Alexei Volkov
Plastic containers are a great way to store food, but they need to be properly cleaned and sterilised to ensure they are safe for reuse. While some plastics can withstand high temperatures, others cannot be boiled and will melt. Sterilisation is any process that eliminates or kills all forms of life, including viruses, fungi, bacteria and spores. There are several ways to sterilise plastic containers, including using boiling water, steam autoclaving, a dishwasher, or a microwave.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare containers for boiling
To prepare plastic food containers for boiling, start by dismantling the containers and removing any lids or caps. This will ensure that all parts of the container are thoroughly sterilised. Place the containers in a pot of warm soapy water and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. Use brushes to scrub the containers in the soapy water, paying special attention to any crevices or tight spaces where food particles may be stuck. Rinse the containers with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Before boiling, it is important to check that the plastic containers are safe to be boiled and can withstand high temperatures. Some plastics, such as HDPE and polyethylene, will melt at high temperatures, so it is crucial to verify the container's specifications and test a small sample before boiling. Additionally, make sure the containers are free of any labels or stickers, as these can come loose during the boiling process and create a mess.
Another important consideration is to ensure that the containers are completely clean before boiling. This means removing any visible debris, such as food particles, and scrubbing the containers with soap and water. A natural soap or detergent can be used for this step, and a variety of brushes can help reach all areas of the container. Rinse the containers with clean water after scrubbing to ensure no soap residue remains.
Once the containers are clean and prepared, they are ready for the boiling process. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Lower the containers gently into the boiling water using tongs or a spoon to avoid splashing hot water. Allow the containers to boil for at least 5 minutes to ensure proper sterilisation.
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Boil for 5-15 minutes
Boiling plastic containers is one of the most popular ways to sterilize them. It is a super-easy method that can be used to sanitize a larger quantity of containers at once.
First, disassemble all of the container pieces, including the lids and any other parts, to ensure that germs don't stay in tiny crevices. Then, create a sanitation mix of 1 teaspoon per quart of warm water (or a 1-to-1 ratio of vinegar to water). Dunk and shake the containers in this mix for at least seven seconds to ensure the solution touches the entirety of the inside of the container.
Next, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil on your stove. You can cover the pot with a lid to get the water to boil faster. Once the water is boiling, gently lower the containers into the water with tongs or a spoon. Be careful not to get splashed with hot water.
Let the containers boil for 5 to 15 minutes, then turn off the stove. Remove the containers from the water with clean and sterilized tongs and place them upside down on a thick towel to dry. Allow the containers to air-dry completely before use.
It is important to note that not all plastics can handle the same heat as glass or metal, and some plastics may melt or be damaged by boiling. Always check that your containers are microwave-safe and suitable for boiling before attempting this method.
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Air dry
Allowing your plastic containers to air dry is a crucial step in the sterilization process. After boiling your containers for around 5 to 15 minutes, carefully remove them from the water using sterilized tongs. Place them upside down on a clean towel or drying rack to air dry. It is important to ensure that the containers are completely dry before filling them to avoid bacterial growth.
When drying, be cautious as the containers will be extremely hot. Avoid touching the containers with your bare hands immediately after boiling, as you may burn yourself. Instead, use tongs or a spoon to handle the containers until they have cooled down.
Leaving the containers to air dry in a clean environment is recommended. You can also speed up the drying process by placing them in front of a fan or in a well-ventilated area. Make sure that the containers are completely dry before use.
Additionally, if there is any residual odour in your containers, you can sprinkle baking soda inside and put on the lid. Leave it for about 24 hours, then rinse and dry the container. Alternatively, you can place the containers in direct sunlight, which will also help eliminate odours.
Overall, allowing your sterilized plastic containers to air dry is a simple yet important step in the sterilization process. By following these steps, you can ensure that your containers are thoroughly dry and ready for safe use.
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Alternative sterilisation methods
While boiling water is a popular method for sterilising containers, there are several other ways to achieve the same outcome.
One option is to use a dishwasher, but this may not be suitable for plastic containers as they often heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which exceeds the temperature tolerance of most plastic. If you do use a dishwasher, place the plastic containers on the top rack.
Another option is to use a microwave. First, wet the plastic container, as the interaction between the microwave's heat and water is what causes sterilisation. Place the container in the microwave on high power for about two minutes. Be cautious, as the microwave can melt plastic. Only use microwave-safe plastics for sterilisation.
A further alternative is to use an autoclave, which is a steam sterilisation method used in laboratories. Place the plastic containers and any lids that need sterilisation in a secondary autoclave-safe container, ensuring there is space between the containers. The standard autoclave run is at 121 degrees Celsius and 15 pounds per square inch of pressure for at least 30 minutes.
You can also sterilise plastic containers with bleach. Soak the containers in a bleach solution, then rinse them clean. Always wear gloves when working with bleach.
Other methods include using a sanitation mix of vinegar and water, or hydrogen peroxide, or placing the containers in an oven at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
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Cleaning before boiling
Before boiling plastic containers, it is important to ensure they are suitable for boiling temperatures. Most containers that are meant for one-time use only, like takeout containers and those that you purchase food products in, such as yogurt containers, will not hold their shape in hot water.
If your plastic container is suitable for boiling, it is important to give it a good clean first. For containers with tough stains, try using a mild bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per cup of hot water. Let the container soak for 40-45 minutes, then discard the bleach solution. Wash the container in hot, soapy water and let it air dry.
For containers that stink, try a baking soda and water scrub. Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to the container, then add just enough warm water to form a paste. Spread the paste over the bottom and sides of the container and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse the paste away, then wipe down the container with a soft cloth. Wash with hot soapy water and air dry.
If the baking soda removes the stain but not the odour, try crumpling up some newspaper and gently packing it into the container. Seal the container with the lid and let it sit for 1-2 days. Then, discard the newspaper and wash the container with hot soapy water.
For liquid stains that need a powerful clean, pour enough liquid alcohol-based hand sanitizer into the container to cover the stain. Let it sit for 45 minutes, then pour out the hand sanitizer and use a soft cloth to wipe away the stain. Wash the container with hot soapy water and air dry.
To use sugar enzymes and ice to break down stains, add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the stained container. Drizzle the sugar with a bit of dish soap, then cover with 5-6 ice cubes and let sit for one hour. Pour out the contents from the container, using the remaining sugar as an exfoliant on stains to loosen them from the plastic.
After cleaning your plastic containers, you can then proceed to boil them to sterilize.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to boil plastic food containers as they cannot handle the same heat as glass or metal containers. Plastic containers can be sterilized using steam sterilization (autoclaving) or chemical sterilization.
Autoclaving involves exposing containers to steam at a temperature above the boiling point of water (100°C=212°F). The standard autoclaving procedure is carried out at 121°C and 15 psi for at least 30 minutes.
Alternative methods include using a microwave, ethylene oxide gas sterilization, peracetic acid, ionizing radiation, dry heat, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma systems, and ozone.
