291740 Wed Jan 29 19:45:45 -0800 2003 16 29 Not About Food 0 1589265 What's the best way to get smells out of plastic storage containers? Despite my constant scrubbing and frequent washing, my tupperware often retains the odors of the previously stored item. Wed Jan 29 19:45:45 -0800 2003 0 FML 1 1589281 I've seen the folks in my office catering department fill plastic containers with vinegar to remove odors. Wed Jan 29 21:57:54 -0800 2003 1589265 0 Deenso 1 1589282 I've been told putting scrunched up newspaper in and sealing it up for a while removes odors--but I haven't tried it. Wed Jan 29 22:13:05 -0800 2003 1589265 0 Marion Morgenthal 1 1589316 I know it's a little too late, but for the future, if you spray the inside of the plastic container with cooking spray it will prevent the plastic from staining or getting smelly. Thu Jan 30 09:30:37 -0800 2003 1589265 0 JoeK 1 1589324 Not sure if you've tried the dishwasher or a soak in very hot water and dishwasher (not dishwashing) detergent, but my dishwasher does a fine job on plastics. Thu Jan 30 10:22:02 -0800 2003 1589265 0 TR 1 1589339 Sounds like newspapers, charcoal, or baking soda will help. Link: http://sneakykitchen.com/forum/tupp_stains.htm#Rosen...Stains&Odors Thu Jan 30 11:24:26 -0800 2003 1589265 0 Linda W. 1 1589340 The worst case scenario (finding the container in the back of my fridge with something foul and unidentifiable in it) was remedied by a good scrubbing with detergent (diswasher even better here), followed by filling it with a slug of chlorine bleach and the rest cold water. After a few days right side up, I flipped it. After a few more days, I drained and rinsed well. No more odor. Thu Jan 30 11:31:28 -0800 2003 1589265 0 ironmom 2 1589347 I can relate to your "worst case scenario"- I've had many of these. What in part makes these containers great is that they keep in odor but it's also what has led to many "science experiments" in our fridge. Like you, I've found bleach to really work. White vinegar has also worked but not as well. Since you mentioned using a dishwasher, I thought I'd note that since we got a new dishwasher a couple of years ago, we've had virtually no problems keeping our plastic containers clean and odor free. I haven't figured out why that is since our last dishwasher did a fine job with dishes. Thu Jan 30 12:47:45 -0800 2003 1589340 0 SJ 2 3693731 Ironmom; I'll bet it is an ingredient in the dishwasher detergent you are using, rather than the washer itself. My problem is getting rid of the odor which accompanies food containers from China. I've tried baking soda (no good). I'll try vinegar net. Fri May 16 10:34:26 -0700 2008 1589340 182852 jascannon 3 3693921 We have the same problem with food containers from India. Our solution is to leave it out in the sun, and it has always worked for us. Fri May 16 11:20:46 -0700 2008 3693731 130504 pmody 1 3693884 FML, i cook a lot with curry, hence the orange/yellow stains in the Tupperware. I add white vinegar to my dish washing liquid, and for tougher stains scrub the plastic boxes with salt, then wash with the vinegar liquid. good luck Fri May 16 11:12:48 -0700 2008 1589265 185303 divya 1 3695349 soak overnight in weak warm water/bleach solution. repeat if necessary. Fri May 16 18:24:47 -0700 2008 1589265 46030 soupkitten 2 3695358 Vanilla extract and water........allow to soak overnight ....rinse....depending on how strong the odor is will mandate to amount of vanilla you use.....the vanilla smell will disipate rapidly after rinseing. Fri May 16 18:29:25 -0700 2008 3695349 180133 Saddleoflamb 3 3695632 Vanilla extract. ... I don't dilute mine though. Use your fingers to spread it on so you don't waste any on a tissue or sponge. Fri May 16 20:35:40 -0700 2008 3695358 10609 Cheese Boy 1 3697405 After washing the container well, make a paste with baking soda and water, and coat the entire inside of the container. Leave set for a day or two, then wash again. If it's still not gone, do it again. That works for me on my worst science experiments. Sat May 17 19:14:37 -0700 2008 1589265 32586 revsharkie 2 3701760 Y'know, this is what I do except I don't add water, I just use baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda. Cover lid. Shake. Leave overnight. Empty and rinse. Voila, no odors. Mon May 19 11:51:25 -0700 2008 3697405 11583 ipsedixit 1 3700120 It may be too late for this, but it also helps if you don't use a scrubbing sponge/cleanser that scratches the plastic. Scratches trap particles of food and can be unhygienic. I might try the newspaper trick though! Mon May 19 02:11:04 -0700 2008 1589265 14139 Kagey