How to Clean Stained Plastic Food Storage Containers  

Plastic storage containers are a veritable necessity. They provide you with an easy, organized way to save leftovers for another day. They’re easy to tote around, such as for work at lunch the next day, and they’re dishwasher safe. Unfortunately, however, the dishwasher won’t remove all of the grease and grime on them. The result is plastic food containers that have a tinted or cloudy look. How do you clean plastic food containers?

Why Plastic Stains Easily

Plastic is hydrophobic, which means that it sticks to oily substances while repelling water. Many of the pigments in the foods we eat are oily, so the plastic simply hangs onto them.

When the food is heated in the container or it has a high acidic content, the stain becomes more engrained and more difficult to remove. While it may seem like your plastic food containers are ruined when this happens, rest assured that even the toughest stains can be removed.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Plastic Containers?

The best time to clean plastic food containers is as soon as you are done using them. Simply add a drop or two of grease-fighting liquid soap and warm water into the container. Swirl it around, and even use a scrubber if you’re dealing with a greasy or stubborn residue. Then, pour the water into the sink and set the container directly in the dishwasher. Otherwise, you can finish hand-washing the container in the sink.

If the stain lingers, fill the container with undiluted white vinegar. Rubbing alcohol also works if you don’t have vinegar available. Let the container sit undisturbed for at least 30 minutes. Then, rinse out the vinegar and clean the container with soapy water.

If you need to scrub the container to remove the stain, use a nylon bristle brush. If the container has a filmy residue after you clean it, wipe it with lemon juice. Then, rinse the container and dry it with a clean towel.

Removing Odors

To remove lingering food odors from your plastic containers, start by washing the containers using liquid dish soap and warm water. Then, create a paste using a cup of water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Apply the paste to the entire container, and let it sit undisturbed for several hours. Then, wash the container once again with liquid dish soap and warm water.

How to Remove Greasy Residue

Perhaps one of the most problematic concerns about keeping plastic food containers clean is dealing with greasy food residue.

Run the container under warm water, which will loosen the grease and make it easier to clean. Then, fill the container with liquid dish soap and water. A dish soap that cuts through grease is your best option. Let the container sit for several minutes. Then, scrub it clean using the soapy water.

When to Replace Plastic Containers

Plastic is durable, but it will eventually wear down or get damaged. When plastic is damaged, the chemicals in the material can leach into your food. If you notice signs of damage, such as warping, staining, chipping, fading colors, scratches or cracks, it’s time to replace your container.

You may also notice unpleasant odors that you can’t remove with the baking soda paste described above. To get the most life out of your containers, do not microwave them. A smart idea is to replace these containers every six months. Remember that you can recycle many types of plastics.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic Containers

While plastic is cheap and convenient, it has downsides. In addition to the potential for chemicals to enter your food, plastic is bad for the environment. You can preserve your leftovers without the concerns about plastic when you choose one of these eco-friendly alternatives:

• Glass containers with bamboo lids
• Reusable silicon containers
• Compostable sealer bags
• Borosilicate glass containers

Dealing with tough messes doesn’t have to be frustrating. At Cleanzen, we know how to remove stubborn stains and tackle other cleaning challenges around the house. Our professional cleaners are eager to give you the cleaner home that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule Boston housekeeping service with our team.