Discoloration and bad smells are not uncommon when you have to clean frequently used plastic containers in the household. Cleaning dirty plastic storage containers can be a tedious task after storing leftover food. Over time they can turn yellow and most of them are difficult to clean despite diligent cleaning. However, instead of buying new ones to replace the old ones, you can use clever hacks to quickly refresh Tupperware. Here are some home remedies and simple steps you can follow for best results.
Try common methods and clean plastic containers
If you store food in plastic containers, they can usually be rinsed afterwards using kitchen sponges and dishwashing liquid. When it comes to drying, using tea towels can prevent water stains from forming. However, it is also recommended to let the containers air dry after rinsing. You should let the lid and box dry separately and not put the lid on, as this creates condensation and leaves behind residue. Many of these articles can actually also be used for theSuitable for cleaning in the dishwasher, or be dishwasher safe.
However, there are some foods such as tomato sauces or dishes containing turmeric or curry sauces that often leave yellow or orange residue after being stored in food storage containers. This can usually be prevented by smearing the inside of your plastic box with cooking oil before use. If it still changes color, you can also use a popular and versatile home remedy such as baking soda to effectively combat it. All you need to do is make a cleaning paste out of baking soda and warm water and treat the plastic container with it. For this cleaning method, however, you should be patient and let the stuff work for at least 24 hours and repeat the process if necessary.
Use a simple trick from TikTok with water and dish soap
In addition, there are many hacks circulating on the Internet these days, some of which can actually help. One of them actually offers a very simple solution that just requires some dishwashing liquid and hot water. To do this, you need to mix both ingredients in your plastic container and add a piece of paper towel. Then all you need to do is put the lid on and shake the box vigorously for about 1 minute. Then remove the kitchen paper and rinse the container well so that your Tupperware is clean again.
Get rid of bad smells with baking soda and clean plastic containers
Whether you want to remove the smell from a brand new or previously used plastic container, baking soda proves to be an effective remedy. However, if your item has been in use for a long time, unpleasant smells may become more intense. The most common cause of this is putting the lid on when it is wet. However, it is also possible that the constant storage of strong-smelling food particles will be absorbed into the plastic. First, try making the paste with baking soda described above and applying it. If the smells still persist, you can also try the following steps.
To neutralize odors, you can simply dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 liter of warm water and use it to clean your plastic containers. If these are more compact, they can be dipped directly into the cleaning solution. Otherwise, you can just fill each of them with it and let the stuff sit for about half an hour. If you can still smell the stench, another trick is to combine torn newspapers with the solution and leave it with the lid closed for at least 1 day. Then all you have to do is take everything out, rinse the box and let it dry with a cloth or air dry. As withTikTok HackThe paper should have absorbed not only the dirt but also the bad smells.
Use bleach for disinfection and against mold in storage containers
Although you rarely have to clean mold from plastic containers, mold can form if you store food in them for too long. If plastic containers are neglected, mold could form, although cleaning with detergent is usually sufficient. However, a better option is to use bleach as a disinfectant to minimize potential risks with toxic mold. To do this, you can simply make a solution of 50 ml of bleach and one liter of water and soak dirty plastic containers in it for about an hour. After that, rinse the solution thoroughly and dry the cans to achieve the desired effect.
Use vinegar cleaning method for greasy plastic containers
Another, but perhaps not as effective, option is to use distilled white vinegar as a degreaser and odor neutralizer. The combination of hot water and acetic acid acts as a cleaning solution for plastic goods. Mix the ingredients and let your containers soak for at least 2 hours. Although these methods are less effective for discoloration, they will help you get rid of unpleasant odors and grease. The cleaning solution is best made with one tablespoon of vinegar per one cup of water. You can also pour these into the plastic containers and let them soak in before rinsing, wiping and letting everything dry.
Try an alternative trick with ice cubes and sugar
Since yellowing and grease buildup can sometimes be quite intense, sugar cleansing could prove to be an effective exfoliant against discoloration. To do this, you should first sprinkle sugar on the bottom of the container, then add some dishwashing liquid and finally place enough ice cubes on top. You should then leave the whole thing on for at least 1-2 hours before rinsing it off. For a plastic container, 1/4 cup of sugar would be enough. Use enough dishwashing detergent, as well as some warm water and about 5-6 ice cubes to cover the entire interior. After everything has melted, you can rinse the plastic container, wipe it off, and let it dry.
