How-to-Clean Tips for Plastic Containers

Hand Washing

• 1

  Remove all traces of food from the container. If food is stuck on, use hot water to rinse it down the drain.

• 2

  Apply a liberal amount of antibacterial dish soap to a wet sponge. Use warm or hot water to lather the soap into the sponge.

• 3

  Use the soapy sponge to scrub off and wipe away any traces of stains and stuck-on food that remain in the plastic container.

• 4

  Rinse the container thoroughly with warm water.

• 5

  Dry the container with a dry towel to avoid water spots from forming.

Removing Stains

• 6

  Leave the plastic container by a window or outdoors in direct sunlight. Sunlight helps to fade or reduce the appearance of stains.

• 7

  Soak your stained container in a sink full of water with bleach in it. Use 2 parts water to 1 part bleach. After soaking for about an hour, wash the container with hot soapy water and a sponge. Use a towel to dry it off.

• 8

  Fill your stained container with hot water and oxidation cleaning tablets such as Oxyclean or Polident. Let the container sit for about 10 minutes, then wash with hot water and a soapy sponge. Dry with a towel.

Removing Odors

• 9

  Mix 1 tbsp. baking soda with 1 cup water.

• 10

  Apply the mixture to a sponge and use it to wash the odors away from your plastic container.

• 11

  If odors remain, rinse the container in undiluted vinegar. This will help to remove more stubborn odors that baking soda and water cannot handle.