For many of us, plastic food storage containers are a kitchen staple, keeping our leftovers fresh and weekly meal prep organized. However, stubborn stains, lingering odors, and greasy residues can turn our convenient food storage solution into a source of frustration. Foods with vibrant colors such as tomato-based sauces, red veggies, and curries containing turmeric often leave their mark, turning your favorite containers into grimy eyesores. But learning how to clean plastic storage containers effectively isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also essential for extending the lifespan of your kitchen storage products.
Ahead, we’ll explore simple yet effective cleaning methods recommended by experts—from everyday upkeep to tackling tough stains and odors. With a few practical tips and tricks, you can keep your plastic containers spotless and odor-free and your leftovers fresh.
Preventing Stains
According to Tammy Snook Quezada, head of global communications and public relations at Tupperware, the following stain-and-odor prevention method will help keep containers fresh and clean.
- Wash With Cold Water: “Remember that hot water sets colors, grease, and odors,” says Quezada. “To prevent your containers from becoming greasy and sticky, always wash them first with cold water and dish soap.”
- Follow Up With Warm Water: After washing in cold water, clean the container with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining residue.
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the container is completely dry before storing or reusing to prevent stickiness or odor retention.
If your plastic storage containers are dishwasher safe, be sure to pre-wash containers in cold water and then warm soapy water. After rinsing, you can then place them in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. (The hot water and steam of your dishwasher can set stains otherwise!)
I’ve learned the hard way that skipping the cold-water step is a recipe for disaster—especially with spaghetti sauce. Hot water really does lock in those red stains, making them a pain to remove later. A quick tip I’ve picked up: if you’re dealing with a container that’s prone to staining, try coating the inside with a thin layer of cooking oil before adding saucy foods. It creates a barrier that can make cleanup easier. Also, studies suggest that about 60% of households report stained plastic containers as a common kitchen annoyance, so you’re not alone in this struggle. This simple cold-water trick can save you from replacing containers too soon, which is great for both your wallet and the environment.
Removing Odors from Plastic Storage Containers
Did a leftover meal leave behind a lingering smell? Try one of the below methods to remove odors from plastic storage containers.
- Freezing Method (for Freezer-Safe Containers):
- Wash the container thoroughly.
- Fill it with cold water and freeze overnight.
- Remove the ice, and the odor should be gone.
- Newspaper Method:
- Moisten a sheet of newspaper with cold water, wring it out, and place it inside the container.
- Store the container in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Remove the paper, rinse, and dry. The odor should leave with the paper.
- Outdoor Method:
- Wash the container with cold water.
- Place it upside down on clean grass overnight. (The humidity will help remove odors!)
- Baking Soda Method:
- Add about a quarter cup of baking soda to a dry container.
- Put the lid on and leave it for 24 hours.
- Wash with cold water and dish soap.
The baking soda method is my go-to because it’s so easy and cheap—baking soda costs about $1 for a box that’ll last you ages. The science behind it is simple: baking soda neutralizes odors by balancing pH levels, pulling those funky smells out of the plastic. I’ve also noticed the newspaper method works surprisingly well for garlic-heavy dishes, which can be tough to tackle. If you’re wondering why grass works in the outdoor method, it’s because the natural humidity and airflow help lift odors trapped in the plastic’s porous surface. One thing to keep in mind: these methods work best when you act fast—letting odors sit for weeks makes them harder to budge.
Removing Greasy Stains from Plastic Storage Containers
Kaylie Hill, a Scotch-Brite ambassador and cleaning influencer, suggests two quick methods to remove stains from your plastic storage containers. Remember: You can stop stains before they happen by never putting hot food into your containers. (Food that has cooled is less likely to stain and create odors.)
- Dish Soap Method:
- Add a small amount of dish soap and water to your container.
- Put a paper towel inside the container and close the lid.
- Shake it vigorously for 30 seconds and rinse it clean.
- Vinegar Method:
- Fill your container with white vinegar.
- Let it sit for two to three hours.
- Wash it clean with dish soap and a textured sponge.
The vinegar method is a lifesaver for those oily curry stains that seem impossible to scrub out. Vinegar’s acetic acid breaks down grease, making it easier to wash away. I’ve found that using a textured sponge, like one with a scrubby side, cuts cleaning time in half compared to a regular sponge. If you’re watching your budget, white vinegar is super affordable—often less than $3 a gallon—and doubles as a multipurpose cleaner for other kitchen tasks. Pro tip: if the stain is extra stubborn, try warming the vinegar slightly (not hot!) before soaking to boost its grease-fighting power. Just don’t skip the dish soap rinse afterward, or your container might smell like a pickle jar!
Sanitizing Food Storage Containers
Once in a while, a storage container may be forgotten in the back of the refrigerator leading to odors and mold. This doesn’t have to mean throwing the entire container away. Many storage containers can be sanitized with bleach.
- Clean the Container: Wash the container with cool soapy water to remove any residue. Rinse thoroughly.
- Prepare the Bleach Solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach per 1 gallon of water in a large basin or sink. (Ensure the bleach is unscented and food-safe.)
- Sanitize the Containers: Submerge the container completely in the bleach solution. Allow it to soak for at least two to five minutes to kill bacteria and sanitize.
- Allow to Air Dry: Remove the container from the solution and air dry completely. Wash by hand or in the dishwasher before use.
I’ve had to rescue a few containers that got buried in the fridge for way too long, and this bleach method works like a charm. The key is using unscented bleach—scented ones can leave behind chemicals that aren’t safe for food storage. Fun fact: the CDC recommends this exact bleach-to-water ratio for sanitizing surfaces because it’s effective against 99.9% of common bacteria. If you’re worried about waste, you can reuse the bleach solution for multiple containers in one session, as long as it stays clean. Just make sure to air dry completely, as any leftover moisture can invite bacteria back. This step has saved me from tossing out perfectly good containers, which is a win for both my kitchen and the planet.
