We all love Tupperware; whether we are storing leftovers or storing ice cream, we all can agree it has incredible utility and practical uses at home. People usually have stacks of Tupperware at home waiting to be put to use.
What we don’t appreciate is that sticky surface slowly building up across our Tupperware, and if you ever find yourself in that situation, it’s important to know how to clean sticky Tupperware.
Tupperware utility
This guide may not do justice to all the great benefits you get by using Tupperware. For one, Tupperware is a complete allrounder; not only is it great for storing frozen foods like ice cream and stocks, but also for storing leftovers like rice and chicken.
Tupperware is extremely compact, making them fit easily into the fridge without coaxing it too much into a space. The airtight design helps prevent foods from going bad for days and helps eliminate cross-contamination with other foods.
A Tall cylindrical Tupperware is great for storing a variety of condiments and sauces, which can make your life a whole lot easier.
The real method to clean Tupperware
Even if you love your Tupperware for all the mentioned reasons, chances are it will get sticky if you don’t use and clean it for some time.
The question is, why does it get sticky? Particles such as plasticizers come to the surface and interact with other materials on the plastic, such as paints and interact with them to form a sticky layer all across the Tupperware.
Some foods and sauces containing a lot of sugar or starches are bound to leave a sticky feeling in the Tupperware.
That sticky sensation feels very “icky,” and many people are prompted to throw their Tupperware in the bin.
But don’t do that just yet because we have the methods that will help you recover your Tupperware back to normal.
Let’s learn how to clean sticky Tupperware. There are a wide variety of materials and methods you can use to retrieve a sticky Tupperware back to its pristine condition.
Here are the applications you can use:
- As soon as you finish any condiment or food item in your Tupperware, the first and most immediate thing you want to do is wash your container with hot water and dish soap; this also helps remove any bad odors.
- Another great old-school trick you can use on your plastic containers is baking soda and water. You can use equal amounts of baking soda and water to form a paste. Your bare hands can rub that paste into every nook and cranny. Don’t use a green scrub pad to scrub your container because it has a tendency to scratch the plastic.
- If you don’t add lemon juice to your Tupperware, you might have to rethink this, this allows you to prolong the overall lifespan of your containers, and that means they last for an extended period. Like vinegar, lemon juice is acidic in nature, and that helps to wipe out any bad odors and sticky surfaces that may have built up on your Tupperware.
- The last solution you can try to remove odors and sticky sensations from your plastic containers are to use equal parts vinegar and water mixed in with some salt. The next step required is to place the container containing this liquid directly in sunlight. The sunlight has the capability to fight natural odors and also remove stickiness.
These three methods are completely full-proof and have been tested extensively, so there is no question they work.
How To Clean Old Tupperware Container | Baking Soda Cleaning Hacks
FAQs
Is a Tupperware microwave safe?
Not at all, and even according to the world health organization (WHO), microwaving food is generally considered safe, but when it comes to microwaving plastic, it isn’t safe because this results in leaching. Leaching results in chemicals being released that can be leaked into your food. Even if a plastic container is labeled microwave-safe, you shouldn’t use it, and it only means it won’t melt. The temperatures inside the microwave will overheat your plastic Tupperware, which will result in leaching. Similarly, no plastic containers should be kept in your dishwasher because a dishwasher also warms up immediately.
How do you get sticky oil residue off plastic?
The sticky surfaces aren’t only limited to you feeling them, but sometimes oil residue can also be seen in some plastic containers, and if you don’t treat it immediately or soon enough can ruin your Tupperware. Here is the solution:
Submerge your plastic in cooking oil such as canola oil or cooking oil for at least 12 hours a day. Over time the oil will completely soak into the adhesive, and this will make it easier to remove the residue. You can also use baking soda or water. All three are great options for removing sticker residue from your containers.
Should I throw out old Tupperware?
The first and utmost thing you need to identify is whether or not the plastic you are using is considered high-risk plastic. Generally, any containers that have #3, #6, or #7, should be disposed of because they can impact human health if food is stored in them.
If you have any plastic containers lying around in your house that is badly scratched up and torn, those should be thrown out immediately. Never reuse any plastic container that has had a trip to the microwave or dishwasher because the chemicals have leached from them, and the best thing to do is to throw them out.
Final words
It looks like we are at the end stage, so let’s wrap this up. Tupperware is a gift from God that has made the modern-day life of humans so much easier; whether you want to freeze leftover ice cream or your favorite thanksgiving gravy, you can do that now. It’s crucial to know how to clean sticky Tupperware. One important habit you should know is that you should never, ever pour piping hot liquids into plastics even if they can handle high temperatures because that will lead to leaching, and we don’t want that. Keep your Tupperware clean and free from sticky residues if you want to make them last a long time. That’s it for now; check out our additional info guides to hop on the DIY train.
Related Post:
1. You can check our review on Jetted Tub Cleaner.
2. You also check our guide for Alcohol for Cleaning Electronics.
Meet Amy Catherine, our expert on all things related to home cleaning and improvement here at Cleaners Array.
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Amy is a passionate advocate for creating clean and organized living spaces that promote happiness and well-being. She has worked in various roles, from a professional house cleaner to a home decor specialist, and has a deep understanding of the importance of a well-maintained home.
As a writer and editor for Cleaners Array, Amy’s mission is to share her knowledge and expertise with our readers. Her writing covers a wide range of topics, including cleaning tips and hacks, organizing techniques, home decor, and DIY home improvement projects.
We are fortunate to have Amy as a member of our team here at Cleaners Array. Her passion and expertise are invaluable assets to our mission of providing high-quality content and resources to our readers.
