Maya Ellison
Black mould can be a stubborn problem, but there are ways to tackle it. Bleach is often recommended for removing mould from plastic containers, but it can discolour the plastic. To use it, create a bleach solution with water and leave your container to soak for at least 15 minutes. You can also try vinegar, which is a natural alternative to bleach. Undiluted vinegar is best, and it will require a longer soak of around one hour. To boost its cleaning power, add some baking soda. If you want to avoid using strong chemicals, denture-cleaning tablets are another option. Simply fill your sink with hot water, drop in a couple of tablets, and leave your containers to soak.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Protective gear | Mask, rubber gloves, paper towels |
| First steps | Scrape off moldy food, wipe out residue and mold with paper towels |
| Soaking solutions | Bleach, vinegar, denture cleaning tablets, baking soda, hot soapy water |
| Soaking time | 15-30 minutes for bleach, 1 hour for vinegar, 20 minutes for denture cleaning tablets, overnight for hot soapy water |
| After soaking | Wash with dish soap and hot water, scrub if needed |
| Drying | Dry thoroughly, use a thin towel between lid components |
| Prevention | Store plastic items in a dry, well-ventilated space, wipe them down if they get wet |
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What You'll Learn
Use a bleach solution
Bleach is an effective sanitizer for removing mould from plastic containers. To use bleach to remove mould, create a solution of bleach and water. The exact ratio of the solution varies across sources, with recommendations ranging from 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of bleach to 4 litres of water, or 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
Place the plastic container in a large bowl and fill it with the bleach solution. Allow the container to soak in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. If the mould is particularly stubborn, you can increase the soaking time to an hour. After soaking, scrub the container to remove any remaining residue.
If desired, you can add a small amount of baking soda to the bleach solution to boost its cleaning power. This oxidative reaction helps loosen black mould from plastic surfaces, making it easier to scrub away. However, it is important to note that bleach can discolour plastic, so use it with caution.
Always properly dry your plastic containers after cleaning to prevent mould from returning. Mould thrives in warm, damp environments, so controlling moisture is crucial. Additionally, some sources recommend wearing protective gear, such as rubber gloves and a mask, when cleaning mould to avoid potential health risks.
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Soak containers in vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful weapon against mould. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can be an effective treatment for many types of mould, killing up to 82% of mould species. It is also effective at preventing mould growth.
To soak your containers in vinegar, start by putting on protective gear. Wear a mask, goggles, and gloves to protect yourself from mould spores and vinegar fumes. Next, pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the mouldy surface generously. You can also pour vinegar directly into the container and let it soak for at least an hour. If the mould is particularly stubborn, you can leave it soaked overnight.
After soaking, scrub the container with a brush or sponge to remove any remaining mould and stains. Rinse the container with clean water, wiping it down with a damp sponge or cloth. For porous surfaces, squeeze out the sponge so it is damp and won't oversaturate the surface.
If the mould has left discolouration, you can create a baking soda solution to help scrub away stains. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and two cups of water to a spray bottle and shake until combined. Spray the solution directly onto the stains and scrub with a brush or scouring pad. Rinse the container with warm water and, if desired, give it one last spray of vinegar to ensure all mould and stains are gone.
Always ensure the room is well-ventilated when working with vinegar. Open a window or work in a space with good airflow.
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Scrub with baking soda
To wash black mold out of plastic containers with baking soda, start by mixing a solution of baking soda and vinegar. Add 8 tablespoons of baking soda to a large mixing bowl, then add vinegar. The mixture will foam and should be enough to cover around 1 square foot. You can adjust the amount of baking soda depending on the size of the job.
Next, sprinkle some baking soda onto the moldy surface of the plastic container. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands, then use a sponge or scrubbing brush to scrub the mold off the surface. Rinse the container with water to remove any residual mold, then spray the area with the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Allow the container to air dry.
If there is still mold remaining, repeat the process. Use paper towels to blot the container dry, then vacuum up any remaining baking soda. If the mold stain is still visible, you may need to contact a professional cleaner.
Alternatively, you can soak the plastic container in a solution of baking soda and vinegar. Combine 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of water, then add some baking soda. Soak the container for 1 hour, then wash it out to remove the vinegar and baking soda.
You can also try using other household products to remove mold, such as detergent, bleach, or tea tree oil. Remember to always take safety precautions when cleaning mold and address the root cause of the mold to prevent it from returning.
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Wash with hot soapy water
If you have mouldy plastic containers, it is recommended to wash them thoroughly with hot soapy water. This is an effective way to remove mould from the surface of your containers.
Firstly, use hot water and dish soap to wash the container. You can use a paper towel or a disposable rag to scrub away any visible mould and food residue. Rinse the container with hot water to ensure that any remaining mould or food residue is washed away.
Next, prepare a large bowl or sink of hot soapy water. Submerge the container in the water and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help to disinfect the container and kill any remaining mould spores. Use a sponge or dishcloth to scrub away any remaining mould stains. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands during this process.
Finally, rinse the container with clean, hot water to remove any soap residue. Dry the container thoroughly with a clean towel. Ensure that the container is completely dry before using or storing it to prevent mould from returning.
While hot soapy water is effective for surface-level mould, it may not be sufficient for more severe cases. If mould has embedded itself in cracks, grooves, or scratches on the plastic, it is best to discard the container. Similarly, if mould stains and odours remain after cleaning, it is recommended to replace the container.
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When to discard plastic containers
Plastic containers are convenient for storing food and other items, but they do not last forever and should be discarded under certain circumstances. Firstly, if a plastic container has scratches, rough patches, or other surface disruptions, it is best to discard it, especially if it is intended for food storage. This is because scratches and rough patches can harbour mould spores, and surface disruptions can increase the likelihood of the plastic leaching into your food.
Secondly, if the container's lid is no longer sealing properly, it may no longer be useful for food storage. While you can repurpose the container for non-food items, it is recommended to inspect your containers and lids annually to ensure they remain functional.
Thirdly, if you are unable to remove a persistent stain or odour from a plastic container, it is advisable to discard it, especially if it makes you hesitant to use it for food storage. Similarly, if a corner of the container has melted or the bottom is scratched from sawing at food during mealtime, it may be time to replace it.
Finally, older plastic containers may contain potentially harmful substances like bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into food. If you are using a container that is several decades old, it may be unsafe and should be discarded.
When discarding plastic containers, it is important to consider recycling or repurposing them if possible. Most plastic storage containers are challenging to recycle through curbside programs, but some local governments and private companies have alternative recycling options. You can also donate usable containers to local charities, schools, or community centres. If the container has mould, it is important to wear a mask and gloves for protection during handling.
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