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

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate odors from plastic containers easily with this simple, effective E-Cloth guide. Fresh results in just a few steps.

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How to Get Rid of Smell in Plastic Containers

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Sunlight (or a well-ventilated area for air drying)

Initial Rinse

Rinse the container with warm water to remove any loose food particles or residues.
Ensure you get into the corners where odors can cling.

Soak in a Baking Soda Solution

Fill the container with warm water and add 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda.
Stir the solution to dissolve the baking soda, then let the container sit for 2–4 hours, or overnight if possible.
This helps neutralize stubborn odors.

Deep Clean with White Vinegar

After the baking soda soak, empty the container and give it a quick rinse.
Fill the container with a mixture of equal parts warm water and white vinegar.
Allow this solution to sit for 15–30 minutes to further break down odor-causing residues.

Final Rinse and Air Dry

Empty the vinegar solution and thoroughly rinse the container with clean water.
Leave the container open in a well-ventilated area or place it under sunlight to air dry completely.
Good airflow and sunlight help eliminate lingering smells.

Safety Precautions

Use warm, not hot, water to avoid warping or damaging plastic containers.
Do not mix vinegar and bleach or any other cleaning chemicals, as this can create toxic fumes.
Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin or cuts, as baking soda and vinegar can cause irritation.
Ensure proper ventilation when using vinegar to avoid inhaling strong fumes.
Rinse thoroughly after each cleaning step to remove all residues before using the container for food again.
Check for cracks or damage in containers before cleaning; damaged plastic can harbor bacteria and odors.

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

Establish a Routine Cleaning Schedule

Set aside a few minutes each day to wash and inspect plastic containers, ensuring food bits or residues aren’t left behind.
Wipe container exteriors regularly to prevent dust buildup and bacteria.
Rotate deep cleaning and routine cleaning to maintain both appearance and hygiene.

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Use Mild, Natural Cleaning Agents

Create a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap for daily cleaning. A splash of white vinegar can help neutralize persistent odors.
Avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the plastic over time.
Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residual cleaning agent that might affect food taste.

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Implement a Frequent Deep-Cleaning Mode

For stubborn smells, fill containers with warm water, add a little baking soda or lemon juice, and let them soak for a few hours.
Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge to reach deep corners where smells might linger.
Rinse with hot water to help remove any residues and leave a fresher smell behind.

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Add a Freshening Routine Post-Cleaning

After cleaning, allow containers to air dry completely to prevent moisture buildup, which leads to smells.
Store cleaned containers in well-ventilated areas to minimize lingering odors.
If smells persist, place a small bag of activated charcoal or a few tea bags inside the container overnight to absorb residual odors.

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

Neglecting a Sorting System

Trying to declutter without clear categories (like keep, donate, toss) often leads to simply moving clutter around, not eliminating it.
Without sorting, valuable time is wasted re-evaluating the same items or forgetting your goals.
A sorting system ensures intentional decision-making, speeding up the decluttering and cleaning process.

Skipping the Top-to-Bottom Sequence

Cleaning floors or low surfaces before addressing higher ones makes it easy to spread dust and debris back onto cleaned areas.
Misordering tasks can double your work—always start at the top to maximize efficiency.
Sticking to a sequence prevents missed spots and ensures thorough cleaning.

Overlooking High-Touch and Hidden Spots

Focusing solely on visible surfaces leaves germs and dust to accumulate in less obvious, but crucial, areas.
Commonly missed places like door handles, light switches, and spots behind furniture can harbor bacteria that spread illness and dirt.
Regular attention to these spots not only improves appearance but also protects your health.

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How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Plastic Containers

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

After Each Use: Ideally, clean your plastic containers immediately after they’ve held food, especially if it’s a smelly or oily meal. This prevents any lingering food particles from doubling as a breeding ground for odors.
Regular Deep Clean: If your containers are in constant rotation, aim for a more in-depth cleaning every few days. This deeper cleanse helps break down any residual fat or protein that might cling to the plastic and intensify over time.
Weekly Touch-Ups: For containers that you use less frequently, a thorough weekly cleaning should suffice. It keeps odor-causing residues at bay while saving you from daily scrubbing when it isn’t necessary.
Monthly Routine: Even if a container isn’t used regularly, consider a monthly wipe-down. Dust, ambient odors, and unnoticed residues can accumulate, particularly in multi-use items stored in a kitchen cabinet.
Why This Frequency Works: Frequent cleaning minimizes the chance for bacteria and persistent food remnants to embed into the porous surface of plastic. By keeping a regular schedule, you’ll stop smells before they have a chance to develop a lasting grip on your containers.

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