Using reusable containers for leftovers at home or for bringing your favourite snacks, sandwiches or home cooked meals at work is your own simple way of living a more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. Cleaning your reusable food containers is important if you want them to last longer, helps prevent food poisoning and keeps molds, bacteria and germs from your food. Here are a few tips on how to properly clean and wash your reusable containers.
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Read your manufacturer’s care instructions
Most of us know how to wash containers. However if you want to be on the safe side, always read the care instructions from the manufacturer to know the do’s and don’ts. If you have thrown away the packaging of your reusable food container which most certainly where the care instructions are written on, don’t worry. You can always go to the manufacturer’s website or contact their support team to get the information you need. It also helps reading reviews from other customers to get an idea on what to expect and how they take care of their containers.
Wash your food containers as soon as you can
It is highly recommended to wash your reusable containers as soon as you can. Doing so, prevents stains and smells from lingering in your food container and making it easy to clean. If you are bringing food at work using a reusable food container and your office has a sink, as soon as you are done eating, make time to squirt a few drops of dishwashing liquid into your food container and rinse it with hot water. If you plan to wash your containers at work, remember to buy and bring your own sponge. Using a communal sponge is never a good idea. If you do not have your own sponge, use your hands and fingers to rub in the soap. The sooner you wash your food containers, the longer they will last.
Hand washing your reusable food containers
Hand washing is the best and highly recommended way of cleaning your reusable containers. Most of the time, you only need to wipe them down with a clean cloth dipped in hot water. But if you need a thorough cleaning, you need to wash it with soapy water then rinsing it with water. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before using them again.
Get rid of smell and stubborn stains
There are a few ways to get rid of unpleasant smells in your food container. The easiest one is to leave your containers open out under the sun for a few hours. If you want to remove grease spots, try using a vinegar solution. Vinegar is a common household item and is popular for its natural antibacterial and cleaning properties. Likewise, baking soda or sodium bicarbonate for more stubborn stains. Make a soft paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to the stain. Leave it for 20-25 minutes then scrub using a sponge.
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