Sofia Martinez
Keeping plastic food storage containers organised can be a challenge. Many people have a cupboard, drawer, basket or bin full of containers and lids that are difficult to keep in order. One of the main issues is that there are so many different brands of food storage containers, and none of them fit with any other, making stacking difficult. This can lead to clutter and frustration when trying to find a matching lid or container. However, there are several easy and affordable ways to organise your plastic food storage containers and save time and money.
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What You'll Learn
Stick to one type of container
Sticking to one type of container can be a great way to keep your food storage organised and efficient. It can be helpful to decide on a single style of container that suits your needs and stick with it. This can be a square, rectangular, or circular shape, depending on your preference and what fits best in your space.
There are a few benefits to this approach. Firstly, it eliminates the issue of mismatched containers and missing lids. With one type of container, you will always know that the lids are compatible, and it will be easier to stack and store them neatly. It can also save time when trying to find a container and lid that fit together, especially if you are in a hurry or have a lot of containers to choose from.
Additionally, sticking to one type can make it easier to replace containers as they wear out or get damaged. If you have a set of identical containers and one breaks, you only need to replace that single item, rather than buying a whole new set that may not fit with your existing containers. This can save money and reduce waste in the long run.
Finally, having a uniform set of containers can create a sense of organisation and calm in your kitchen. It can be visually appealing to see a neat stack of matching containers, and it may encourage you to keep the space tidy and organised. This can also make it easier to find what you need when cooking or storing food.
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Sort and match lids and containers
Sorting and matching lids and containers is a great way to organise your plastic food storage containers. It's a common problem: the lids seem to vanish, and the containers multiply! So, the first step is to pull out all your storage containers and match them with their corresponding lids. You may find that you have more lids than you thought!
Once you have matched sets, it's time to get rid of any containers that are past their best. Throw out any that are stained, missing a lid, or damaged.
Now, you can decide how to store your containers. One option is to keep the lids on the containers. This can help to prevent any musty smells or food odours from developing. You can also stack your containers with the lids on, with squares at the back and circles at the front, for easy access. However, some people prefer to store their containers with the lids off, to ensure they are completely dry after washing.
If you choose to store your containers with the lids off, you will need to find a separate storage solution for the lids. You could try a roll-up dish drying rack, placed on top of a small bin, to give the lids sections to slide into. Or, for a super-cheap option, cut the top and one corner off a cardboard box to create a magazine-style organiser. You can even decorate it with patterned paper! Small tension rods are another useful tool, helping to keep lids organised in a drawer, and preventing them from getting out of hand.
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Store with lids on
One of the most effective ways to organise plastic food storage containers is to store them with their lids on. This method might be surprising, but it can help keep your containers organised and your cabinet clutter-free.
First, pull out all your storage containers and match them with their corresponding lids. This step might help you realise that you have more lids than you thought! It is also a good opportunity to get rid of any containers that are stained, missing a lid, or are otherwise unusable.
If your lids are still a little damp after washing, consider storing them vertically in a basket or using a pegboard or drawer divider. This will allow them to air dry while staying organised. You can also place small pieces of paper towels inside the containers to absorb any mustiness or food odours.
When storing your containers with the lids on, consider the shape of the containers and how they can be stacked. For example, square or rectangular containers are great because they fit well in the fridge and can be easily stacked with lids on. Nesting containers are also ideal for stacking and storing with lids on.
Finally, consider using some organisational tools to maximise your storage space. For example, you can use a three-tier shelf or a magazine holder to sort and arrange your containers by size or type. You can also use undershelf baskets or wire baskets to store your containers and lids separately while making the most of your cabinet space.
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Absorb odours with paper towels
Plastic containers are very convenient for storing food, but they can absorb the smell of whatever you store in them. This can be quite unpleasant, especially if you plan to reuse the container for other foods. Luckily, there are several methods to absorb these odours, including the use of paper towels.
One way to use paper towels to absorb odours is to tear off small pieces and put them inside the container. This method also works with other types of paper, such as newspaper. Crumple or scrunch up a few sheets of newspaper or paper towel so they fit into the container easily, then put the lid on tightly and let it sit for 24-48 hours. The paper should absorb and soak up any mustiness or bad smells, leaving your container odor-free. Remember to give the container a quick wash with dish soap and water afterward, as the paper may have been dirty.
You can also try placing a pinch of salt in the container. The salt will absorb the odour overnight, and you can simply store it with the salt inside if you're not planning on using the container for a while. Just remember to pour the salt out before using the container again.
Another option is to fill the container with a solution of vinegar and water and let it soak. Use one tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar and one cup (236 g) of hot water, and let the solution sit in the container for at least an hour or several hours for a deeper clean. The vinegar will neutralize odours and break up any lingering stains or grease. Then, simply wash the container with dish soap and running water.
Additionally, you can try using baking soda, a powerful natural deodorizer that's great at absorbing food smells. Mix one tablespoon (17 g) of baking soda with one cup (236 mL) of water to create a paste, then rub the paste onto the interior of the container. Let it sit overnight, and wash out the container with water and dish soap the next day. Alternatively, simply fill the container with water, add at least one tablespoon of baking soda (more if your container is large or very smelly), and let it sit for an hour before rinsing and washing normally.
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Use a storage carousel
Using a storage carousel is a great way to organise your plastic food storage containers. It is a compact storage solution that can help keep your kitchen neat and tidy. The Spin N Store Swirl Around Carousel Organizer, for example, is a lightweight plastic Lazy Susan that can hold tons of containers in a small space. It is designed to fit perfectly in your kitchen cabinet, keeping your plastic storage containers and their lids neatly organised and within easy reach.
The carousel organizer is a functional and convenient way to manage your kitchen. It is a great concept, especially if you hate the jumbled mess of mismatched containers and lids. The carousel helps to keep your pantry and cupboards neat and tidy, with everything easily accessible.
However, some customers have mixed opinions about the value for money of the storage carousel. While some find it good for the price, others note that it feels cheaply made. The plastic used is thin and brittle, with the bottom parts prone to cracking easily.
If you are looking for a carousel organizer, it is important to consider the quality and durability of the product. The Spin N Store Swirl Around Carousel Organizer is a lightweight option, but it may not be the most durable choice. There are other carousel organizers available on the market that may offer a more premium feel and increased longevity.
Overall, a storage carousel can be a great way to organise your plastic food storage containers, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase decision.
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Frequently asked questions
First, pull out all your containers and match them with their corresponding lids. Throw out any containers that are stained or missing a lid. Then, decide on a system for storing them. You could store them with the lids on or off, depending on your preference. If you want to store them with the lids on, you can use a small piece of paper towel inside the container to absorb any odours. If you store them with the lids off, you can use a roll-up dish drying rack to keep the lids organised.
If you have limited space, it's best to stick to one type of container that stacks well. Square or rectangular containers are a good option as they fit well in the fridge and can be stacked neatly. You can also use a plate rack or an organisation carousel to maximise space and keep your containers organised.
You can use small tension rods to help keep lids organised in drawers. Another idea is to cut off the top and one corner of a cardboard box to create a magazine-style organiser for your lids. If you're feeling more ambitious, you can add pegboard to your drawers or cabinets to create separate compartments for your containers and lids.
