Today, plastic is a material that does not have a good press. However, when you already have Tupperware-type boxes, you are always happy to know how to maintain them to keep them as long as possible. Indeed, airtight plastic containers are practical for efficiently storing food in a kitchen. However, they are not infallible. For example, they easily absorb all food odors (both unpleasant and good odors). As a result, it is difficult to find a neutral smell. In addition, they stain easily if you put spicy foods or red tomato sauce on them. The plastic boxes then end up yellowish and are impossible to clean. Here’s how to maintain your plastic and Tupperware boxes to keep them longer!
1) Tip for those who wash these plastic boxes in the dishwasher
Washing in the dishwasher is convenient although it is not necessarily the best. In fact, there may be residue and a dishwasher smell embedded in the plastic. In any case, be aware that you should never put these containers in the lower part of your device and that it is better put them at the highest. The heat is often more concentrated at the bottom and can wear down the walls of your plastic containers (even those that can be microwaved) more quickly. However, the ideal remains to use the cleaning tips that grandmother explains below with gentle, effective and economical cleaning products.
2) The most effective washes
For regular cleaning
Put hot water and good degreasing dishwashing liquid or black soap at the bottom of your container and scrub vigorously with a toothbrush that you only use for cleaning. So you will fit well in every corner.
For the toughest stubborn stains
For stains that are more difficult to remove (tomato sauce, encrusted pigments, etc.), do a paste with baking soda and water and scrub well with the toothbrush. Take care to rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth. The bicarbonate will help you find a perfectly healthy box.
3) Against stubborn odors in Tupperware
Le bicarbonate
To deodorize your boxes without chemicals and effectively, put baking soda at the bottom of the container, close with the lid and shake. Leave it on overnight. The next day, surprise: all odors will be gone !
The…sun! Yes, yes, yes!
Putting your boxes in the sun for a few hours helps eliminate odors! Surprising but it works.
What’s fantastic is that it also works very well with kitchen utensils, especially wooden tools such as the cutting board… If you have rays of sunshine in your home, take advantage of it!
4) Some additional tips for your plastic boxes
If you don’t have baking soda, you can always test with white vinegar, soda crystals diluted in hot water or bleaching with hydrogen peroxide, but be careful not to mix them all! The best option remains a wash with lemon juice. Simply rub and leave for a few minutes then dry in the sun for a whitening effect on the stains. This will remove dirt, loosen yellowing and remove odors.
You can also use a non-stick food spray before putting food in your container so that there is no risk of stains. It’s very effective!
5) Is your container dead?
If you can’t repair it and it’s too worn, opt for the recycling option and use them to store non-food items (jewelry, small toys, for a trip, etc.). This will allow you to keep them longer!
In the future, prefer to use glass containers which have a better lifespan. Mason jars (or glass jars) and glass cans will not absorb odors and are less likely to be stained. In addition, they are much more durable and eco-friendly!