High-quality stainless steel, like that used in the stainless steel lunch boxes and water bottles we sell on the site, is a brilliant material for storing and preparing food.
Stainless steel is non-corrosive, even when storing acidic or briny foods, it is heat resistant, it doesn’t taint food, and the smooth surface is easy to clean. Plus, it’s 100% recyclable so it’s environmentally friendly as well.
So what’s the best way to clean your stainless steel lunch box?
All you really need is warm soapy water. Stainless steel is also dishwasher safe, although check the label as insulated stainless steel containers are often not dishwasher safe.
To prevent mineral buildup in hard water areas it is best to rinse dry stainless steel with a soft cloth.
Steel is very durable but doesn’t much like bleach or cleaning sprays that contain bleach, and you should avoid abrasive cleaners, including steel wool, that can scratch the surface and make it more susceptible to staining and rust.
If your lunch box needs a deeper clean, maybe something got left in there over the holidays and the smell is proving hard to shift, baking soda and vinegar are a great option.
Baking soda is a natural non-toxic cleaner that is safe for the environment, gentle enough not to damage the surface of the steel yet tough enough to get rid of even the yuckiest stinks and stains.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that is also great at getting rid of limescale so perfect for removing water spots
To get rid of tough stains and funky smells make a paste with the baking soda and the vinegar. Clean with soap and water first, getting rid of as much visible dirt as you can and spread the paste over the surface of the lunch box. You can rub it in with a cloth and then leave it for a while to do it’s work.
Next give your lunch box a scrub and rinse well with warm water and leave to dry.
If you still have a lingering smell it’s worth checking to see if there are any silicone or rubber seals and removing them for a thorough clean as this can be a prime area for bacteria and mould. You can also soak your lunch box overnight in a vinegar solution for a deeper disinfect and cleanse.
This is a great way of getting rid of stubborn smells and very easy to do. You will find that even after washing out with soap and water there may be a slight scent of vinegar but this should dissipate within a few minutes as it dries.
