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When your plastic containers have unsightly stains or lingering odors,
try these tricks to remove them.
6 Plastic Container Cleaning Hacks
solutions
Liquid and gel alcohol-base hand sanitizers can work wonders on stuck-on stains, especially from food dyes, coffee and tomato sauce. The diluted amount of alcohol sterilizes plastic, removing fungi, bacteria and spores, without causing warping. Pour enough in the container to cover the stained area and let sit for
45 minutes. Use a paper towel to wipe away the sanitizer and stain, then rinse the container with soap and water.
goodbye to dyes
5
This unusual method, popularized on social media, uses sugar enzymes and ice to break down stubborn stains. Add ¼ cup sugar to the container and drizzle with dish soap. Cover the mixture with 4 to 5 ice cubes and let sit for an hour. Pour the contents out of the container and scrub the remaining sugar on stains to loosen them from the plastic. Rinse with soap and water.
Easy Exfoliant
4
If you’ve removed the stain but can’t get rid of the smell of leftover food in a plastic container, try this trick: pack a clean, dry container with crumpled newspaper and seal it with the lid. While it sits, the newspaper will absorb odor over time. After 1 to 2 days, remove and discard the paper, then wash the container with soap and water.
snuff the smell
6
For liquid stains that need a powerful wash, create a mild bleach solution of
1 Tbsp. chlorine bleach per 1 cup of warm water. Soak the plastic container in the solution for 30 minutes. Discard the bleach and wash the container thoroughly with dish soap and hot water.
ink, tea, coffee be gone
2
The acid in lemon juice interacts with the sun’s UV rays to fade discoloration and kill bacteria on plasticware. Cut a lemon in half and rub it along the discolored parts of the plastic. Squeeze the remaining juice from the lemon into the container. Place it in a sunny location and let it sit for 1 to 2 days. Rinse and wash to remove stains.
sun the stain away
3
Baking soda is gently abrasive, which can help loosen oily stains. Sprinkle 1 to 5 Tbsp. on the bottom of your container, depending on its size, and add warm water to create a spreadable paste to coat the inside. Let sit for 30 minutes. Remove paste with a damp cloth before rinsing with dish soap and water.
Quick Stain
Plus Odor Remover
1
Simply Done Snap & Lock Containers
Rubbermaid Brilliance StainShield Plastic
Ziploc Smart Snap Mini Rectangle Containers
Simply Done 12-Piece Variety Pack
Simply Done Twist Top Containers
Shop Now
When it’s time for new containers, look to Hy-Vee.
Storage options
Spray containers with cooking spray before adding food to create a protective layer.
how to prevent
staining plastic
stop stains before they happen with these tips:
Let food cool before adding it to plastic containers.
Avoid reheating high-fat or tomato-base foods in the microwave in plastic containers.
Add chocolate and fruit to transform this dessert into something extraordinary.
6 Plastic Container Cleaning Hacks
Motion
level up
ink, tea,
coffee be gone
2
Baking soda is gently abrasive, which
can help loosen oily stains. Sprinkle 1 to 5 Tbsp. on the bottom of your container, depending on its size, and add warm water to create a spreadable paste to coat the inside. Let sit for 30 minutes. Remove paste with a damp cloth before rinsing with dish soap and water.
Quick
Stain Plus
Odor Remover
1
For liquid stains that need a powerful wash, create a mild bleach solution of 1 Tbsp. chlorine bleach per 1 cup of warm water. Soak the plastic container in the solution for 30 minutes. Discard the bleach and wash the container thoroughly with dish soap and hot water.
ink, tea,
coffee be gone
2
Liquid and gel alcohol-base hand sanitizers can work wonders on stuck-on stains, especially from food dyes, coffee and tomato sauce. The diluted amount of alcohol sterilizes plastic, removing fungi, bacteria and spores, without causing warping. Pour enough in the container to cover the stained area and let sit for 45 minutes. Use a paper towel to wipe away the sanitizer and stain, then rinse the container with soap and water.
goodbye to dyes
5