How To Get Smell Out Of Plastic Containers: 5 Simple Hacks
Plastic food containers are a staple in just about every kitchen. Whether you’re saving last night’s pasta or packing lunch for school or work, they’re the MVPs of food storage.
The downside? That funky, lingering smell that just won’t quit no matter how hard you scrub.
Nothing ruins an appetite like being hit with the stench of last week’s garlic stir-fry when you’re reaching for a fresh lemon tart. Yikes.
Odors in plastic food containers aren’t just unpleasant; they can actually affect the taste of your food. Thankfully, you don’t need to toss your entire stash of containers. Instead, try these simple, effective hacks to eliminate stubborn stains and smells and make your containers feel like new again.
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a beat to understand why this even happens in the first place.
Why Do Plastic Food Containers Hold Onto Smells?
Before tackling how to get the smell out of plastic containers, it helps to understand why it happens. Unlike glass or stainless steel, plastic is porous. That means it has tiny holes on a microscopic level, which can absorb odor-causing molecules from food over time.
The longer the food sits (and the smellier or greasier it is), the deeper those molecules embed themselves into the plastic.
Foods like garlic, onion, curry, and oil-rich meals are particularly notorious. Cheap, flimsy plastics tend to absorb more odors than thicker, higher-quality ones.
How To Remove Smell From Plastic Containers
Now, let’s get into the good stuff. These household hacks use everyday items to tackle how to get smell out of plastic containers easily:
1. Baking Soda
A classic odor-fighter, baking soda works wonders on smelly plastic. Mix two parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste. Spread it inside the container, focusing on any problem areas. Scrub gently, or let it sit overnight. For more intense smells, soak the container in warm water with 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda overnight before washing.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar’s acidity helps neutralize odors naturally. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then rinse or soak your container in the solution. For stronger smells, heat the mixture slightly or boil a diluted solution (in a well-ventilated space!) to loosen odors trapped deep in the plastic.
3. Lemon
Lemons do more than brighten up your water — they’re natural deodorizers. Rub a halved lemon all over the container, or toss a few lemon peels inside and let them sit overnight. For extra strength, mix ¼ cup lemon juice with a cup of water and soak overnight.
4. Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds absorb odors like a charm. Place dry, unused coffee grounds in the container, seal the lid, and let it sit for a day or two. Rinse thoroughly afterward to remove any coffee residue.
5. Sunlight
Good ol’ sunshine can help, too. After washing your container, set it in direct sunlight for a few hours. UV rays help break down odor-causing particles and naturally disinfect the plastic. Just don’t leave it out for too long — sunlight (actually, heat of any kind) can fade or warp some types of plastic.
Other Deep Cleaning Methods
If basic methods don’t cut it, it’s time to level up. Learning how to get smell out of plastic containers has been a long withstanding mission for many people, which means we can start getting into some anecdotal solutions, tried and tested by people all over the world.
The ‘Crumpled Newspaper’ Method
One of the oldest hacks: stuff a dry container with crumpled newspaper and seal it for a few days. The newspaper will absorb odors lingering in the plastic. Just make sure the container is clean and dry first.
Charcoal, The Odor Magnet
Activated charcoal is another excellent natural deodorizer. Use food-safe charcoal (not the stuff for your grill!), seal a small amount inside the container, and let it sit for a few days. It’ll help neutralize even the most persistent smells.
If All Else Fails, Let It Go…
Let’s be honest — some containers are just too far gone. If yours is cracked, stained, or still reeks after trying everything, it’s time to say goodbye. Keeping it around risks contaminating your food and isn’t worth the hassle.
How To Prevent Odors In Plastic Food Containers
Prevention is always easier (and better!) than trying to fix a problem. Here’s how to stay ahead of the funk:
1. Wash Right Away — The Sooner, The Better
Don’t leave leftovers to sit. Wash your container as soon as it’s empty, especially after storing strong-smelling or greasy foods. Use hot, soapy water and scrub all the corners and seams where residue can hide. Pay a little extra attention to the corners and hard-to-reach spots.
2. Lids Off When Stored — Let Them Breathe
Whenever possible, store your plastic food containers with their lids off, so the smells aren’t trapped. However, if you have to store them with lids, try placing a paper towel or a cotton ball inside to soak up any extra moisture. Also, make sure to never stack the containers inside each other for too long, because that can trap smells, too.
3. Opt For Safer Materials — Think Beyond Plastic
Now, which plastic containers are safe for food storage? Non-plastic food containers. Consider switching to BPA-free plastics containers. Even glass or stainless steel containers would do the trick. While pricier upfront, they’re more durable, don’t absorb odors, and last longer in the long run.
Yes, they’re quite the investment, but you won’t look back.
Can You Microwave Plastic Containers?
Check the bottom of your container for the microwave-safe symbol (usually wavy lines). If it’s there, you’re good to go. But here’s the thing.
Even if it’s labeled safe, microwaving plastic can intensify odors and, in some cases, cause harmful chemicals to leach into your food. When in doubt, transfer your meal to a microwave-safe glass or ceramic container before reheating. Or seriously consider using heated lunch boxes instead, which are made from healthier materials, no microwave needed.
With UVI Lunchbox, Say Goodbye To Odors And Stains
UVI Lunchbox is crafted with food-grade BPA-free plastic, aluminum, and silicone — safe materials that meet national standards and keep your meals warm, fresh, and clean. Yes, it’s self-heating, too.
Even better, thanks to its built-in UV-C light, the UVI Lunchbox helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria between uses, while the self-heating base gently warms your food without overcooking or leaving behind lingering smells.
Unlike traditional containers, UVI’s smooth, non-porous interior resists odor buildup and is easy to wipe clean. While richly pigmented foods like turmeric, tomato, and beet can stain any plastic surface, rinsing your UVI right after eating helps prevent discoloration and keeps it looking fresh.
With UVI, you can heat, eat, and repeat — without the mess or smell.
Bottom Line: How To Get Smell Out Of Plastic Containers
Small plastic containers for food are convenient, but their tendency to hold onto smells is a real drag. With a few easy hacks—plus some preventive care—you can keep your containers fresh and ready for anything.
From lemon juice to sunlight to the unbeatable UVI Lunchbox, these solutions make it simple to refresh your stash without tossing everything in the trash. So go ahead: revive your lunchbox game and breathe easy.