Ethan Clarke
Plastic containers are convenient for storing food, but they can also retain strong food odours such as onion, garlic, and chilli. This happens because food particles can remain in the container, releasing odours, and because plastic is porous. To prevent smells from developing, containers should be washed with soap and water after each use, dried completely, and stored in a well-ventilated area. If an odour remains, there are several methods to remove it, including airing the container out in the sun, using baking soda, charcoal, lemon, salt, vinegar, or coffee grounds, or masking the smell with vanilla.
Characteristics and Values Table for Removing Smells from Plastic Food Containers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash and dry | Wash with soap and hot water, then dry completely |
| Sunlight | Place in direct sunlight for a day or two with the lid open |
| Ventilation | Keep in a well-ventilated area |
| Airing | Open containers and remove items periodically to allow fresh air circulation |
| Charcoal | Place a piece of charcoal in the container for a day or two |
| Newspaper | Crumple up newspaper and stuff it into the container overnight or longer |
| Baking soda | Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda with 1 cup of water to create a paste, rub it inside the container, and let it sit overnight |
| Vanilla extract | Pour 2-3 tbsp of water and a few drops of vanilla extract into the container, seal, and let it soak for a few hours |
| Salt | Fill the container with warm water and salt, leave for a few hours, then rinse and air dry |
| Vinegar | Pour vinegar into the container and let it sit |
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What You'll Learn
Wash and dry containers, then place in direct sunlight
To get rid of smells from plastic food containers, it is recommended to wash and dry the containers, then place them in direct sunlight. This method is effective in removing odours and keeping your containers fresh and hygienic. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Wash the Containers
Firstly, thoroughly wash your plastic containers with soap and hot water after each use. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away any residual food particles and remove lingering odours. Make sure to clean the containers promptly after use to prevent food stains and odours from settling in. Always ensure that your containers are completely dry before storing anything to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to mould or mildew growth.
Place Containers in Direct Sunlight
After washing and drying your containers, it's time to utilise the power of the sun. Place the clean containers in an area that receives direct sunlight. Keep the lids open for maximum exposure and rotate the containers periodically so that all sides are exposed to sunlight. The ultraviolet rays from the sun help to break down and eliminate odours, leaving your containers fresh and odour-free.
Benefits of Sunlight
Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and deodoriser. It possesses antibacterial properties that can help sanitise your containers. Additionally, the heat from the sun can accelerate the evaporation of any remaining moisture, further reducing the chances of mould or mildew issues.
Other Tips for Odour Prevention
To prevent odours from developing in the first place, ensure that your containers are completely dry before storing any food items. You can also line the interior of the containers with a clean, odourless material, such as tissue or Ziploc bags, to create a barrier between the food and the plastic. Regularly check the condition of stored items and the containers to address any potential issues early on. Finally, remember to store your containers in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry area to maintain optimal freshness.
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Use a paste made of baking soda and water
If your plastic food container has an unpleasant smell, you can use a paste made of baking soda and water to get rid of it. Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer and great at absorbing lingering food smells. It can even neutralise acidic odours.
To make the paste, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water. You can also add a bit of vinegar to this mixture. Stir the mixture until it becomes a thick paste. Then, rub the paste onto the interior of the container, making sure to cover all the surfaces. Leave the paste to sit for a day or two, or leave it overnight to soak up the bad smells. Finally, wash the container with water and dish soap. Repeat the process if necessary.
You can also add a few drops of lemon juice or vanilla extract to the paste to help neutralise the odours.
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Use fresh or used coffee grounds
If you have a plastic food container with an unpleasant smell, you can use fresh or used coffee grounds to get rid of it. Coffee grounds are great at absorbing unpleasant odours.
Firstly, ensure your container is clean and dry. Then, place either fresh or used coffee grounds in the container. The grounds should be dry, so if you are using used coffee grounds, make sure they are completely dry before placing them in the container. Seal the container with the lid and leave the grounds to sit for at least a day. For stronger smells, you may want to leave the container for two days. You could also try placing the container in direct sunlight while the coffee grounds are inside, as the sun is also a powerful odour-fighter.
After a day or two, remove the coffee grounds and rinse out the container. You may need to wash the container with hot, soapy water to remove any remaining coffee residue.
If you don't have any coffee grounds, you could try using a piece of charcoal instead. Just put one piece of plain, food-safe charcoal into the container, seal the lid, and let it sit for one to two days. The charcoal will absorb the bad food smells, just like coffee grounds.
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Place containers in a well-ventilated area
Placing your containers in a well-ventilated area is a great way to prevent and get rid of smells. It is important to keep your containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Heat and humidity can increase odours, so keeping your containers in a cool, dry place will help prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which can cause unpleasant smells.
To get rid of smells, try placing the containers outside in direct sunlight for a day or two with the lid off and open for maximum exposure. This will allow fresh air to circulate and help eliminate odours. Rotate the containers periodically so that all sides receive direct sunlight.
If you don't have access to direct sunlight, simply placing the containers in a well-ventilated area with the lids off can still help to air them out and reduce odours. Open the containers and take items out periodically to allow fresh air to circulate.
To prevent odours from developing in the first place, make sure to wash your containers with soap and water after each use to remove any food particles and lingering odours. Use a soft sponge or cloth, and ensure that your containers are completely dry before storing anything new to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and mildew growth.
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Use lemon juice or a cut lemon
Lemon juice or a cut lemon can be used to effectively remove smells from plastic food containers. The citric acid in lemons helps to neutralise and remove odours. This method can also help to lighten any lingering food stains.
To use lemon juice, simply pour some into your plastic container and use a cloth or sponge to wipe it all over the interior surface. For a stronger effect, you can squeeze the juice of a lemon directly into the container and use the lemon halves to scrub the interior.
Alternatively, you can rub a cut lemon all over the inside of the container. Cut the lemon in half and use one half to scrub the interior of the container, squeezing the lemon as you go to release more lemon juice. You can also sprinkle a little salt or baking soda onto the cut lemon to create a natural scrubbing agent.
After using lemon juice or a cut lemon, rinse the container with water and leave it to dry in the sun if possible. The sunlight will help to eliminate any remaining odours and can also help to lighten food stains.
It is important to note that while lemon juice and cut lemons can be effective in removing smells from plastic containers, they may not be as powerful as other methods such as using baking soda or vinegar. For deeply ingrained odours, you may need to try a stronger method or repeat the process several times.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to get rid of smells in plastic containers. Here are some methods:
- Wash the container with soap and hot water, then leave it to dry in direct sunlight for a day or two.
- Place a piece of charcoal in the container, seal the lid, and leave it for 1-2 days.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water to create a paste. Rub the paste inside the container, let it sit for a day or two, then wash it out with soap and water.
To get rid of strong smells, try the following:
- Rinse out any large food particles, then leave the container outside in the sun for an hour or two. Then wash and clean as normal.
- Use a scrub made of lemon and salt/baking soda. Leave the container to dry in the sun, then rinse and dry again.
To prevent smells from building up, follow these steps:
- Wash containers with soap and water after every use.
- Ensure containers are completely dry before storing anything to prevent moisture from trapping odours.
- Store dry food items in Ziploc bags or line the container with a clean, odourless material like tissue paper.
