If there’s any dried or sticky residue inside the container, it may help to wipe it out with a paper towel before you begin cleaning.
Vinegar is strong enough to make an effective cleaner and disinfectant, but not so strong that it needs to be cut it with water. If you don’t happen to have any vinegar handy, try using a little diluted rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. The alcohol in these products will produce an effect similar to the vinegar. [2] X Research source
Vinegar is naturally antimicrobial, which makes it useful for killing the bacteria that’s had time to begin growing on old food. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can help brighten dull, discolored plastic and leave it smelling more pleasant. [4] X Research source
You may not be able to erase certain stains (like the infamous tomato sauce) entirely. Once these have set up in the plastic, it can be nearly impossible to get them out. [6] X Research source Avoid scouring the container with anything more abrasive than a sponge. A device like steel wool or pumice stone may leave behind scratches in the plastic.
Baking soda is prized for its ability to cut through stains and absorb unwanted odors. It’s also slightly astringent, which will come in handy when it comes time to scrub the container. [8] X Research source It may be necessary to mix a bigger batch of baking soda paste if you’re trying to clean multiple (or especially large) containers.
The paste will have an easier time sticking if the inside of the container is completely dry.
Make sure you give the paste at least an hour or two to take effect.
Keep rinsing the container until the water runs clear. [12] X Research source Use baking soda periodically to restore old and heavily-used containers.
Replacing the lid on a plastic container while it’s still wet can cause mold and mildew to develop.
Chlorine bleach is a highly-toxic chemical that can be extremely harmful if it’s accidentally ingested or comes into contact with your skin. [15] X Research source Due to the hazards that bleach presents, this solution is best reserved as a last ditch effort for when other cleaning methods are unable to cut it.
Leave the bleach-filled container somewhere that it won’t be mistaken for something else. Never mix bleach with any other cleaners, chemical or natural. [16] X Research source
Set a timer so that you don’t forget to empty the container. If you leave the bleach in there for too long, it can eventually eat away at the plastic. If the lid of the container is also stained, you can place it in the sink and pour a small amount of the bleach solution over it. [18] X Research source
Most plastics are somewhat porous. For this reason, it’s important that you wash the container as usual after treating it with bleach to make sure that none of the chemical remains. [20] X Research source Continue washing the container until you can no longer detect the smell of bleach.
