How to Get Smell Out of Plastic: Effective Solutions
How to Get Smell Out of Plastic?
To get the smell out of plastic, there are several methods you can try.
Rubbing cut lemon on the inside of the containers can help eliminate odors.
Scrunching up newspaper and filling the containers with it can also absorb the smell.
Mixing baking soda and water to create a paste and rubbing it inside the containers is another effective method.
Leaving the containers outside in the sun with the lids off can help air out any unpleasant odors.
Placing charcoal in the containers allows it to absorb the smells.
Using lemon juice or a wedge of lemon to rub the inside of the containers can provide a fresh scent.
Washing the containers with hot water and soap, then filling them with white vinegar and allowing them to sit before rinsing with hot water and soap again can also remove odors.
It is recommended to avoid using Tupperware and similar reusable plastic containers as they tend to absorb smells.
Lastly, it’s important to understand that polypropylene, a porous type of plastic, allows the container to absorb odors.
Key Points:
- Rubbing cut lemon on the inside of containers can eliminate odors.
- Scrunching up newspaper and filling containers with it can absorb smells.
- Creating a paste with baking soda and water and rubbing it inside containers is effective.
- Leaving containers outside in the sun without lids helps air out unpleasant odors.
- Placing charcoal in containers absorbs odors.
- Using lemon juice or a wedge of lemon to rub inside containers provides a fresh scent.
Did You Know?
1. The best way to get rid of unpleasant odors in plastic containers is by placing a crumpled newspaper inside and sealing it tightly. The newsprint absorbs the smell molecules over time, leaving your plastic container odor-free.
2. Did you know that exposing plastic containers with lingering smells to direct sunlight can help eliminate the odors? The combination of heat and UV rays can break down the odor-causing compounds, leaving your plastic items smelling fresh again.
3. Another little-known trick to get rid of smell in plastic is by soaking the container in a mixture of warm water and baking soda. This natural deodorizer not only helps neutralize odors but can also tackle stains and discoloration on your plastic items.
4. Have you ever wondered why plastic bottles can sometimes retain a lingering smell even after washing? Plastic is porous, meaning it can absorb odors easily. So, to prevent smells from getting trapped in the first place, you can try coating the inside of your plastic bottles with a thin layer of vegetable oil before use.
5. If you’re dealing with a persistent odor in plastic, you can try incorporating an open box of activated charcoal inside the container for a few days. Activated charcoal is excellent at absorbing odors and is often used to freshen up enclosed spaces, making it a fantastic solution for smelly plastic as well.
Rubbing Lemon To Eliminate Plastic Smell
One of the easiest and most natural ways to get rid of unpleasant smells from plastic containers is by using lemons. Lemons have natural deodorizing properties that can help eliminate odors effectively. To use this method, simply cut a lemon in half and rub the inside of the containers with the cut side of the lemon. Make sure to cover the entire surface thoroughly. Leave the lemon juice to sit for a few minutes before rinsing the containers with water. This simple technique can help neutralize and freshen up the plastic containers, leaving them smelling clean and fresh.
In addition to removing odors, lemon juice can also help remove stains and discoloration from plastic containers. The natural acids in lemons can break down and fade stubborn stains, restoring the containers to their original appearance.
Newspaper Trick To Remove Odor From Plastic
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and readily available solution to tackle plastic odor, look no further than your daily newspaper. The ink and absorbent nature of newspaper make it an effective odor absorber. To make use of this trick, simply crumple up a few sheets of newspaper and fill the plastic containers with them. Ensure that the containers are tightly sealed, and leave them for at least 24 hours. The newspaper will help absorb the unpleasant odors, leaving your containers smelling fresh.
It’s important to note that this method may take longer for stronger and more persistent smells. You may need to replace the newspaper with fresh ones and leave them in the containers for a longer period for optimal results.
Baking Soda Paste For Odor-Free Plastic
Baking soda is a versatile household ingredient that can be used for various cleaning tasks, including eliminating odors from plastic containers. To create a baking soda paste, mix equal parts baking soda and water until you achieve a thick consistency. Apply the paste to the inside of the plastic containers, ensuring all areas are covered. Leave the paste to sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, rinse the containers with hot water and soap to remove the baking soda residue.
Baking soda works by absorbing and neutralizing odors, leaving your plastic containers odor-free. This method is particularly useful for containers that have absorbed strong food smells, such as onions or garlic.
