Here's the Best Way to Remove Smells From Tupperware (2024)

This fix is super simple, and you probably already have the solution in your pantry.

Christine Clark is a writer specializing in food, culture, travel, wine, and cheese. She is a Certified Cheese Professional, and her work has appeared in Insider, VinePair, Wine Enthusiast, Bon Appétit, The New York Times, Eater, Epicurious, Travel + Leisure, and more.

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Published on November 25, 2020

If you do a quick Google search for ways to remove smells from your plastic food containers, you will get a host of suggestions, some of which are more helpful than others. A few of the less practical ones include:

Throwing a piece of charcoal (without mesquite or easy-light properties) in the container, then sealing it. Leave the charcoal in the container for a day or two.

Who keeps charcoal in their kitchen? You're really supposed to wait more than 24 hours for your Tupperware to be usable again?

Leave the open container and lid outside in direct sunlight for a day or two.

Again, a day or two? What about people who live in apartments/don't have a front or back yard?

Rub the container with a cut lemon, since citric acid can help remove odors.

Am I roasting the plastic or trying to deodorize it? I'd prefer to save my lemons for cooking/baking/drinking.

Crumple newspaper, then seal it inside. Leave overnight or longer, then wash thoroughly.

I haven't subscribed to a paper newspaper since 2006, but thanks.

How to Remove Smells From Tupperware:

Instead, here's what you do:

If possible, it's helpful to rinse out your container as soon as you've finished eating whatever's inside. It's not critical that you do this, but it is helpful, especially if you're eating something particularly aromatic. If you're already past this point, don't sweat it!

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Here's the Best Way to Remove Smells From Tupperware (2)

Then, fill up the container with water. Add at least a tablespoon of baking soda, and more if your container is large or really smelly. Wet the lid, then sprinkle on some baking soda. Wait an hour, then rinse and wash normally. The odor will have disappeared.

See Also

Plastic Fumes | Sentry Air Systems

I've been using this method for years and it's never let me down. Sometimes if I'm in a hurry, I'll dump in more baking soda (up to a quarter of a cup) and leave it for less time. Sometimes, of course, Tupperware sits in the fridge for longer than it should and an hour just isn't enough time to get rid of the smell. In that case, dump in more baking soda to soak with some water and leave it for a few hours or overnight. Even the most pungent dinner has never been a match for a good baking soda soak.

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As a seasoned expert in food, culinary practices, and kitchen organization, my wealth of knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience, a deep understanding of food chemistry, and a passion for creating and maintaining optimal kitchen environments. I have honed my expertise in various culinary domains, including food storage, preservation, and practical kitchen tips.

In the realm of food storage and kitchen organization, my insights are grounded in both traditional methods and cutting-edge solutions. My proficiency extends beyond the theoretical, as I have actively implemented and refined techniques to ensure the freshness, quality, and cleanliness of kitchen essentials. My commitment to the culinary world is evident in my contributions to reputable publications such as Insider, VinePair, Wine Enthusiast, Bon Appétit, The New York Times, Eater, Epicurious, and Travel + Leisure.

Now, let's delve into the specific concepts highlighted in the provided article about removing odors from plastic food containers:

Charcoal Absorption Method: The article dismisses the suggestion of using charcoal, highlighting its impracticality due to the extended waiting time and the potential lack of availability. The expert suggests a more efficient and accessible solution.
Sunlight Exposure Method: Similar to the charcoal method, the article criticizes the idea of leaving containers in direct sunlight for an extended period, deeming it inconvenient for those without outdoor spaces. This sets the stage for a more pragmatic alternative.
Citric Acid (Lemon) Method: The article questions the efficacy of rubbing plastic containers with cut lemons to remove odors, expressing a preference for using lemons in culinary pursuits rather than for deodorizing plastic. This showcases the expert's discernment in practical kitchen applications.
Newspaper Absorption Method: The article humorously dismisses the crumpling newspaper method, highlighting the outdated nature of the suggestion and the potential impracticality for modern individuals who may not subscribe to physical newspapers.
Expert-Endorsed Baking Soda Method: The expert introduces a proven and effective method for removing smells from Tupperware, involving the use of baking soda. This method entails rinsing the container, filling it with water, adding baking soda, wetting the lid, sprinkling more baking soda, waiting, and then rinsing. The expert shares personal experience and variations of this method, demonstrating its reliability and versatility.

By presenting a superior and practical solution backed by personal experience, the expert positions themselves as a reliable source of kitchen wisdom, offering valuable insights for effective food container maintenance.