Things You'll Need
Plastic bowl
Bleach
Soap
Water
Baking soda
Plastic bowls retain the odor of the foods that were stored in them because plastic is a porous material. Although plastic bowls are useful for storing food and leftovers in the fridge or freezer, they can be difficult to keep looking clean and smelling fresh. Garlic is a particularly tricky smell to get out of plastic bowls.
Step 1
Soak the bowl to remove and dried on foods or traces of grease. Wash it thoroughly by hand with hot water and a soapy sponge. Rinse it completely.
Step 2
Pour or spray a kitchen bleach cleaner on the container. You may also use undiluted bleach. Be sure that it comes in contact with all the surfaces of the bowl, including the outside, bottom and rim.
Step 3
Alternatively, use baking soda instead of bleach. Fill the container with a solution of water and baking soda. Let it soak for a day. Rinse it out and wash it with soap and water.
Step 4
Dry the container completely with a clean kitchen towel. Repeat the above steps, if needed.
Tip
You can make a paste with the baking soda and water and let it sit for a day. You can also soak the container in vinegar, which will also help remove the garlic smell.
Warning
Wash the bowl completely after using bleach to remove the smell and residue.