Sun Exposure Method To Get Rid Of Plastic Smell
Another effective method for getting rid of plastic smell is by exposing the containers to sunlight. The heat and UV rays from the sun can help break down and dissipate the unpleasant odors.
Start by thoroughly washing the plastic containers with hot water and soap. Then, place them outside in a sunny area with the lids off. Allow the containers to sit for at least a few hours, but preferably the entire day. The sunlight will help air out the containers and eliminate the odors.
It’s important to note that this method may not be suitable for containers with sensitive contents or those that are not waterproof. Additionally, prolonged sun exposure can cause plastic containers to deteriorate, so it’s best to monitor them and avoid excessive or prolonged exposure.
Charcoal Absorption Technique For Odor Elimination
Charcoal is a natural odor absorber and can be highly effective in removing unpleasant smells from plastic containers. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Place a few pieces of activated charcoal or charcoal briquettes inside the containers.
- Make sure the charcoal pieces are clean and odor-free.
- Seal the containers tightly.
- Leave the containers for a few days to allow the charcoal to absorb the odors.
- Afterward, remove the charcoal and rinse the containers with hot water and soap to eliminate any residual odor.
This method is particularly useful for containers that have absorbed strong and persistent smells, such as spoiled food or strong spices. The porous nature of charcoal allows it to trap and neutralize odors effectively.
- Activated charcoal or charcoal briquettes are the key ingredients.
- Clean and odor-free charcoal pieces are recommended.
- Proper sealing of the containers is essential to maximize effectiveness.
- Leaving the containers for a few days allows ample time for odor absorption.
- Hot water and soap should be used to rinse the containers after odor removal.
“The porous nature of charcoal allows it to trap and neutralize odors effectively.”
Lemon Juice Remedy For Plastic Odor
In addition to rubbing cut lemons on the inside of containers, using lemon juice as a remedy for plastic odor is equally effective. Simply squeeze the juice out of a lemon or use pre-packaged lemon juice and apply it directly to the inside of the containers. Rub the juice thoroughly, covering all surfaces. Leave the lemon juice to sit for a few minutes before rinsing the containers with water. This method helps eliminate odors and leaves behind a fresh lemon scent.
It’s important to note that lemon juice may cause slight discoloration on certain types of plastic containers, so it’s advisable to test a small area first. Avoid using lemon juice on delicate or valuable plastic items to prevent any potential damage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can plastic absorb smells?
Plastic has a peculiar knack for clinging onto smells due to its composition. Specifically, certain types of plastic containers, like Tupperware, are made from polypropylene, a porous plastic material that easily absorbs odors. These tiny pores within the plastic allow it to absorb the properties of the food stored inside, especially if kept for an extended period. As a consequence, the plastic container effectively becomes a fragrant time capsule, potentially releasing the scent long after the food has been removed.
Does vinegar remove odors from plastic?
Yes, vinegar is effective in removing odors from plastic. The process involves cleaning the storage containers with hot water and soap first. Afterward, filling the containers with white vinegar and allowing them to sit for a few minutes helps to eliminate odors. Finally, rinsing the containers thoroughly with hot water and soap completes the process. The vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer, leaving the plastic odor-free and ready for use.
Does baking soda absorb plastic smell?
Yes, baking soda is effective at absorbing plastic smell. When sprinkled onto the plastic surface, baking soda, which is a base, reacts with the odorous compounds, neutralizing them and reducing the smell. By gently massaging the baking soda into the plastic with wet hands, the odor-absorbing properties of baking soda are enhanced, ensuring a thorough removal of the plastic smell. This simple yet effective method provides a natural and safe solution for eliminating unwanted odors from plastics.
How do you get the smell out of plastic Tupperware?
To effectively remove persistent odors from plastic Tupperware, begin by thoroughly washing the containers with hot water and dish soap. Next, eliminate any remaining smells by filling them with a solution of white vinegar, allowing it to sit for at least three minutes. Afterward, pour out the vinegar and proceed to wash the Tupperware once more with soap and water. To further combat any lingering odors, store the containers overnight or for an extended period with newspaper, which aids in absorbing any remaining smell molecules. This straightforward process will leave your plastic Tupperware fresh and odor-free, ready to be used again with confidence.