing odors and will leave a fresh, citrusy scent.
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Use lemon juice to neutralise odours
Plastic containers are a convenient way to store food, but they can also retain the scents and odours of the food they contain. This can be due to improper cleaning, leaving containers to be stored away before they are completely dry, or even just the nature of the food stored in them.
One way to neutralise these odours is to use lemon juice, which contains citric acid, a powerful odour neutraliser. To do this, simply scrub the inside of the container with lemon juice or rub a cut lemon slice around the interior. The lemon juice will help neutralise any unpleasant odours and will leave your container with a fresh, citrus scent. It can also help to lighten any lingering food stains.
If you don't have lemon juice, you can also use lemon slices or lemon rind, and scrub the interior of the container with a paste made from the lemon and baking soda. This method is also effective at removing odours and stains. After applying the lemon juice or paste, be sure to let the container air out and dry completely before storing it again.
Other methods to neutralise odours include using baking soda, vinegar, coffee grounds, charcoal, newspaper, and sunlight. It is also important to prevent odours from developing in the first place by properly cleaning and drying containers before storage and storing them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
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Store containers with tight-fitting lids in cool, dry areas
To maintain the longevity of your plastic food storage containers, it is imperative to store them in cool, dry areas. When not stored properly, plastic containers can quickly develop unpleasant odours due to the accumulation of moisture, providing an ideal environment for mould and mildew to thrive.
To prevent this, ensure the containers are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before storing them. Leaving the lids off until they are completely dry will help prevent moisture from getting trapped inside. Once the containers are dry, secure tight-fitting lids to keep the moisture out.
Store the containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid damp environments as they can promote moisture buildup, leading to mould and mildew issues. Basements and garages are generally suitable places for storage, provided they are not too cold as some containers can become brittle in extremely low temperatures.
Additionally, consider lining the containers with odourless materials like tissue or using Ziploc bags to store food items. This will provide an extra layer of protection against odour transfer to the plastic. Labelling the containers with the date of storage can also help you keep track of how long the food has been stored, reducing the chances of food spoilage and subsequent odour transfer.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent odours, ensure your containers are cleaned and dried properly before storing them. Store dry food items in Ziploc bags or line the interior of your containers with a clean, odourless material like tissue. Keep your containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
There are several methods to remove odours from plastic containers. You can try:
- Soaking the container in a solution of baking soda and warm water for several hours or overnight.
- Leaving the container in direct sunlight for a couple of hours.
- Placing a piece of charcoal in the container and sealing it shut for a day or two.
- Using lemon juice or a cut lemon slice to rub the inside of the container.
For stubborn odours, try making a thick paste of baking soda and spreading it inside the containers. Allow it to sit for an hour or overnight, then wash it clean. You can also try using white vinegar, which has disinfectant properties. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in your container, let it soak, and then rinse.
To prevent odours from returning, ensure you are cleaning your containers with hot water and soap regularly. You can also store your containers with a pinch of salt or a few sheets of crumpled-up newspaper inside to absorb any lingering smells.
