Plastic storage containers are easy and convenient for storing leftovers, but they look yellowed after food sits too long.
Since no one wants to serve dinner in a stained container, we have the fixes you need to restore them to crystal clear. There are actually several tricks you can try to rid the container of yellow discoloration.
Learn how to clean yellowed plastic using household products so your containers look new.
Use Distilled White Vinegar
Fill the container with equal amounts of warm water and distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar. Set it aside at least overnight but 24 hours is even better. Pour the water and vinegar mixture out of the container, wash it in hot soapy water, and rinse with warm water.
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Try Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild oxygen bleach that removes stains on white clothes and plastic containers.
- Fill the entire container with hydrogen peroxide to keep the color even and remove any other traces of stains.
- Allow the container to sit for up to 24 hours, especially for severe stains.
- Pour the hydrogen peroxide down the sink and wash the container in hot, soapy water.
- If the container is dishwasher-safe, place it directly in the top rack.
Scrub With a Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda and water form a natural, gentle abrasive paste that safely removes light staining from plastic.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water. If the paste is too thick to spread, add a few more drops of water.
- Spread the paste on the stained areas with a soft sponge.
- Let it work for five or 10 minutes.
- Dampen the sponge and gently scrub the plastic.
- Wash in hot, soapy water and rinse well. Repeat if needed.
Soak in Rubbing Alcohol
- Pour rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol into the plastic container, filling it until all of the yellowed area is covered.
- Let it work for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour out the alcohol and wash the container in hot, soapy water.
- If you don’t have enough alcohol to fill the container, line it with paper towels soaked in the rubbing alcohol.
Scrub With an Oxygen Bleach Paste
Powdered oxygen bleach from your laundry room removes stains and discoloration from plastics.
- Sponge a paste of powder oxygen bleach and warm water onto the stained plastic.
- Cover the paste with plastic wrap to keep it moist and activated.
- Set the container aside for at least four hours (eight is better) and let it work.
- Remove the plastic and scrub the container with a damp sponge. Wash in hot, soapy water and rinse well.
Soak in Chlorine Bleach
Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach and 1 cup of warm water to fill the container. Let the solution sit in the container for at least an hour but overnight is fine.
Pour the bleach solution down the sink and wash the container in hot, soapy water, or place it in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
Additional Tips to Remove and Prevent Yellowing
- Spread a tarp or sheet outside and place the containers in the sun for eight hours. The ultraviolet rays of intense sunlight fade the discoloration.
- Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle with salt, and scrub the stained plastic. The citric acid in the lemon and the abrasive quality of the salt help remove yellow stains.
- Fill the container with hot water and add a denture-cleaning tablet. The same ingredients that whiten stained dentures remove yellow stains on plastic.
- Prevent yellow stains on plastic containers by spraying the interior with cooking spray before adding the food. The oil creates a thin barrier to reduce staining.