How to Effectively Remove Stains & Smells From Your Tupperware

Your trusty Tupperware containers have seen a lot of action over the years, and it's no wonder they've accumulated a few stains. But don't worry, we're here to help you get them looking like new again. Discover effective methods for removing stains from your Tupperware, including tips for preventing them.

How to Remove Stains from Your Tupperware

While Tupperware is known for its versatility and durability in the kitchen, they’re also susceptible to stains. New and old stains from food, grease, or even ink can make it unsightly and bothersome to use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to remove stains from your plastic container using three effective methods.

Method 1: Dish Soap + Warm Water

Let’s start with the most basic way: your favorite dish soap. Hand washing immediately is the best way to prevent stains from setting. The warm water will help loosen the bonds between the stain and the surface of your plasticware. It will also help dissolve the stain, making it easier to remove. 

Duration: 20 min

Best for: Grease, all types of stains

What you need: dish soap, warm water, a piece of paper towel

Instructions:

1. Add a few drops of dish soap to your stained Tupperware.
2. Fill about half of the container with warm water, add a piece of paper towel, and close the lid.
3. Shake the container vigorously for about 15 to 30 seconds.
4. Then, wash it as you normally would with dish soap and a sponge.
5. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry.

Method 2: Baking Soda Paste + Dish Soap

There are alternatives to getting the stain off your tupperware – just don’t use laundry detergent! The baking soda paste and dish soap combo is best for stains that have set on the container, such as when it’s been left on the sink overnight.

Best for: Coffee and tea stains

What you need: 1 tbs baking soda, 1 tbs dish soap, soft sponge, warm water

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda and dish soap to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Scrub the paste with a sponge or toothbrush.
4. Rinse the container with warm water.

Method 3: Baking Soda + Dish Soap + Vinegar

When talking about how to clean anything in the kitchen, it’s difficult not to mention these three handy tools. The combination of baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar is best for deep-seated stains, including those for ink stains and food stains.

Best for: Tomato sauce and hard water stains

What you need: 1 tbs baking soda, Puracy dish soap, distilled vinegar, sponge or toothbrush

Instructions:

1. Fill a third of your container with distilled vinegar and then pour in hot water to the brim. 
2. Add a few drops of dish soap then mix this solution. Let the container sit in this solution for an hour or overnight for tough stains.
3. Pour out the solution. Then mix the baking soda and dish soap to form a paste which you can use to scrub on the stain. You can leave this on for 15 minutes.
4. Afterwards, wash as you would normally.

How to Remove Bad Smells From Your Tupperware

No one wants to open their Tupperware container and be greeted by a foul odor. Whether it's the smell of old food, mold, or something else, it's important to know how to get rid of it.

Method 1: Disinfecting Surface Cleaner

Puracy’s Disinfecting Surface Cleaner is a no-nonsense enzymatic cleaner for gunk, grease, and unwanted odors. It is safe for food and non-food surfaces, including your plastic containers! It works for new and old stains, too.

What you need: Puracy disinfecting surface cleaner, mild dish soap, warm water

Instructions:

1. After washing your tupperware normally with dish soap and warm water, let it dry.
2. Spray disinfecting cleaner all over the container. Allow the solution to work its magic for about 10 minutes.
3. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the container and you’re done!

Method 2: Baking Soda

Baking soda is the easiest way to deodorize anything. This is how to deodorize your Tupperware:

What you need: Baking soda, dish soap, soft sponge, microfiber cloth

Instructions:

1. Wash with a mild detergent and rinse your tupperware with warm water as you normally would.
2. If the smell still lingers, add baking soda to the container. Make sure to top the lid with baking soda also. Let this sit for an hour or so.
3. Wash it again as you would normally, then rinse!
4. You can let it air dry or use Puracy’s edgeless microfiber cloth to remove excess water before storing the container.

Method 3: Sunshine

Who would have thought? Yes, sunshine can deodorize because it kills bacteria and germs that usually causes odors.

What you need: Daylight

Instructions: 

1. Wash your Tupperware normally with dish soap and warm water. 
2. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Dry it out in the sun.

Common Culprits of Tupperware Stains

Food additives are substances added to food to improve its taste, texture, appearance, or shelf life. Some food additives can stain Tupperware, especially if they are not washed off immediately.

Here are some of the most common food additives that can stain your favorite plastic container:

• Tannins - Tannins are found in tea, coffee, and wine.
• Pigments/Artificial coloring and flavoring - These are made from substances that can be difficult to remove, but are important in some recipes. One such example is turmeric from your favorite curry dish.
• Enzymes - These can be found in foods such as pineapple and papaya. If left unwashed overnight, they can break down the surface of the plastic.
• Acid in food - Tomatoes, for example, are acidic and can leave your plasticware reddish. It’s recommended to spray some oil on Tupperware to serve as a protective layer.