Maya Ellison
Sterilising plastic containers is a great way to keep them free from germs and odours. It is important to note that not all plastic containers can withstand the same heat as glass or metal containers, so it is important to check if they are microwave-safe or BPA-free before using any heat options. There are several ways to sterilise plastic containers, including using a dishwasher, a combination of baking soda and vinegar, or bleach.
How to Sterilise a Plastic Container
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, water, bleach, ethanol, UV light |
| Cleaning methods | Soaking, scrubbing, dishwasher, boiling, microwave |
| Notes | Plastic containers cannot handle high heat, do not boil. Containers should be BPA-free if using heat. |
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Using hot water and dish soap
To sterilise a plastic container using hot water and dish soap, start by removing any labels and adhesives from the container. Fill the container with warm water and put the lid back on. Then, soak the container in a pot filled with warm or hot water for about 5 minutes.
Next, fill the container with hot water and submerge it into a large pot of hot water. Bring this to a boil. Alternatively, you can use a dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle, or a microwave. If using a microwave, place the container in a microwave-safe secondary container with a cup of water, which will act as a heat sink to prevent the plastic from melting. Microwave for at least 3 minutes on the highest setting.
Once the container is heated, scrub it with soap and water. You can use brushes to scrub the container in the soapy water. Rinse the container and allow it to air-dry. If there is still an odour in the container, sprinkle some baking soda into it, put the lid on, and leave it for about 24 hours before rinsing and drying.
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Baking soda and vinegar
To sterilise a plastic container using baking soda and vinegar, start by removing the lid from the container and checking for any remnants of food inside. Give the container a preliminary rinse with hot water to remove any food particles. Drain and shake out the excess water.
Next, fill the container with vinegar. If the stains are only on the bottom of the container, pour in about an inch or two of vinegar. If the stains reach up the sides, fill the container to the top. Place the lid on the container and leave it for about 30 minutes. The vinegar will break down stains and neutralise odours.
After half an hour, pour out the vinegar and scrub the container vigorously with a kitchen sponge. Add a few drops of liquid dish detergent to the sponge and go over the inside of the container. For heavier messes, you can leave the vinegar in the container for up to an hour before cleaning it out by hand.
If there are still stains, make a paste from baking soda and water. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of baking soda into half a cup (120ml) of warm water and stir until you get a spreadable paste. Smear the paste all over the stained areas of the container and let it sit for 30 minutes. After that, wipe the paste around with a damp cloth, then rinse with dish soap and warm water.
If there are still lingering odours, sprinkle some baking soda into the clean, dry container and put the lid on. Leave it for about 24 hours, then rinse and dry the container.
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Bleach
To sterilise a plastic container with bleach, start by dismantling the container and removing the lid. Next, create a sanitation solution by mixing one teaspoon of bleach per quart of warm water in a clean sink or wash basin. Ensure the basin is large enough for the container and solution. Then, dunk and shake the container in the solution for at least seven seconds, or submerge all the pieces for two minutes.
After sanitising, remove the container with clean hands or tongs and allow it to air dry on a clean surface. Do not rinse the container after sanitising, as this can transfer germs back onto it. Any bleach remaining on the container will break down as it dries and will not be harmful.
It is important to note that bleach should not be mixed with ammonia or any other cleanser. Additionally, some people may prefer to use alternative sterilisation methods, such as boiling water, a dishwasher, or the microwave, as bleach can be too strong for some.
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Dishwasher
To sterilise a plastic container using a dishwasher, you must first ensure your dishwasher is capable of sterilisation. Check your dishwasher manual for an NSF/ANSI Standard 184 Certification. This certification applies to dishwashers made with an extended hot-water rinse feature that is designed to kill 99.99% of bacteria when the dishwasher is set to the "sanitize" cycle. If your dishwasher does not have this certification and a sanitise cycle, it will not kill as many germs and is not appropriate for sterilising bottles.
Once you have confirmed that your dishwasher is capable of sterilisation, you should disassemble the plastic container and its lid into their component parts. Then, place the plastic container and its pieces in the top rack of your dishwasher and stand them upside down. Place the smaller pieces, such as the lid, into a dishwasher basket in either the top or bottom rack. Ensure that the smaller pieces are secured in a basket to prevent them from falling onto the heating elements in the bottom of the dishwasher and becoming damaged.
Next, run your dishwasher on the "sanitize" setting. Put dishwasher detergent in your dishwasher as you normally would. Press the "sanitize" button on the front of your dishwasher and then the "start" button. Allow the dishwasher to complete the entire sanitisation cycle before removing the plastic container and its pieces. The sanitisation cycle can take multiple hours, so do not stop the cycle early, or you risk items that are not fully sterilised.
After the cycle is complete, you can leave the plastic container and its pieces in the dishwasher until they are cool enough to touch. If you want to take them out right away, use clean tongs to remove them to avoid burning your fingers. Finally, place the sterilised items on a clean towel or drying rack in an area that is free from dirt and dust until you are ready to use them.
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Microwave
To sterilise a plastic container in a microwave, you must first ensure that the container is microwave-safe. Check the packaging of the plastic container to confirm that it is suitable for microwave sterilisation. Only microwave-safe plastics should be sterilised in this manner.
Next, wet the surface of the container. Run the container under water or fill it halfway with cold water. This step is important because it is the interaction between the microwave's heat and water that causes sterilisation.
Place the damp container in the microwave, ensuring that it is on high heat. Set the microwave timer for approximately two minutes. Smaller pieces, such as caps or nipples, can be placed in a microwave-safe bowl and covered with water. These smaller pieces should be microwaved for approximately one and a half minutes.
After removing the container from the microwave, be cautious as it may be hot. Use insulated gloves to handle the container and avoid burning yourself. Allow the container to air-dry on a clean surface, ensuring that the area is free from dirt or dust.
It is important to note that some plastics cannot withstand high temperatures and may melt in the microwave. Polypropylene plastics are stronger than standard plastics and can better withstand high heat. If you are unsure about the type of plastic or its ability to withstand high temperatures, consider using an alternative sterilisation method, such as a hot dishwasher rinse or a UV lamp.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash the container with hot water to remove any food particles. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the container, then scrub with a sponge. Add a splash of vinegar to the container and scrub for another minute. Finally, fill the container with hot water and leave it overnight.
Yes, you can use bleach to sterilise a plastic container. However, do not mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Also, avoid using bleach on disposable, single-use plastic containers, as it can cause chemicals in the plastic to break down.
Always check that your plastic container is microwave-safe before sterilising it in a microwave. Take the container apart, removing the lid and any other pieces, to ensure that germs don't stay in tiny crevices. Sterilise your containers when you first get them, if someone in your household is sick, or if the containers are especially dirty. Also, avoid exposing plastic to high heat very often.
