Ethan Clarke
It is important to address mold issues as soon as possible to prevent damage to your belongings and health risks. While moldy dishes, especially those with grooves and scratches, are often considered unsalvageable, there are ways to sanitize and reuse them. This is especially true for non-porous materials like glass, stainless steel, or porcelain. For plastic dishes, the process is more complex and may depend on the severity of the mold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to sanitize | As soon as mold is noticed |
| Whether to sanitize or discard | Sanitize if dishes are in good condition and free of nicks, scratches, cracks, or grooves; otherwise, discard |
| Sanitizing agents | Bleach, vinegar, or EC3 |
| Sanitizing methods | Soaking, dishwasher, or washing with soap and hot water |
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What You'll Learn
Using bleach to sanitize plastic dishes
It is important to note that while plastic dishes can be sanitized using bleach, there are some instances where it may not be the best option. For example, if the plastic has grooves, pits, nicks, or scratches, it may be difficult to effectively sanitize it, and there may be a risk of bleach residue remaining on the plastic. In such cases, it may be better to opt for alternative sanitizing methods or consider replacing the plastic dish.
That being said, here is a general guide on how to sanitize plastic dishes using bleach:
First, it is important to clean the plastic dishes with soap or detergent before sanitizing. This helps remove visible dirt and food particles, which is essential because bleach breaks down quickly in the presence of organic matter. Additionally, always use regular unscented household bleach, as scented or splash-less varieties may not be suitable for disinfection.
Next, prepare a diluted bleach solution by mixing bleach with water. The recommended ratio is 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Always use room temperature or cool water, as warm or hot water can cause the bleach to degrade faster.
Submerge the plastic dishes in the bleach solution and let them soak for at least 2 minutes. For heavier mold buildup, a longer soak of 15 to 30 minutes may be required. After soaking, remove the dishes from the solution and place them on a drying rack to air dry. No additional rinsing is required if you have used the correct concentration of bleach.
When working with bleach, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors. Check if protective equipment, such as gloves or eye protection, is necessary based on the instructions provided by the bleach manufacturer. Additionally, never mix bleach with other cleaners or disinfectants, including ammonia-based products, as this can produce toxic fumes.
Finally, it is worth noting that while bleach is effective at killing mold, it may not be suitable for routine mold cleanup. Dead mold can still cause allergic reactions, so it is important to remove mold physically in addition to killing it with bleach. Additionally, if there are immune-compromised individuals present, professional guidance should be sought to determine the appropriate course of action.
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Soaking dishes in vinegar
Vinegar is a surprisingly effective and non-toxic solution for sanitizing plastic dishes from mold. It can kill more than 80% of mold species, including black mold, which is often hazardous.
To soak plastic dishes in vinegar, first, put on protective gear. Wear non-porous gloves, goggles or safety glasses, and a mask that covers your mouth and nose. Direct contact with mold can be dangerous, and vinegar's acidic nature can irritate the skin.
Next, fill a large glass bowl with undiluted white vinegar, ensuring the vinegar is at least 5% acetic acid. Place your plastic dishes in the bowl, fully submerging them in the vinegar. Let the dishes soak for at least an hour. The longer soak time ensures the vinegar has time to kill the mold.
After soaking, you can use a baking soda solution to scrub away any remaining mold and stains. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and two cups of water to a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the dishes and scrub with a brush or scouring pad. Rinse the dishes with clean, warm water, then give them a final spray of vinegar or the remaining baking soda solution.
Make sure to address the moisture problem that led to the mold growth in the first place. If you don't, mold will likely grow back. While vinegar is effective for sanitizing plastic dishes, it may not kill every type of mold. If you find vinegar isn't working, consider calling a professional cleaner, especially if the mold covers a large area or is in your ventilation system.
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Using baking soda and vinegar
Vinegar and baking soda are a powerful combination for removing mold from plastic dishes. Vinegar is a mild acid that kills around 82% of mold species, while baking soda is great for absorbing moisture.
Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution
Fill a clean spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to improve the scent. Vinegar has a potent smell, so this can make the cleaning process more pleasant.
Step 2: Apply the Vinegar
Put on protective gear, including dishwashing gloves, goggles, and an N-95 or equivalent mask. Spray the vinegar directly onto the moldy areas of the plastic dishes until they are visibly damp. You don't need to saturate the area, but a light misting will not be enough.
Step 3: Wait
The vinegar will visibly dry within a few minutes. However, it is best to wait for about an hour to allow the vinegar to effectively kill the mold.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Soda
Mix baking soda with warm water in a separate spray bottle. The amount of baking soda will depend on the size of the job. For a large mixing bowl, start with around 8 tablespoons of baking soda and add water. The mixture will foam and should be enough to cover about one square foot.
Step 5: Apply the Baking Soda
Once the vinegar has dried, spray the baking soda mixture onto the previously moldy areas. The baking soda will react with any remaining vinegar, producing bubbles that will lift the mold off the surface.
Step 6: Scrub
After applying the baking soda, use a scouring pad or stiff brush to scrub away any remaining mold and residue. Rinse the dishes with clean water and dry them thoroughly before using them again.
It is important to address the root cause of the mold to prevent it from returning. Make sure to clean and sanitize mold-containing dishes promptly to ensure all mold spores are removed.
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Sanitizing cycle with EC3
While some sources suggest that plastic dishes cannot be saved once they have been affected by mould, others suggest that it is possible to clean and sanitise them for reuse. One way to do this is by using the sanitising cycle with EC3.
The sanitising cycle with EC3 involves placing the mould-affected dishes in a dishwasher. The EC3 product should be placed in the detergent compartment. The sanitising cycle with EC3 will then use high-temperature water to kill bacteria and germs. The water temperature in most sanitising cycles heats up to at least 150-165°F. Some washers also extend the wash cycle to give the hot water more time to work.
It is important to note that the sanitising cycle should only be used with colourfast items as it uses hot water. It is also recommended to reserve this cycle for heavily soiled or germ-prone items. An extra rinse cycle can be run after the sanitising cycle to ensure that all the EC3 is gone.
In addition to the sanitising cycle with EC3, there are other ways to sanitise plastic dishes from mould. One way is to wash the dishes with dish soap and a paper towel or a disposable rag. This prevents mould spores from collecting in the sponge or dish rag. Soaking the dishes in a bleach solution (1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water) for 15-30 minutes can also disinfect and kill mould spores. Alternatively, vinegar can be used instead of bleach, but it will require a longer soak of about an hour.
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Cleaning with alcohol
While some sources suggest that plastic dishes with mould should be discarded due to the health risks associated with mould, it is still possible to clean and sanitise plastic dishes with mould using alcohol.
- Wash the plastic dish with dish soap and a paper towel or a disposable rag. This prevents mould spores from collecting in the sponge or dish rag you normally use to wash your dishes.
- Soak the dish in a large glass bowl filled with alcohol. Ensure that the alcohol fills the plastic dish.
- Let the plastic dish soak in the alcohol solution for at least an hour.
- After soaking, wash the dish with soap and water again and rinse thoroughly.
It is important to note that while alcohol can be used to clean mould off plastic dishes, it may not be as effective as other cleaning agents like vinegar or bleach. Vinegar is a natural alternative, killing 82% of known mould species, while bleach is a stronger disinfectant.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to sanitize plastic dishes from mold is to soak them in a bleach solution. Combine 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water and let the dishes soak in this solution for 15-30 minutes. If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use vinegar instead of bleach, but the soak will need to be longer, around one hour.
Firstly, wash the plastic dishes with dish soap and a paper towel or a disposable rag. This prevents mold spores from collecting in the sponge or dish rag you normally use.
It depends. If the dishes are in good condition and free of nicks, scratches, cracks, or grooves, they can be sanitized and reused. However, if the mold is deeply embedded in the plastic, it may be difficult to remove completely, and the dishes should be discarded.
