Chloe Zhang
Plastic containers are a convenient way to store food, but they can also retain the scents of whatever was previously stored in them. This is due to the porosity of the plastic, which can absorb and retain odours. While a thorough scrub with soap and hot water can help, it may not always be enough to eliminate stubborn smells. Luckily, there are several effective methods to remove odours from plastic containers, including using natural deodorizers such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, charcoal, and vanilla extract.
How to Separate Plastic Storage Containers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for containers getting stuck | Pressure, humidity, friction, tight stacking, and temperature changes |
| Preventative measures | Use liners or dividers made of parchment paper, wax paper, or thin plastic |
| Separation technique | Place newspapers between containers, wait 2-3 minutes, and pull apart |
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What You'll Learn
Preventing plastic containers from sticking together
Plastic containers can become stuck together due to pressure, humidity, or friction, making them difficult to separate. The best way to prevent this is to avoid stacking the containers. However, if you need to stack them, there are several ways to prevent them from sticking together:
Use Spacers
Place something between the containers to prevent them from sealing together. This can include newspaper, paper, cloth, plastic tubing, a rag, folded paper, a short stick, or a piece of wood. You can also use a chunk of styrofoam insulation, old golf balls, or gravel. If you are using buckets, you can also use a red builder's brick as a spacer between each bucket.
Choose Containers from the Same Manufacturer
Plastic containers from the same manufacturer will have the same taper, height, and diameter, so they are less likely to wedge tightly together.
Use Liners or Dividers
Place a sheet of parchment paper, wax paper, or a thin plastic liner between the containers to reduce friction.
Avoid Overloading
Do not stack heavy items in the containers, as this can increase pressure and friction, causing them to stick together.
Store in a Dry Area
Keep the containers in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup, which can create a vacuum-like seal between the containers.
Choose Containers with Handles
Containers with built-in handles are easier to grip and separate, reducing the likelihood of them becoming stuck together.
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Using parchment paper or wax paper
Parchment paper and wax paper are both types of paper that can be used to absorb odours from plastic storage containers. To use this method, start by crumpling up some parchment paper or wax paper into a ball that fits comfortably inside your plastic container. Make sure the paper is tightly packed together to maximise its odour-absorbing surface area. Then, simply place the crumpled paper into the container, seal the lid tightly, and let it sit for 24 to 48 hours. The paper will work its magic by absorbing the unpleasant odours from your plastic container.
After the allotted time has passed, carefully remove the parchment or wax paper from the container. It should now be infused with the unwanted odours from the container. You may notice that the paper has changed colour or become slightly damp, especially if the container had a lot of moisture trapped inside. This is normal, and indicates that the paper has done its job of absorbing the unwanted smells.
It is important to note that the parchment or wax paper will now be considered dirty and should be discarded responsibly. Do not reuse the paper for cooking or other purposes, as it could transfer the absorbed odours or bacteria to your food or other items. Dispose of it in a trash bin, making sure to seal the bin securely to prevent any residual odours from escaping.
For an extra thorough odour removal process, you may want to repeat the above steps with a fresh batch of crumpled parchment or wax paper. This is especially effective if the container had strong or persistent odours. By running the process a second time, you can ensure that any lingering odour molecules are completely absorbed and eliminated.
Finally, once you are satisfied that the odour has been removed, give your plastic container a thorough wash with hot water and soap. This step is important to remove any residual odour particles or bacteria that may be remaining after the parchment or wax paper treatment. Wash the container as you normally would, making sure to scrub all the interior surfaces and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Your container should now be odour-free and ready for reuse!
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Temperature changes causing plastic to expand or contract
Plastic storage containers are a versatile and practical solution for organising your home, garage, or workspace. However, over time, these containers can become stuck together due to pressure, humidity, or friction, making them difficult to separate. One of the reasons for this is temperature changes, which cause the plastic to expand or contract.
When plastic storage containers are exposed to heat, the plastic expands, causing the containers to fit more tightly together. On the other hand, cold temperatures cause the plastic to contract, resulting in a tighter fit as well. This is why it can be challenging to separate stacked containers that have been stored for a long time, as the temperature changes over time can cause the containers to become locked together.
To prevent plastic storage containers from sticking together due to temperature changes, it is recommended to use liners or dividers between the containers. Parchment paper, wax paper, or thin plastic liners can be placed between the containers to reduce friction and the likelihood of them becoming stuck.
Additionally, it is important to understand the role of temperature changes in causing plastic to expand or contract. Heat causes the plastic molecules to gain energy and move more rapidly, increasing the distance between them and leading to expansion. On the other hand, cold temperatures cause the molecules to slow down and move closer together, resulting in contraction. This understanding can help in finding effective ways to separate stuck containers by manipulating temperatures to reverse the expansion or contraction process.
By utilising the knowledge of temperature-induced expansion and contraction in plastics, along with preventive measures such as using liners or dividers, you can effectively address the issue of stuck plastic storage containers. Remember to also consider the impact of other factors like pressure and humidity, and take preventive measures to ensure your plastic storage containers remain in good condition and easy to separate.
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Airing out containers to remove odours
Plastic containers are convenient for storing food, but they can also retain the scents of previously stored items. Odours can be particularly difficult to remove if containers are not cleaned or stored correctly, with food particles left inside, or if they are stored away before they are completely dry.
Using baking soda
Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer that can absorb lingering food smells. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water to create a paste. Spread the paste inside the container, focusing on any problem areas, and scrub gently. For more intense smells, let the paste sit overnight. You can also soak the container in warm water with one to two tablespoons of baking soda overnight before washing.
Using lemon
Citric acid is a powerful odour eliminator. To use this method, rub the inside of the container with lemon juice or a cut lemon. For extra strength, mix a quarter cup of lemon juice with a cup of water and soak overnight. You can also place a few lemon peels inside the container and let them sit overnight.
Using charcoal
Charcoal can be used to tackle tough odours. Place a piece of natural charcoal, without easy-light additives or mesquite, inside the container. Seal the lid and let the charcoal absorb the odour for a day or two.
Using sunlight
Place the container and lid outside in direct sunlight for a day or two. The UV rays will help break down odour-causing particles and naturally disinfect the plastic. Be careful not to leave the container out for too long, as sunlight and heat can fade or warp some types of plastic.
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Using liners or dividers to reduce friction
Plastic storage containers are a versatile and practical solution for organising your home, garage, or workspace. However, over time, these containers can become stuck together due to pressure, humidity, or friction, making them difficult to separate.
To avoid the hassle of separating stuck containers in the future, one can use liners or dividers. Place a sheet of parchment paper, wax paper, or a thin plastic liner between the containers to reduce friction. This is a simple and effective method to separate them without causing damage. Liners or dividers are also useful in preventing heavy items stored inside from compressing the containers and increasing friction between them.
Liners with a low coefficient of friction are ideal for reducing friction and enhancing material flow. For instance, REDCO™ UHMW LINERS offer a combination of excellent machinability and low surface friction with outstanding wear and corrosion resistance. Quicksilver™ UHMW-PE liners are another option, which can be self-installed or professionally installed.
In addition to reducing friction, liners can also provide other benefits such as thermal insulation, chemical resistance, and electrical isolation. For instance, Redco™ Tivar88® liners increase production by promoting material flow of congested materials due to their low surface friction. They are perfect for when you need to reduce or eliminate erratic material flow challenges.
Overall, using liners or dividers is an effective way to reduce friction and prevent plastic storage containers from sticking together. By placing a sheet of parchment paper, wax paper, or a thin plastic liner between the containers, you can easily separate them without causing any damage.
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