How to Clean Solution for Plastic Food Storage Containers

Plastic containers that come in contact with food need special care if they are reused.

Plastic food storage containers are convenient but only if you are able to clean them well enough to be able to reuse them. Food safety is, of course, important, but stained, smelly plastic containers are something no one wants in the kitchen. Luckily, a combination of some simple household ingredients can help you to clean and sanitize your plastic food storage containers so they continue to store your food safely for a long time to come.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwashing liquid
• Distilled white vinegar
• Water
• Bleach
• Measuring spoons
• Sponge
• Rubber gloves (optional)

Instructions

1. Use dishwashing liquid, warm water and a nonabrasive sponge to clean your plastic containers. Turn the water temperature up as hot as you can stand; use rubber gloves in order to be able to use hotter water, which is more sanitary.

2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar to your dishwashing liquid and warm water mixture for tough stains and odors. White vinegar helps to get rid of both stains and odors, and is even effective on tough stains like tea and coffee.

3. Rinse plastic food storage containers thoroughly, making sure to remove all traces of soap. Leaving excess soap on the containers reduces the effectiveness of the sanitizing step.

4. Dilute 1 tsp. of bleach in 1 gallon of lukewarm water (water that feels warm to the touch). Submerge your plastic food storage containers in this mixture for at least one minute. Remove from sanitizing solution and allow to air dry before putting away for another use.

Tips & Warnings

• Cleaning and sanitizing are not the same thing. Cleaning refers to ridding items of debris and dirt, while sanitizing refers to killing any and all potentially harmful bacteria. In professional kitchens, sinks have three basins for this reason: wash, rinse and sanitize. Your home may not have a professional kitchen, but food safety is important everywhere.

• Always use food-safe plastic containers in your kitchen. Plastic containers that are not marked food-safe can leach harmful chemicals.

• Use food-safe plastic containers only for the purposes they were intended. If a container does not say that it is microwave or freezer safe, do not use it in the microwave or freezer.

• Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners or cleaning materials (such as scrubbers or steel wool) on plastic food storage containers. Scratched plastic can trap bacteria, and bits of plastic end up in food. Soak caked food in warm water for a few minutes before trying to wipe it away with a soft sponge.

References

• University of Oklahoma Police Department: Can Your Kitchen Pass The FDA's Home Food Safety Test?
• University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension: Sanitation of Food Preparation Work Areas And Equipment
• Survival Center: The Food Storage FAQ
• Earth Easy: Non-Toxic Home Care