Filipinos have a collective appreciation for bringing Tupperware to parties and taking home leftovers. However, greasy and tomato-based dishes like caldereta and sweet-style spaghetti are staples in Filipino fiestas and gatherings. So, while being a “Sharonian” has benefits, it usually comes with the struggle of removing yellow stains on your prized plastic containers.
Well, worry no more because we’ll teach you how to clean Tupperware that has yellowed. Moreover, we’ll share tips on preventing bad odors and stains on your plastic containers.
1. Cleaning Tupperware with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a must-have when you want to learn how to get tomato sauce stains out of plastic Tupperware. After all, baking soda is slightly alkaline.[1] So, it can effectively remove greasy stains and tough dirt. Here are the steps for cleaning your Tupperware with baking soda:
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Pour baking soda into the Tupperware.
- 2
Add about two tablespoons of water to the baking soda.
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Mix the ingredients until they form a thick paste.
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Let the paste sit on the stained areas for about 30 minutes.
- 5
After 30 minutes, check if the stain is gone. If it persists, let the baking soda paste sit for another 30 minutes.
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Wash the container using Surf dishwashing liquid. Then, rinse it under running water.
Pro Tip: You can also use baking soda to remove stains and stuck-on food debris on your blender.
2. Stained Tupperware Hack Using Vinegar
The acetic acid in vinegar is effective at breaking up dirt, stains, and grease.[2] So, using this natural product is beneficial for cleaning Tupperware. Simply follow these instructions:
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Mix a tablespoon of white vinegar in the stained plastic container with a cup of hot water. If you’re cleaning a larger piece of Tupperware, double or triple the amount of the ingredients you’ll use.
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Let the vinegar solution sit in the container for at least an hour. You can let it stay there for several hours if the stain is still visible.
- 3
Wash your Tupperware using dish soap, then rinse it under running water.
3. Cleaning Tupperware Using a TikTok Hack
If you always love the CleanTok side of TikTok, you’re going to love this method. For this cleaning hack, you’ll need paper towels and dishwashing liquid. Once you’ve got all the tools ready, follow these instructions:
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Pour two drops of dish soap into the plastic container.
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Add about half a cup of hot water.
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Place three pieces of paper towel inside the container.
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Cover the Tupperware, then shake it vigorously.
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Check if the stain is gone, then rinse the container using running water.
How to Prevent Stains and Odors on Tupperware
Learning how to get tomato sauce stains out of plastic Tupperware is easy. However, you might wonder if there is a way to prevent this problem from happening. Here are some tips we recommend:
1. Spread a Thin Layer of Cooking Oil in the Container
If you don’t want to deal with lingering smells and annoying stains later, use cooking oil before putting anything in the container. All you need to do is add a drop of cooking oil to a paper towel, then spread it inside the Tupperware.
The cooking oil functions as a protective coating that prevents the container from absorbing the smell or color of the stored food. Besides, spreading oil inside the container will make the food easier to transfer. Anything would slide right out and onto a plate.
2. Quickly Rinse the Tupperware After Every Use
Let’s face it—not everyone has the time to wash their dishes immediately. So, if you’re planning to clean your Tupperware later, give it a quick rinse. Doing so will prevent the container from absorbing the food juices and debris.
Once you’re ready, you can wash your Tupperware using dishwashing liquid and warm water. Of course, don’t forget to rinse it under running water.
Quick Tip: Check out our guide on washing dishes by hand to discover more cleaning hacks for your Tupperware.
3. Deodorize with Baking Soda
Another way to prevent smells from sticking to your Tupperware is by using a natural cleaning product like baking soda. After washing your plastic containers, sprinkle baking soda on their bottoms and sides. Pour vinegar into the containers, cover them, then shake them vigorously. After that, rinse the containers and dry them with a clean towel. You can perform this extra step before storing your Tupperware to prevent it from smelling bad.
4. Store with Newspaper
Some plastic containers are for daily use, while others are for special occasions. If you’re planning to store your Tupperware for several weeks or months, stuff it with crumpled newspaper. You can also cover the container with newspaper to ensure that it won’t absorb the smell of its surroundings. Moreover, if the Tupperware has leftover food odors, the crumpled newspaper will soak them up.
Cleaning Tupperware Should Be Easy
With the hacks we shared in this article, cleaning Tupperware wouldn’t be such a dreaded task. Make sure to follow our maintenance tips as well. This way, you won’t have to deal with pesky odors when you take your plastic containers out of storage.
For more cleaning hacks, keep reading Cleanipedia’s blog!
FAQs About Cleaning Tupperware Containers
What is the best way to clean Tupperware?
We’ve shared the best ways to clean Tupperware in this article. Now, if you prefer using natural products, we recommend baking soda and white vinegar. You can create a paste by mixing these two ingredients. Let the paste sit inside the container for at least 30 minutes, then wash it as you normally would.
How do you get tomato stains out of Tupperware plastic?
Soaking the Tupperware plastic in a vinegar solution can help remove tomato stains. Add about half a cup of white vinegar to a liter of hot water. Then, soak the container in the solution for about 30 minutes. Once the stain is gone, you can wash your Tupperware as you normally would.
Does baking soda remove stains from Tupperware?
Yes, baking soda can remove stains from Tupperware. Because sodium bicarbonate has alkaline properties, it can effectively break down dirt, particles, and stains.
References:
1. Selection and use of home cleaning products | New Mexico State University - BE BOLD. Shape the future. (n.d.). https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_g/G304/
2. BBC Future Staff (2023). Why vinegar is so good at cleaning. BBC Future. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230303-why-vinegar-is-so-good-at-cleaning
