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

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

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

Title

How to Get Rid of Smell in Tupperware

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Lemon or orange peels

Step 1: Wash Thoroughly

Fill the Tupperware with hot water and dish soap.
Scrub all corners to remove any residual food particles.

Step 2: Soak in Baking Soda Solution

Mix warm water with a couple of tablespoons of baking soda.
Submerge the Tupperware, ensuring the solution fills every crevice.
Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for stubborn smells.

Step 3: Rinse with White Vinegar

Pour a cup of white vinegar into the container.
Swirl it around to coat all surfaces.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water after a few minutes.

Step 4: Air Dry Completely

Leave the Tupperware open on a drying rack or countertop.
Ensure it dries completely, as trapped moisture can cause odors.

Step 5: Optional Citrus Freshen-Up

Place lemon or orange peels in the container for a few hours.
This helps neutralize any lingering smells naturally.

Safety Precautions

Use hot water with care: Avoid burns by ensuring the water is hot but not scalding, and handle containers with a towel or gloves if needed.
Ventilate the area: When using vinegar or strong cleaning agents, work in a well-ventilated space to avoid inhaling fumes.
Do not mix chemicals: Only use baking soda and vinegar separately as directed; mixing them directly can cause a fizzy reaction and potential spills.
Check for damage: Inspect Tupperware for cracks or warping before and after cleaning, as damaged containers can harbor bacteria.
Rinse thoroughly: Ensure all cleaning agents are fully rinsed off to prevent residue from contaminating food.
Dry completely: Never store Tupperware with moisture inside to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

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

Daily Cleaning Routine

Rinse Immediately: After each use, rinse your Tupperware with warm water to remove food residues that can cause odors.
Dish Soap Wash: Use a drop of dish soap and a soft sponge to clean the container thoroughly. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the plastic.
Air Dry: Let the Tupperware air dry completely, ensuring no damp spots remain. Moist environments can encourage odor-trapping bacteria.

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Vinegar and Baking Soda Soak

Mix a Solution: Combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. Optionally, add a tablespoon of baking soda for extra deodorizing power.
Soak Overnight: Submerge the Tupperware in the mixture for at least several hours or overnight. This helps neutralize strong smells.
Rinse Well: Rinse thoroughly with warm water after soaking to remove any vinegar or baking soda residue.

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Sunlight and Airing Out

Fresh Air Benefits: Leave the Tupperware open in a sunny spot for a few hours. Sunlight naturally eliminates odors and reduces moisture.
Ventilation: If outdoor sunlight isn’t an option, place it near an open window with good air circulation to expedite odor removal.
Periodic Exposure: Even if not cleaning intensively, airing out Tupperware once in a while helps prevent odor build-up.

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Deep Cleaning with Denture Tablets

Dentistry Hack: Drop a denture cleaning tablet into a container of warm water. These tablets are designed to break down buildup and odors.
Soak the Tupperware: Allow the Tupperware to soak in the solution for 30 minutes to an hour for a deep clean.
Extra Rinse: Rinse with warm water after using the tablet solution to remove any lingering cleaning agents for safe food contact.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Tupperware

Ignoring Hidden Dust Traps

Overlooking areas like baseboards, behind furniture, or ceiling fan blades lets dust and allergens accumulate.
Use a damp cloth or specialized duster to routinely tackle these easy-to-miss spots for a truly clean home.
Prioritize these zones once a week to maintain air quality and cleanliness.

Using Too Much Cleaner

Spraying excessive product can leave sticky residues and attract more dirt rather than cleaning surfaces.
Follow label directions for correct dosage, and use minimal product whenever possible.
Buff surfaces with a dry cloth afterward to ensure a streak-free finish.

Cleaning Out of Order

Starting with the floors or skipping dusting leads to more work—debris from shelves and countertops will end up on your freshly cleaned floor.
Follow a logical top-to-bottom cleaning order: dust surfaces first, then vacuum or mop floors last.
This sequence makes your efforts more efficient and prevents double work.

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How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Tupperware

CLEAN TUPPERWARE AFTER EACH USE

Every time you finish using your Tupperware, rinse and wash it immediately. This helps prevent food residues—which are prime culprits for lingering odors—from setting in and developing stubborn smells.
Regular cleaning stops odor buildup right at the source, ensuring that each subsequent use starts with a fresh, odor-free container.

DEEP CLEAN ON A WEEKLY BASIS WHEN FREQUENTLY USED

If you use Tupperware almost daily, incorporate a thorough deep-clean once a week. This might involve soaking with a natural deodorizer like vinegar or baking soda, which penetrates grooves and seals to remove residual smells.
A weekly deep clean reinforces the effects of your daily rinsing, making sure any hidden odors are completely neutralized before they become a problem.

REGULAR REVIEWS FOR LONG-STANDING OR INFREQUENTLY USED PIECES

Even if a container isn’t used often, set a reminder to clean it every couple of weeks. Stale residues can still form a breeding ground for odors, turning rarely used items into odor traps.
Periodic checks and cleaning maintain a consistently fresh environment, ensuring that when you do need them, your Tupperware is ready for action without any unwelcome smells.

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