Alexei Volkov
Food smells in plastic containers can be a nuisance, but there are several ways to tackle this issue. It's important to first note that improper cleaning and storage can lead to odours, so ensuring your containers are cleaned and dried properly before being stored away is key. If odours persist, there are several methods to try, including using baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, sunlight, and charcoal. Each of these methods can effectively eliminate food smells from your plastic containers, leaving them fresh and odour-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preventative Measures | Label containers with the date food was stored in them; keep containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; use tight-fitting lids; line containers with tissue or use Ziploc bags for storage |
| Cleaning Methods | Wash with soap and hot water; scrub with baking soda and water paste; soak in vinegar and water; leave in the sun; seal with crumpled newspaper inside; seal with a piece of charcoal inside; rub with lemon juice or a cut lemon |
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What You'll Learn
Use baking soda and water
Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer and can be used in multiple ways to remove food smells from plastic containers. Firstly, ensure that you rinse the empty container with cool water, as hot water can set in the odour. Next, fill the container with warm water and add a generous amount of baking soda. You can add at least a tablespoon of baking soda, and more if your container is large or particularly smelly. Snap on the lid and let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight.
Alternatively, create a baking soda and water paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water. Rub the paste inside the plastic container, then let it sit overnight to soak up the bad smells. In the morning, wash the container with water and dish soap. Repeat if necessary.
Another method is to first fill the container with water, then add a tablespoon of baking soda and gently massage it into the plastic with wet hands. Leave the mixture to sit for a few hours.
If your smell is from an acidic food, a base such as baking soda will help to neutralise the odour.
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Leave containers in the sun
Sunlight is a powerful tool for eliminating odours and lightening stains from plastic containers. If you want to try this method, start by rinsing out any large pieces of food from your container. Then, place the container outside in direct sunlight for a couple of hours. If you don't have access to outdoor space, you can also place the container on a windowsill in your home, with the lid off. For even better results, leave the window open so that fresh air can help eliminate the odours.
If you're worried about UV radiation damaging the plastic, you can try placing the container in a sunny spot for a shorter period of time, such as one hour.
After leaving your container in the sun, wash and clean it as you normally would. You can also do a sniff test before and after to see if the odour is gone.
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Use lemon juice
Lemon juice is a great natural remedy for removing food smells from plastic containers. The citric acid in lemon juice is a powerful odour eliminator and neutraliser, and it will leave your plastic containers with a fresh, citrusy scent.
To use this method, start by rinsing the container with lemon juice. Alternatively, rub a cut lemon slice or half a lemon all over the interior surface of the container. For a deeper clean, you can also squeeze some lemon juice into the container and add hot water. Let the solution soak for at least an hour, or even overnight for a thorough refresh. Finally, wash the container with dish soap and running water to remove any remaining residue.
Lemon juice can also help to lighten any lingering food stains, so it has multiple benefits for your plastic containers. It is a natural, non-toxic solution that is safe to use around food storage areas. You can also use lemon juice in combination with other natural deodorizers, such as baking soda, to create an effective scrub for your containers.
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Seal containers with newspaper
If you're struggling to get rid of food smells from your plastic containers, one effective method is to use newspaper. It may sound odd, but newspaper is excellent at absorbing unpleasant odours from plastic containers.
To start, take some newspaper and crumple it up into balls. You'll want enough newspaper to stuff your container quite full. Seal the container with the lid and leave it for at least a full day—the longer you leave it, the better the results. The newspaper will gradually absorb the lingering smells from the container.
If you're concerned about the newspaper potentially making a mess inside the container, you can wrap the crumpled newspaper in a thin tea towel or cloth before sealing the container.
After removing the newspaper, give the container a quick wash with dish soap and water to ensure that any remaining odours are gone.
This method is an excellent, natural way to remove food smells from plastic containers without using harsh chemicals. It may take a little longer than other methods, but it's a simple and cost-effective solution.
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Use vinegar and water
Vinegar is a great natural deodorizer and disinfectant. It can effectively remove basic odors and is especially useful for removing the smell of onions from plastic containers.
To use vinegar and water to remove food smells from plastic containers, start by mixing one tablespoon of white vinegar with one cup of hot water in the container. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Next, seal the container and let the vinegar solution sit for at least an hour, or several hours for a deeper clean. Finally, wash the container with some dish soap and running water to get rid of the vinegar smell.
Alternatively, you can place your plastic container in a large bowl and fill it with one cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Add water until the container is submerged. Soak the container in this solution for one to two days, then wash it in the dishwasher or with soapy water to get rid of the vinegar smell.
If you don't have white vinegar, you can also use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar (no need to use hot water for this method). Simply fill the container with the vinegar and water solution, let it sit for three to five hours, and then wash it out with dish soap and running water.
With any of these methods, the vinegar should neutralize odors and break up any lingering stains or grease.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods you can try. Firstly, always ensure your containers are cleaned and dried thoroughly. Then, try one of the following:
- Leave the container outside in the sun for a few hours.
- Place a piece of charcoal in the container, seal, and leave for at least 24 hours.
- Mix baking soda and water into a paste, rub it inside the container, and leave for a day or two.
- Soak the container in vinegar and water for a few hours, then rinse.
- Crumple up newspaper, stuff it into the container, seal, and leave overnight.
Onion smells can be tough to remove. Try rinsing the container, then leaving it outside in the sun for an hour or so. Then wash the container as normal.
Try using glass containers instead of plastic. If this isn't an option, wash the container, then crumple up newspaper and seal it inside with the lid for a week or two.
Always clean and dry your containers thoroughly before storing them. Ensure the lids are tight-fitting and store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Label containers with the date food was stored in them and use Ziploc bags to prevent odours from mixing.
Baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and charcoal are all natural deodorizers that can be used to remove food smells from plastic containers.
