How to Remove Yellow Stains From White Plastic

Yellow stains on white plastic can make it appear dirty when it isn't

Considering that plastic is a porous material, it isn't surprising it stains so easily. Yellow stains left on white plastic can make it appear dirty even when it isn't. From oils found in certain foods to accidental spills on white plastic surfaces, these yellow stains may seem like a permanent addition. With the right materials on hand, however, you can finally be free of them.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Baking soda
• Utensil for stirring
• Scouring pad
• Lemon juice
• Clean cloth

Instructions

Remove the Stains with Baking Soda

1. Pour baking soda into a bowl liberally. A half cup to a full cup of baking soda should be plenty.

2. Pour water into the bowl slowly and stir it into the baking soda to make a thick paste.

3. Use a scouring pad to scoop out the baking soda paste and scrub the stain.

4. Rinse the plastic with water to remove the paste.

5. Repeat the process as needed until the stain is gone.

Remove the Stain with Lemon Juice

1. Slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl.

2. Dip a cloth into the lemon juice to soak it.

3. Scrub the lemon juice into the stain to remove it.

4. Rinse the area with water.

5. Scrub the area with the lemon juice again if the stain persists and set it outside in the sunshine for at least an hour.

6. Rinse the area and repeat the process as needed until the stain is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid the use of harsh chemicals to remove plastic stains, especially on plastic that is used to prepare or store food. The chemicals can seep into the plastic and contaminate food.

References

• Best of Baking Soda: Remove Stains from Plastic Utensils
• BBC CO UK: Homes