The Easy Cleaning Hack That Brings Stained Plastic Containers Back To Life

If you regularly use plastic food containers, you know how convenient the vessels can be. First, they're lightweight, making them ideal for travel. They're also generally safer than glass versions, as plastic is less likely to break when dropped. Plus, plastic food containers are affordable, especially if you reuse ones from takeout orders. The drawback? Plastic food containers can stain easily, especially if you use them to store foods like spaghetti, chili, or curry.

As a result, you might find yourself wondering how to get set in orange stains out of plastic containers. Though not harmful, the stains can be unsightly and unattractive. They can also be extremely stubborn, as hot water and dish soap are unlikely to get them out. In this case, try reaching for vinegar, a pantry staple that can help freshen up stained plastic containers. Here's why it works: The majority of food stains are acidic, so acids like vinegar can remove them. That's because "like dissolves like," meaning similar substances can dissolve each other.

The process for removing stains from plastic containers is simple. Start by wiping the container with a clean paper towel or sponge, even if you've already tried washing it. This will help remove any leftover grease in the container. Next, fill the container with enough white vinegar to cover the stain. Let it sit for two to three hours, then pour out the vinegar and wash thoroughly. You may need to repeat the process a few times, but the vinegar should hopefully lighten those pesky stains. With this kind of stain-fighting power, it's no wonder vinegar cleaning hacks are everywhere now.

The benefit of using vinegar is that it can also help deodorize smelly plastic food containers and remove grease. However, it's important to note that vinegar may not work on very old food stains. If you're looking for a stronger solution, try letting the vinegar soak for longer or adding a bit of hot water. You can also use the vinegar to make a baking soda paste, which you can use to scrub the plastic container.