Maya Ellison
Getting rid of odours from plastic containers can be tricky, but there are a few methods that can help. One common suggestion is to use baking soda, which involves filling the container with water, adding a tablespoon of baking soda, and leaving it for an hour before rinsing and washing. Another method is to utilise the sun's UV rays by placing the container outside in direct sunlight for a couple of days, or spraying it with vodka and letting it dry in the sun. Alternatively, some people recommend using coffee grounds or whole coffee beans, allowing the beans to sit in the container for a few days to absorb the odour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Using charcoal | Throw a piece of charcoal in the container, seal it, and leave it for a day or two |
| Place charcoal in a glass dish/shot glass inside the container | |
| Sunlight | Leave the open container and lid outside in direct sunlight for a day or two |
| Spraying vodka on the container and letting it dry in the sun | |
| Baking soda | Fill the container with water and add a tablespoon of baking soda |
| Wet the lid, sprinkle on some baking soda, wait an hour, then rinse and wash | |
| Coffee grounds | Clean with baking soda and vinegar, then put in the coffee grounds and leave overnight |
| Lemon | Rub the container with a cut lemon |
| Bleach | Bleach the container and let it sit overnight |
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What You'll Learn
Soak containers in a baking soda and vinegar solution
Soaking containers in a baking soda and vinegar solution is an effective way to remove unwanted odours. This method can be used to remove odours from plastic containers, Tupperware, refrigerators, and carpets.
To start, create a solution by mixing baking soda and vinegar with hot water. The baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline substance that neutralizes acidic odours. Its alkaline properties react with the acid in odours, creating a less odorous compound. The vinegar, specifically white distilled vinegar, contains acetic acid, which interacts with the volatile compounds that cause odours, altering their chemical composition and reducing their intensity.
For a small container, add two teaspoons of baking soda and two tablespoons of vinegar to a container of hot water. For larger or smellier containers, increase the amount of baking soda and vinegar accordingly. Submerge the container in the solution and let it soak for about two hours. If there is a lid, sprinkle some baking soda on it, wet it, and let it sit.
After soaking, rinse the container and wash it as normal. The odour should have disappeared. For more stubborn smells, you may need to let the container soak for a few hours or overnight.
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Use charcoal
Charcoal is a great option to remove odours from plastic containers. It is a natural and non-toxic odour absorber. To use charcoal to remove odours from plastic, follow these steps:
First, ensure that your container is made of a type of plastic that is safe to use with charcoal. Some plastics, such as polypropylene, may be damaged by the charcoal. Check the bottom of your container for a recycling symbol and a number, which indicates the type of plastic.
Next, choose the right kind of charcoal. Avoid charcoal briquettes with added ingredients, such as lighter fluid, as these may transfer unwanted chemicals or odours to your container. Opt for natural lump charcoal instead.
Now, take a piece of charcoal and place it inside your plastic container. If you are using charcoal briquettes, consider placing them in a small breathable bag, such as a paper bag, before putting them in the container. This will help contain the charcoal and make it easier to remove later.
Secure the lid on the container tightly. The charcoal will need to be in contact with the air inside the container to absorb the odours, so ensure the lid is on securely to trap the charcoal fumes.
Let the charcoal sit in the container for at least 24 hours. The amount of time needed will depend on the severity of the odour and the size of the container. Check the container every hour or day to see if the odour has diminished. If not, continue to let the charcoal sit in the container until the smell is gone.
Once the odour is gone, remove the charcoal from the container and dispose of it appropriately. You can now use your plastic container as usual, enjoying the fresh, odour-free space!
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Air containers outside in the sun
Sunlight is a natural deodorizer and can be very effective in removing odours from plastic containers. If you want to try this method, start by washing your containers with hot water and soap. Once they are clean, fill them with white vinegar and leave them to sit for a few minutes—a minimum of three minutes should suffice. Next, pour out the vinegar and place the containers outside in direct sunlight. Leave them there for a day or two, or until the odour disappears. If you live in an apartment or don't have access to an outdoor space, you can also try leaving the containers by a sunny window.
