How to Remove Tupperware Scratches
Storing leftover food is one way to save money and not let a good meal go to waste. Using plastic storage containers, such as Tupperware, which can be used over and over again, is a way to save even more money. Repeated washing, acidic foods, using knives to remove food from the containers and general wear and tear can all cause scratches in the plastic. Getting the scratches out may be possible with a little elbow grease and help from common household products. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dish detergent
- Water
- Soft towel or cloth
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Baking soda
- Toothpaste
- Plastic polish
- Fine grained sandpaper
Instructions
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Hand wash the Tupperware container using a soft cloth or soft sponge. Do not use a scrub brush or steel wool pad, as such items may produce additional scratches or make the current scratches worse. Make sure all food remnants and residue are washed away. Thoroughly dry the container.
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Measure out one teaspoon of baking soda and add water, one drop at a time, to form a paste. Stir after every one to two drops of water to ensure that the consistency remains thick. Use a cotton ball or cotton swab to apply the baking soda paste to the scratch on the Tupperware container. Gently buff the scratch with the paste using slightly firm pressure and moving the applicator in a circular pattern. Continue rubbing for one to five minutes depending on the depth of the scratch. Wash the paste off with water and rewash the container by hand.
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Apply toothpaste to the scratch if the baking soda paste did not work. Do not use gel toothpaste; instead, opt for a paste that is white and thick. Steer clear of foaming toothpaste and colored paste. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball and apply the toothpaste directly to the scratch. Buff using the applicator, rinse and wash the container and verify that the scratch was removed or reduced in appearance.
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Use plastic polish found at hardware stores or automotive supply shops. This polish contains small buffers to remove surface scratches from plastic. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and removal. Use the polish directly, at full strength, and make sure to thoroughly wash all polish remnants off of the Tupperware before using the container for food items.
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Try using a fine grained sandpaper on stubborn scratches that have not been removed by other methods. Start by using the finest grain sandpaper to start and try higher grade options for deep scratches. Use the sandpaper directly on a clean and dry container. Buff using a circular motion and wash all dust off of the Tupperware using dish detergent. Allow to dry thoroughly and inspect for remaining scratches.
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Tips & Warnings
Prevent scratches in Tupperware by hand washing containers and not running them through the dishwasher.
Do not use harsh chemicals on food containers without completely washing off all chemical residue.
References
- Photo Credit Max Oppenheim/Photodisc/Getty Images
