Plastic is incredibly useful for everyday uses. Commonly found in the kitchen for its affordable yet highly efficient purpose. Unfortunately, plastic inevitably stains or discolors due to the material stored.
We share techniques to remove stains from plastic with household cleaners. You can finally extend the life of your favorite mixing bowls, drinking glasses, spoons, spatulas, colanders, and other popular kitchen goods.
Regardless of the material you decide to clean with, always rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
1. RUBBING ALCOHOL
The best way to prevent discoloration is rinsing the item immediately after its use. Food dye commonly stains plastic that are left unrinsed. Coffee, tea, juice, soda, tomato sauce and tomato paste stains are the leading causes for discoloration.
Rubbing alcohol is highly effective at removing these stains. If the stains are being stubborn and not coming out, then pour the rubbing alcohol into the container. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
When the plastic is not a container, or the outside of the container, you cannot simply let the object soak. Instead you will need to use a larger container to sit the smaller object in.
Once the stains have disappeared from the plastic object, it is time to rinse thoroughly and dry.
2. HAND SANITIZER
Don’t have rubbing alcohol available? Try using hand sanitizer as a substitute as its active ingredient is alcohol.
You can apply the hand sanitizer directly to the plastic ware. Wash and rinse thoroughly, then dry.
3. BLEACH
Chlorine bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can remove liquid stains such as coffee, soda, juice, tea; ink stains; and those pesky tomato stains.
Due to its strength, you will need to dilute the bleach with water. Use one tablespoon of bleach per cup of water.
Set the plastic ware in a larger container and let it soak for at least one to two hours. Helpful tip: use a larger container to clean multiple plastic containers at the same time.
4. WHITE VINEGAR
If you have concerns using bleach on food containers, consider white vinegar as an alternative. In fact, they use the exact same ratio! One tablespoon vinegar per cup of water.
Due to being a natural food-safe substance, people often prefer vinegar since it’s made from organic compounds. Residue from cleaning plastic containers with vinegar could improve your digestion!
Vinegar does not harm plastic. It can be used to remove water marks as well.
5. BAKING SODA PASTE
Need to know how to remove oily residues stains from plastic? Baking soda paste is a great disinfectant that can clean plastics. It can also remove the typical liquid stains previously mentioned.
Baking soda paste needs to be mixed with water. Apply directly to the discolored areas of the plastic container. Allow the object to sit for twenty to thirty mins before applying with a moist cloth to the container.
Then rinse and dry.
6. DENTURE TABLETS
Denture tablets are a great plastic cleaner!
Denture tablets were created for keeping dentures clean, disinfected and prevent discoloration. Therefore, it is strong enough to address your plastic ware stains.
Place 2 tablets in hot water. Then pour the mixture into your discolored container. Let sit until the stains are gone.
7. ALKA SELTZER
Okay, ready for this one? Alka seltzer has a lot of unknown uses! Who knew?!
It can polish your jewelry, clean your coffee maker, whiten and bright laundry, and clean those stained plastics!
Crazy, huh?
Add 2 tablets to hot water. Swish the solution around until the tablets have dissolved and let sit for an hour.
8. LEMON
Prefer to go complete organic? Lemon juice and sun light is the way to go then.
Rub the stained food container with lemon juice. Then set it outside for 1 or 2 days so the sun’s UV light can work its magic.
9. SALT
Good ole salt and warm water works to remove stains. Use a damp cloth to scrub the effected areas. You may need to repeat this process several times for the discoloration to be resolved.
10. DISHWASHER POWER DISSOLVER
Find a dishwasher soap built to remove stains and apply it outside of the dishwasher. Dawn Power Dissolver and Cascade Plastic Booster are popular choices.
Soak your containers in warm water for thirty to sixty minutes. Watch for the discoloration to dissolve and then wash the object.
These are the most proven methods for how to remove stains from plastic. If you have any alternative suggestions, please share in the comments section.
