How do you get rid of the smell of whatever food was previously stored in a plastic container?

Question

Just washing doesn't get rid of the smell, and I don't want my cakes/sandwiches tainted by whatever my husband saw fit to keep in the tub last week!!#

Thank you.

Answer 1

Plastic - like many other materials - actually has a rough surface when viewed through a microscope. the collection of ridges and grooves can be a breeding ground for bacteria which causes the smell in the container.

There are several things to do to reduce the smells from building up.

•First, try to get your husband to not leave old food in the container. Old apple cores and bits of food will cause smells to develop.

•On returning from work, the container should be washed thoroughly in very hot soapy water, rinsed with hot water and left to air dry.

•The container should be stored in a dry cupboard with the lid off.

•Every few days, the container should be washed with an anti-bacterial solution like Dettol or Milton fluid and again left to air dry.

•Bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice will also help to remove certain smells. Bicarbonate gets rid of acidy smells. Lemon juice gets rid of greasy smells.

•A bleach solution may be useful if the container is very dirty and very smelly, but rinse it out thoroughly afterwards and wash again with a bicarbonate solution. Do not use undiluted bleach and don't do this too often.

•Do not allow the container to be left with food in it over the weekend.

•Do not use an abrasive cleaner or cleaning cloth as this will make the plastic surface rougher and encourage more germs and bacteria to cling to the surface.

Finally, remember that plastic does gradually deteriorate. After a couple of years, cracks may form in the container. To be on the safe side, throw old containers away and buy new ones. In fact, it's a good idea to have containers specifically for cakes and others for packed lunches or wet foods you plan to freeze. If your husband collects screws, nails, old electrical parts or has any sort of hobby where he collects bits and bobs, give him the old containers for storing his rubbish ... er ... interesting stuff.

Answer 2

try bicarbinated soda it is very good for getting rid of bad smells. Soak the offending tub in warm water with bicarb in it for a couple of hours that should do it. Also good for cleaning out smelly fridges.

Answer 3

try a drop of white vinegar in water, it will smell of vinegar at the start but that will go or if you have squeezy lemon juice put a few drops into water instead and wash it out with that

Answer 4

I use bicarbonate of soda and water. Leave it to soak for five minutes then wash, rinse and dry thoroughly. It always works

Answer 5

Bicarbonate of soda is a deodorisor - so will do the job.
In fact it can be sprinkled any where that there is a smelly problem

Answer 6

this might sound silly but if you get some news paper fill the container replace The lid then put it in the freezer overnight then wash that should solve it.

Answer 7

Stainless steel can remove the scent of onion or garlic, if you have a metal sink, try rubbing your hands against the side

Answer 8

Wash it and leave it over night with a few slices on lemon in it!

Answer 9

odours can be removed from plastic containers if you stuff them with newspaper, leave for a few hours and wash thoroughly. the newsprint absorbs the odours.

Answer 10

You could try soaking it in bicarbonate of soda and water for a while - bicarbonate is a great deoderiser.