Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Using soap and water
• Method 2 of 3: Using vinegar and baking soda
• Method 3 of 3: Absorb and Mask Smell
• Tips

Food containers are convenient containers for storing food. However, odor can be a real problem. The odor can be caused by the material of the container. In addition, the unpleasant odor can be associated with food that was stored in the container. As a rule, these odors are quite persistent. There are various ways to eliminate unpleasant odors. Use liquid soap, vinegar, baking soda, and other odor-absorbing substances. With an effort, you can eliminate the unpleasant odor. Read this article and you will learn how to do it right.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Using soap and water

1. 1 Remove food debris. If the unpleasant odor is caused by food in the container, remove all food debris from it. If you have difficulty, use a spatula or similar utensil to remove food debris. Alternatively, pour warm water into the container and remove any remaining food.
   • Wipe off any grease or oil.Even if you remove food waste, there is a chance that oily deposits will remain on the sides and bottom of the container. So to remove it, wipe the container thoroughly with a paper towel to absorb oil or grease.
2. 2 Soak the container in a solution of water and dishwashing detergent. Soaking the container helps to get rid of the most stubborn odors. Fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add plenty of dish soap. Leave container in water for 30 minutes.
   • If soaking the container in water does not work well, take a brush and wash the container thoroughly while it is still in the water. The dishwashing detergent in the container will help eliminate unpleasant odors.
3. 3 Dry the container. Remove the container from the soap solution. Rinse it in clean water. Dry the container with a cloth or paper towel. Then evaluate the result. Determine if you have managed to get rid of the bad smell. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Bridgett Price

   
   
   Cleaning professional Bridgette Price is a cleaning guru and co-owner of Maideasy, a residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. He holds an MSc in Management with a specialization in digital and traditional marketing from the University of Phoenix.

   Bridgett Price
   Cleaning professional

   If dishwashing detergent does not help remove the unpleasant odor from the container, sprinkle baking soda all over the container. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wash the container.

4. 4 Place the container in the dishwasher. Make sure your plastic container is dishwasher safe. Place the container in the dishwasher and start a wash cycle. The high temperature in the dishwasher will help eliminate the unpleasant odor that has not been removed with the above method.
   • Place the container on the top shelf to prevent warping.

Method 2 of 3: Using vinegar and baking soda

1. 1 Make a vinegar and baking soda solution. If you have not been able to remove the odor using the above method, you will most likely have to resort to stronger means. Take a large bowl or saucepan and pour a glass of white vinegar into the container of your choice. Then add ¼ cup of baking soda. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
2. 2 Place a plastic container in the solution and add water. Place a plastic container in a bowl of vinegar and baking soda. Don't forget the lid. Then add enough water to completely cover the container. Take a large spoon and stir the solution.
3. 3 Soak container in solution. Leave container in solution for 24 to 48 hours. During this period, a solution of baking soda and vinegar will remove the unpleasant odor.
4. 4 Place the plastic container in the dishwasher. A solution of baking soda and vinegar will remove the unpleasant odor. However, be prepared for a lingering vinegar smell. Therefore, place the container in the dishwasher immediately after removing it from the solution.
   • If you don't have a dishwasher, wash the container thoroughly with water and dishwashing detergent.

Method 3 of 3: Absorb and Mask Smell

1. 1 Remove odor with salt. If the above methods do not bring the desired result, try using substances that can absorb the unpleasant odor. Place such substances inside the container. Salt is one such substance. Place a small pinch of salt inside the container. Pour salt in a heap in the center of the container. Then cover the container with a lid and set aside overnight. Remember to remove the salt from the container when using it.
2. 2 Place the crumpled newspaper in the container. The newspaper will absorb the unpleasant odor of the plastic container. Take a few sheets of newspaper, then tear and crumple them. Place the sheets in a container.The paper will absorb unpleasant odors if you leave it in the container for 24 to 48 hours.
   • Wash the container after removing the newspaper, as the sheets can be dirty.
3. 3 Use coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are capable of absorbing odors. After making your morning coffee, transfer the used coffee grounds to a plastic container. Used coffee grounds are better than fresh coffee. Cover the container with a lid and leave the thickened for at least one day to eliminate the unpleasant odor. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Bridgett Price

   
   
   Cleaning professional Bridgette Price is a cleaning guru and co-owner of Maideasy, a residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. He holds an MSc in Management with a specialization in digital and traditional marketing from the University of Phoenix.

   Bridgett Price
   Cleaning professional

   Try lemon or orange as a natural remedy. After washing the container, put some lemon or orange zest in it, close the lid and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. When you rinse the container, the unpleasant odor should pass.

4. 4 Place the container in the sun. Place the plastic container without a lid outdoors on a sunny day. The sun's rays are absorbent. Leaving the container open in the sun can remove the odor.
   • If it is not possible to put the container outside, place it on a sunny windowsill.
5. 5 Use vanilla extract. Vanilla extract has a pronounced, pleasant aroma that can mask the unpleasant odor of the plastic container. Pour a few tablespoons of water into a container and add a few drops of vanilla extract. Then put the lid on the container. Alternatively, you can put a few drops of vanilla extract on a cloth and place it in a container. Close the cover. Leave the tissue in the container for a few hours.

Tips

• If you frequently experience bad odor problems when using plastic containers, consider ditching them and switching to glass containers. Although glass containers can break easily, glass does not absorb odors like plastic. In addition, glass containers are odorless, which is not the case with plastic containers.
• Do not put plastic containers in the microwave. This can lead to an unpleasant odor.
• It is worth noting that the cheaper and softer the plastic, the more likely it will smell unpleasant. When buying a plastic container, remember to smell it. If it smells unpleasant, you shouldn't buy such a container.