Let’s just agree – we’ve all had that moment in the kitchen when we’re grabbing for a food container and the only thing looking at us are stubborn stains, lingering odors or greasy residue. From the turmeric-stained bottom to the lid that smells like last week’s curry, these food containers are the backbone of a smoothly functioning kitchen. But before you throw them in the trash, we’re here to help get them looking (and smelling) like new. How? With your everyday kitchen ingredients! How? Let’s find out!
Also read: 5 Food Container Hacks You Should Know About
Baking soda can keep stubborn stains away.
Photo: iStock
Here are 5 easy tips to keep your food storage containers fresh
1. Use baking soda for stubborn stains
Nobody likes to see yellow or red stains on their containers, especially after a meal like curry or pasta. This is where baking soda can prove useful. This natural cleaning agent works wonders on stubborn stains without damaging the plastic. Simply mix two tablespoons of baking soda with warm water, let it soak for an hour or overnight and then scrub gently. It’s also great for eliminating odors, so your food containers will look as good as new!
2. Use white vinegar for bad odor
Yes, baking soda can remove odors but not as well as white vinegar. If your containers still smell like garlic or onions from weeks ago, white vinegar can save your day (and mood!). Simply mix equal amounts of warm water and white vinegar in a container, let it sit for 30 minutes, and rinse. The acidity in vinegar breaks down grease and neutralizes odors. Add a pinch of salt to give cleaning an extra boost. Rinse thoroughly, and you’ll have an odor-free container in no time.
3. Use natural sunlight for yellow spots
Are yellow curry stains refusing to go away? Sometimes, nature can be the best solution. Place your clean, wet containers in direct sunlight for a few hours. The UV rays will naturally bleach yellow colors and lighten even stubborn stains. Additionally, sunlight also helps to clean and remove any odor. This is an eco-friendly hack that requires zero effort and works like magic.
Photo: Pexels
4. Use lemon juice for a funky smell
Does your container smell like a mixture of all the strong odors? So use lemon juice for that! Simply rub a slice of lemon on the stain or smelly area. You can also add lemon juice inside it and leave it for 20 minutes. The natural acids in lemon work to break down stubborn stains and neutralize odors. When you wash them, you’re left with fresh, citrus-scented containers that are practically as good as new.
5. Use Rice for Inaccessible Dirt
Containers with narrow corners can be difficult to clean. They can accumulate dirt and grease, making them difficult to clean. This is where rice can be useful. Add one tablespoon of raw rice, a few drops of dish soap, and warm water to the container. Close the lid and shake it like there’s no tomorrow. The rice will clean hard-to-reach areas without scratching the plastic. Rinse it thoroughly and your container will be sparkling clean again.
Also read: 5 Ways Food Storage Containers Make Your Life (And Kitchen) Much Easier