This method is particularly useful for removing odours from plastic containers that have been used to store strong-smelling foods, such as fish or garlic. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are effective at breaking down odour-causing molecules, leaving your containers fresh and odour-free.
It is worth noting that this method may not work as well if the plastic has absorbed a lot of odour, in which case you may need to try a stronger deodorizing agent, such as baking soda or charcoal. Additionally, if you are trying to remove odours from a large container, such as a shipping container, you may need to use a more heavy-duty odour eliminator, such as Clear The Air Odor Eliminator granules, which can be sprinkled on the bottom of the container and left for 24 hours.
If you want to speed up the process of removing odours from plastic containers, you can combine the power of the sun with other deodorizing agents. For example, you could try filling the containers with vinegar and leaving them in the sun, or sprinkling baking soda inside the containers and leaving them in the sun for a few hours.
It is important to remember that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to odour build-up in plastic containers. To avoid strong odours, try to wash your containers promptly after use and avoid using them to store strong-smelling foods for extended periods. Additionally, avoid cooking or heating food in plastic containers, as this can cause the plastic to melt and make it more difficult to remove odours.
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Clean with lemon
Lemon is a great natural deodorizer and can be used in various ways to clean plastic items and get rid of odours.
Firstly, always start by giving your plastic container a good scrub with soap and hot water. Then, try one of the following methods using lemon to get rid of lingering odours.
One way is to use lemon juice. Fill the container with water and add lemon juice, then let it sit for at least an hour or several hours for a deeper clean. Next, wash the container with dish soap and running water. Lemon juice is great at neutralizing odours and will leave your plastic with a fresh, citrusy scent.
Alternatively, rub the inside of the container with a cut lemon slice or rub the container with a cut lemon. The citric acid in lemon juice is great at neutralizing odours and will also help lighten any lingering food stains.
Instead of lemon juice, you can also use lemon or orange zest. Let it sit in the plastic item for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it out.
You can also try placing your plastic item outside in direct sunlight, as the ultraviolet rays, fresh air, and open space will all work to neutralize the odour and lift it away.
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Use coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are an effective and natural way to remove odours from plastic items. They are a great alternative to baking soda and do not contain any harmful chemicals, making them safe for your health and the environment.
Coffee grounds have a coarse texture, which makes them great for abrasive scrubbing. To use coffee grounds to remove odours from plastic, start by letting the grounds cool after brewing. Then, place the grounds in an open container and leave them by the sink. If your hands smell like garlic, onion, or fish after cooking, rubbing some coffee grounds on them will help get rid of the food smells.
Coffee grounds can also be used to eliminate odours from plastic containers. Simply place the grounds in a cloth bag, tie it tightly, and place it in the container. The coffee grounds will absorb moisture and eliminate odours, keeping the container fresh and clean. You can also add dried flowers or herbs to the bag to add extra fragrance.
In addition to removing odours from plastic items, coffee grounds can be used to eliminate unpleasant smells from other items in your home. For example, you can place a bag of coffee grounds in your wardrobe or hang one in your refrigerator to absorb moisture and neutralise odours. You can even put coffee grounds in your shoes to eliminate odours and keep them smelling fresh.
Overall, coffee grounds are a natural and effective way to remove odours from plastic items and other items in your home, leaving behind a gentle and pleasant coffee aroma.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods for removing odours from plastic containers. One approach is to fill the container with water, add a tablespoon of baking soda, and leave it for an hour before rinsing and washing as normal. Alternatively, you can place the container outside in direct sunlight for a couple of days. Another method is to rub the container with a cut lemon, as citric acid helps remove odours.
Some less conventional methods to remove odours from plastic containers include placing a piece of charcoal inside the container and sealing it for a day or two, or using coffee grounds. You can also try cleaning the container with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, then adding coffee grounds and leaving it overnight.
Yes, it is important to note that using harsh chemicals like bleach or scented detergents may not be effective and can even make the problem worse. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid cooking or heating food in plastic containers, as this can cause the plastic to melt and become porous, trapping food particles and odours.
