How to Remove Food Stains From Plastic Containers

Leftovers stored in plastic containers often leave food stains.

When stored in plastic containers, leftovers often leave food stains and odors. Even after washing, discoloration from food can remain on the plastic. Removing these stains can be difficult because the food creates a color stain in the plastic, rather than just sitting on the surface. Effective stain removing supplies and techniques help you get rid of the food stain, leaving your plastic container looking and smelling clean.

Things You'll Need

• Lemon wedges
• White vinegar
• Sponge
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. 

   Sunlight is a natural bleaching agent.

   Rub lemon wedges over the food-stained area of your plastic containers. Set the containers in direct sunlight and allow them to dry. The lemon and sunlight work together to bleach the food stains out of the plastic.

2. Rinse your plastic containers off to remove the lemon juice and then check to see if any food stains remain.

3. Wet a clean sponge with straight white vinegar. Wipe the stained areas of the plastic containers to remove the remaining stains.

4. 

   Keep a sponge handy for scratch-free cleaning.

   Sprinkle baking soda onto the vinegar-soaked sponge to add a cleansing boost to the vinegar. Baking soda is a natural abrasive, safe for plastic surfaces and will work with the vinegar to remove the food stains as well as their odors.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash plastic containers with hot water and a grease-cutting dishwashing detergent to remove fresh food stains.

• Soak a severely food-stained plastic container in a solution made of 1 tbsp. bleach and 1/2 cup water. Rinse well with water and allow the container to dry. The bleach will dissipate from the surface as it dries.

References

• EPA: Safer Cleaning: Glass and Plastic
• Apartment Therapy: A Compendium of All-Natural Cleaning Tips: Plastic Food-Storage Containers
• Vinegar Tips: 1001 Uses for White Distilled Vinegar: For Stained and Smelly Plastic Food Containers