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How to Remove Stains from Plastic Containers

Do you have a hard time keeping your lunch containers from getting stained?

Leftover tomato sauce and pasta for lunch is definitely a favorite, but the red stain it leaves on our plastic Tupperware… not so much. 

stained plastic container

Before we begin, let’s discuss why plastic containers stain in the first place.

Stains usually happen when the container, filled with a tomato-based sauce, is heated in the microwave. The sauce gets baked into the plastic giving it the orange-reddish color. 

When this happened to me, I use to think my containers were permanently ruined, but that’s not always the case. There are a few ways to help clean up those containers and get them looking new. Let me show you how. 

How to Remove Stains from Plastic Containers

I tried a few popular methods and noted my findings below, along with ratings of which performed best.

White Vinegar

  1. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar and pour it into the container.

  2. Soak for 2 to 3 hours. Dump out the vinegar solution, then wash and dry.

    If you’re worried about the vinegar smell, don’t worry. It disappears after it dries. 

Baking Soda

Make a paste by combining 2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Apply it to the stained area of your containers, and let it sit for 2-3 hours, then clean with a moist cloth or sponge. Wash the containers as normal and let dry.

Lemon

Sunny day outside? Perfect. Rub lemon juice on the stained area of the container then set it outside in the sunshine for 1 to 2 days. The sun and lemon juice work together to remove the stains.

clean plastic container

Alka Seltzer (or denture tablets)

Put two tablets in warm water inside the container, and let it sit overnight. Wash the container thoroughly and let dry.

Note: Remember that plastic is very porous, so I recommend not using bleach to clean your containers.

If you find simple tips like the ones I shared in this post helpful, be sure to check out the 101 Packed Lunches eBook. Along with incredible recipes, I also answer popular questions and provide step-by-step directions on how to pack lunches so they stay fresh. 

Check out more about what the 101 Packed Lunches eBook has to offer here.

101 Packed Lunches eBook

All my best kid-friendly lunches from over a decade of creating meal plans. Add some variety to your child’s lunchbox with these epic lunches, plus receive my Pack Meals Like a Pro ebook, free with purchase!

Grab the Book!

How to Prevent Containers from Being Stained

It’s hard to remove the stain once a container has been microwaved, so try lining the lunch container with a silicone cup, using silicone containers or glassware for foods with tomato sauce. This will prevent any of your plastic Tupperware from discoloration or damage.  

More How to

  • Gluten-Free Spinach Tortilla Wraps
  • How to Keep Hot Chocolate Warm
  • How to Keep Cucumbers Fresh
  • Does Almond Butter Go Bad?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Megan

    November 06, 2019 at 12:44 am

    Would love to try this. Thanks, Laura!

    Reply
  2. Jim Koster

    August 01, 2016 at 7:12 am

    Rubbing with a used lemon peel does the job most of times. And if the stain is too stubborn, keep them submerged in a solution of water and lemon juice overnight and done!

    This exact method works for all kinds of plastic containers and glassware and also stainless steel utensils.

    Reply
  3. Irene

    April 10, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    Place in sun – stains disappear

    Reply
  4. eliza

    January 20, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    my fool proof solution happened by accident when i had leftover chopped potatoes and stored them in a stained plastic container filled with water.
    i placed them inside the ref and the following day the stains were gone and i thought how and why??? you gotta try it!

    Reply
    • MOMables

      January 21, 2016 at 10:00 am

      Thanks for the tip!

      Reply
      • charline giles

        July 16, 2019 at 9:16 am

        Dentures tablets works great

        Reply
  5. Sonia Pierce

    December 17, 2015 at 8:29 am

    Thanks for the advises! I will definitely try this cleaning ways for my plastic containers. I found it really hard to keep them clean and without stains. I hope these methods will work out! Greetings

    Reply
  6. Jennifer Ayres

    May 06, 2014 at 8:20 pm

    Thank yo for posting this tip. I have used it numerous times this month. :)

    Reply
  7. Jennifer A.

    March 15, 2014 at 3:48 pm

    Fantastic tips! Thanks for posting this!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Laura! I help you make healthy lunches and meals your kids will love, with simple and tasty recipes.

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