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How to Get Rid of Smell in Food Storage Containers: Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate odors from food containers easily with this step-by-step guide. Discover how E-Cloth makes the process simple and effective.

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How to Get Rid of Smell in Food Storage Containers

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice

Step 1: Wash Thoroughly

Start by giving your container a good scrub with warm water and dish soap. Go all in—no spot should be left behind.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the container.
Pour in enough white vinegar to cover the baking soda. Let it fizz and work its magic for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the container thoroughly with warm water to remove all residue.
Allow it to air dry in a sunny spot. Sunlight helps neutralize remaining odors naturally.

Step 4: Final Deodorizing Touch

If any odor lingers, rinse the container with a mixture of lemon juice and water. Rub it around the insides and rinse off for a fresh scent.

Safety Precautions

Always use gloves when handling vinegar or lemon juice if you have sensitive skin, as acids can cause irritation.
Never mix vinegar with bleach or any cleaning products containing chlorine—this creates toxic fumes.
Ensure containers are food-safe and free from cracks before cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup.
Rinse thoroughly after using baking soda and vinegar to avoid leaving any residue that could affect food taste or safety.
Dry completely before storing to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

How to Maintain Cleanliness How to Get Rid of Smell in Food Storage Containers: Extra Tips

Clean Immediately After Use

Rinse out containers right after using them to prevent food residues that cause odors.
Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to remove grease and lingering bits.
Avoid letting food scraps dry onto the surface as they can develop stubborn smells.

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Deodorize with Natural Solutions

Mix baking soda and water into a paste to scrub away persistent aromas.
Add a splash of vinegar during the rinse cycle for enhanced odor-neutralizing power.
Let the solution sit on the container for a few minutes before rinsing to maximize its effect.

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Avoid Cross-Contamination

Keep strong-smelling foods separate from more delicate ones to prevent mixed odors.
Designate specific containers for certain food types if necessary and thoroughly clean between uses.
Be cautious of residual stains or food particles that can transfer unwanted smells.

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Dry Thoroughly and Store Properly

Ensure containers are completely dry before storing to avoid moisture buildup and mold.
Store them in a cool, dry environment with the lids off, allowing for air circulation.
Regularly inspect storage areas to maintain an odor-free environment and replace any damaged containers.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Food Storage Containers

Ignoring Pre-Cleaning Decluttering

Jumping straight into cleaning without decluttering slows down the process and spreads clutter around.
Cleaning around unnecessary items leaves hidden spots dirty and reduces overall effectiveness.
Failing to declutter first makes it harder to identify what needs deep cleaning and what doesn’t.

Using the Wrong or Poor-Quality Tools

Using unsuitable or low-quality cleaning supplies can damage surfaces and decrease cleaning efficiency.
Mixing up tools, such as using harsh scrubbers on delicate surfaces, causes unnecessary wear and tear.
Not organizing your tools ahead of time leads to wasted time and frustration during cleaning.

Lack of a Consistent Cleaning Routine

Cleaning sporadically leads to accumulated dirt and bigger, more time-consuming chores.
Ignoring regular tasks can make deep cleaning overwhelming and discouraging.
Failing to adjust your routine as life changes can result in less effective cleaning and increased stress.

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How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Food Storage Containers

Frequency Recommendations

After each use: Ideally, give your containers a quick rinse right after each use to prevent residue from drying and setting in, which is the root cause of lingering smells.
Weekly deep clean: Even if you rinse them daily, perform a thorough cleaning at least once a week to break down any absorbed odors and to keep bacteria at bay.
When storage containers are heavily used: If you’re using the same containers multiple times a day for different meals or ingredients, consider a daily deep cleaning to maintain freshness and eliminate cross-contamination.

Why This Frequency?

Odor prevention: Regular cleaning minimizes the buildup of food particles and stains that can harbor bacteria and cause persistent smells.
Hygiene and safety: Frequent cleaning helps prevent any potential growth of mold or bacteria, ensuring your stored food stays safe.
Ease of cleaning: Frequent light cleaning prevents the need for more labor-intensive deep cleans later, making maintenance easier overall.
Overall freshness: Keeping your containers consistently clean ensures that each use starts on a fresh note, avoiding the transfer of unwanted odors to your food.

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