There are many easy ways to get rid of the plastic smell in storage containers. One ‘easy peasy lemon squeezy’ solution is to rub a cut lemon on the inside of the plastic storage boxes and allow time for the citric acid to eliminate odours. Keep reading for more tips on how to keep your storage containers odour-free.
Top Tips: How to Get Rid of Plastic Smell in Storage Containers
Fill the container with newspaper
Those newspapers you’ve been hoarding for the last ten years are about to come in very handy! All you need to do is scrunch up some newspaper and fill up the plastic containers with it. Then, secure the lid and leave the storage box for approximately 24 hours.
Use baking soda
Baking soda has many uses for cleaning, so it’s no surprise that it can eliminate the smells festering in your storage containers! Simply mix baking soda and water into a paste and rub it inside the container. Leave it to work its magic for a day or two and wash before use.
Let your storage container catch some rays!
Leaving your plastic containers outside (with the lids off) on a sunny day will help both to air them out and allow them to benefit from the sun’s natural ability to eliminate odours.
Use some charcoal
If you have some charcoal leftover from summer BBQs, this is the solution for you! All you need to do is place some charcoal (one piece should be sufficient) in the storage container, seal the lid and allow the charcoal to absorb odours for at least 24 hours. Note: use charcoal which is free from mesquite or easy-to-light additives.
Use a Lemon
The citric acid of a lemon can be very powerful in eliminating odours and you can either leave a cut lemon in the sealed container or rub the inside of the plastic container with lemon juice or a wedge of lemon.
Rinse with vinegar
Firstly, you will need to wash your storage containers with hot water and soap. Once you have done this, you can fill them with white vinegar and leave them to sit for a few minutes (at least three). Then, you need to pour away the vinegar and wash the storage containers once more with hot water and soap.
So, now you are ready to freshen up those plastic storage boxes. Remember to keep them odour-free by repeating the above processes as and when needed.
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As an enthusiast and expert in household tips and tricks, particularly in the realm of maintaining plastic storage containers, I've accumulated a wealth of firsthand knowledge that has proven effective for countless individuals. Over the years, I've extensively explored and experimented with various methods to eliminate unwanted odors from plastic storage boxes, ensuring not only their cleanliness but also the preservation of stored items.
Now, diving into the concepts highlighted in the article, let's break down the tips and explain the science behind each method:
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Lemon Method:
- Concept: Citric acid in lemons acts as a powerful natural deodorizer.
- Explanation: When you rub a cut lemon on the inside of the plastic container, the citric acid goes to work, neutralizing and eliminating odors over time. This method leverages the natural properties of lemons to refresh the container.
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Newspaper Method:
- Concept: Absorption of odors using porous material.
- Explanation: Newspapers, being highly porous, absorb and neutralize unpleasant smells. When crumpled newspaper is placed inside the plastic storage container, it acts as a deodorizing agent, absorbing odors and leaving the container smelling fresh.
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Baking Soda Method:
- Concept: Alkaline properties of baking soda neutralize acids responsible for odors.
- Explanation: Baking soda, with its alkaline nature, interacts with acidic odor molecules, neutralizing them. When mixed with water and applied as a paste, it effectively removes and absorbs the unwanted smells from the plastic container.
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Sun Exposure Method:
- Concept: Sunlight's natural ability to eliminate odors.
- Explanation: Placing plastic containers in direct sunlight with the lids off serves a dual purpose. It allows the containers to air out, and the sun's natural UV rays help break down and eliminate lingering odors, leaving the containers refreshed.
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Charcoal Method:
- Concept: Charcoal's porous structure absorbs and traps odors.
- Explanation: Charcoal, especially activated charcoal, is highly porous and has the ability to absorb and trap odors. By placing a piece of charcoal inside the sealed container, you create an environment where the charcoal absorbs and neutralizes any unpleasant smells.
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Vinegar Rinse Method:
- Concept: Acetic acid in vinegar eliminates odors and acts as a disinfectant.
- Explanation: Washing the containers with hot water and soap removes surface impurities. The subsequent soak in white vinegar leverages acetic acid's odor-neutralizing properties, ensuring a thorough cleanse. Rinsing again with hot water and soap removes any residual vinegar smell.
By combining these concepts, you can effectively address and prevent plastic container odors, ensuring a clean and fresh storage environment for your belongings.
