COVID-19: This trick will help you clean & disinfect your plastic containers efficiently | The Times of India (2024)

Moms around the world love their Tupperware and plastic containers and for a good reason. For people who do a lot of cooking, BPA-free plastic containers can be a smart investment. They are not expensive, come in different shapes and sizes and some can even be used with the microwave or dishwasher. If you like to prep your meals, you can make a large batch and store it in plastic containers in the refrigerator. They are handy and practically last forever. Most people think that cleaning them with hot water and dish soap will make them squeaky clean. However, in the light of the novel coronavirus, it is essential to clean and disinfect your reusable containers thoroughly. Here is a little trick to make your plastic containers germs and odour free!

Using the simple ‘soap and water’ way to clean plastic containers might not be so useful. Especially if the vessels had been used to store a spicy or saucy dish. Even chopped pineapples might leave their mark on the containers. Many dishes leave their stains and smell in the plastic that can be very difficult to clean with just water and soap. You may decide to wash them in a dishwasher if you own one. However, you might find it challenging to determine the right spot for them. Placing them in the top shelf is recommended as keeping them in the lower shelf can cause leakage of harmful chemicals due to the presence of heating equipment.

So how can you effectively clean your plastic containers if you do not own a dishwasher? Does this mean that you have to invest in pricey and fragile glass containers? Fortunately, a simple combination of baking soda and vinegar from your pantry can help you clean your plastic containers effectively. Baking soda has base pH levels while that of white vinegar is acidic. When combined, these elements cause a reaction that doubly acts on both odour and germs. You should still start by washing your plastic containers with water, but do follow it with this trick. Learn exactly how to clean your plastic containers efficiently in the next section.

Step 1: Wash the container with hot water to remove any food particles left behind.

Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda on the plastic containers so that it would be covered in the white paste.

Step 3: Start scrubbing with a rough sponge and then add a splash of vinegar to the container. There should be a fizzy reaction.

Step 4: Continue scrubbing for a minute more, then fill the container with hot water and let it remain that way overnight.

Step 5: Remove the water the next day and scrub with dish soap and water. And there you have it. Clean and disinfected plastic container ready to be reused!