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Plastic containers are necessities of modern life, and they bear important functions such as food preservation and home storage. However, whether it is the odor of new plastic containers or the stubborn food odor left after long-term use, it may affect the user experience and even cause health concerns.
As LEBO has been deeply involved in the field of plastic container products for many years, we have always been committed to providing users with high-quality plastic containers and practical solutions with “safety, durability, and environmental protection” as the core. This article will deeply explore the causes of odor, systematically sort out 8 scientific deodorization methods, and share daily maintenance tips to help you completely say goodbye to the odor troubles of plastic containers.
Odor Tracing: Why do plastic containers have odors?
To completely solve the problem, you must first understand the nature of the odor. The following is an in-depth analysis of common odor sources:
Material properties and production process
New container odor: During the injection molding process of plastic containers, some additives (such as plasticizers and stabilizers) may release trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at high temperatures, producing a “new plastic smell”.
Material differences:
- PP (polypropylene): high temperature resistance, strong stability, and light odor.
- PC (polycarbonate): bisphenol A (BPA) is easily released at high temperatures, so choose carefully.
- Recycled plastics: If not handled properly, impurities and odors may remain.
Food residues and microbial growth
Fat penetration: Fatty acid molecules in high-fat foods such as meat and curry can penetrate into the microscopic pores of plastics and produce rancid odors after oxidation.
Protein fermentation: If protein-rich food residues such as milk and soy products are not cleaned in time, bacteria will grow and smelly gases such as hydrogen sulfide will be released.
Improper use exacerbates the problem
High-temperature use: When microwave heating or holding hot food, high temperatures may destroy the plastic structure and accelerate the release of chemicals.
Incorrect cleaning: Steel wool scrubbing will scratch the surface of the container, forming micro cracks that are more likely to harbor dirt.
8 Scientific Deodorization Methods: From emergency treatment to deep cleaning
Method 1: Baking soda adsorption method (suitable for mild odor)
Operation steps:
- Sprinkle baking soda powder in a dry plastic container to cover all corners.
- Seal and let stand for 8-12 hours (overnight is better).
- Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Scientific principle:
The alkalinity of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can neutralize acidic odor molecules (such as fatty acids), and its porous structure can also physically adsorb odor particles.
Method 2: White vinegar steam fumigation (suitable for stubborn oil stains)
Operation steps:
- Add water and white vinegar (ratio 1:1) to the pot, boil and then turn to low heat.
- Put the plastic container upside down on the pot mouth and use steam to fumigate for 10-15 minutes.
- Clean after natural cooling.
Advantages:
Steam can penetrate into the pores of plastic to soften grease, and acetic acid can decompose alkaline residues (such as amines in fishy smell).
Method 3: Long-term adsorption of activated carbon (suitable for sealed containers)
Operation steps:
- Put the activated carbon bag or pieces into the plastic container to ensure full contact with the inner wall.
- Seal and place for 2-3 days, turning the carbon bag regularly.
Tips:
Activated carbon can be reused – exposure to sunlight for 4 hours can restore adsorption capacity.
Method 4: Double deodorization with coffee grounds (suitable for smoke and spice flavors)
Operation steps:
- Apply moist coffee grounds to the inner wall of the plastic container and let it stand for 24 hours.
- Rinse with clean water and wipe with lemon peel again.
Principle:
Nitrogen compounds in coffee grounds can neutralize the sulfide odor, and its rough texture can physically rub and remove stains.
Method 5: Alcohol disinfection and deodorization (suitable for moldy odors)
Operation steps:
- Spray the inside of the container with 75% medical alcohol, focusing on covering the corners.
- After sealing and standing for 30 minutes, rinse with clean water.
Note:
Avoid using industrial alcohol and stay away from open flames when operating.
Method 6: Freezing deodorization (suitable for garlic and onion odors)
Operation steps:
- Wash the plastic container and fill it with clean water until it is 80% full.
- Put it in the freezer of the refrigerator and take it out to thaw naturally after the water is completely frozen.
Scientific basis:
Low temperature reduces the activity of odor molecules, and the expansion of ice crystals can squeeze out some odor substances that have penetrated into the pores.
Method 7: Tea oxidation method (suitable for new container plastic odor)
Operation steps:
- Soak the green tea or oolong tea bag and put it in the container.
- Pour in 60℃ hot water and seal it for 6 hours.
Advantages:
Tea polyphenols have antioxidant properties and can accelerate the decomposition of residual VOCs in plastics.
Method 8: Professional cleaner (suitable for heavy pollution)
Recommended products:
Food-grade hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) or oxygen bleach.
Operation steps:
- Dilute the cleaner according to the proportion in the instructions and soak the container for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse thoroughly until the plastic container is no residue.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure: LEBO’s 4 daily maintenance guidelines
Pretreatment before use
New container: Soak in warm water + a small amount of edible alkali for 2 hours, ventilate and dry for 3 days to accelerate the volatilization of residual odor.
Old container: Wipe with white vinegar solution (1:5) once a month to prevent mold growth.
Scientific usage habits
Temperature control:
- Cool to below 60℃ before serving hot food (LEBO high temperature resistant plastic containers can withstand 120℃).
- Avoid direct heating with open flames unless marked “applicable to gas stoves”.
Divided use: Special box for special use – glass or stainless steel containers are recommended for strong-flavored foods such as seafood and curry.
Cleaning details determine lifespan
Tool selection: Use a sponge or silicone brush to avoid scratching with hard objects.
Drying tips: After cleaning, turn it upside down on the ventilation rack and use kitchen paper to absorb moisture from the gap to prevent water accumulation and mold.
Regular inspection and replacement
Signal for elimination: If cracks, atomization, deformation or odor still exists after repeated cleaning, it should be replaced in time.
Why Choose LEBO?——Eliminate odor troubles from the source
At LEBO, we know that “prevention is better than cleaning afterwards”. We focus on providing enterprises with professional-grade products that eliminate odor from the source, and create differentiated advantages with technological innovation and strict quality control:
Material Safety: Food-grade PP/PE material
0 added harmful substances: FDA and SGS certified, does not contain environmental hormones such as BPA and phthalates.
Antibacterial formula: Some products add silver ion coating to inhibit common pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Structural design: reject odor residue
Smooth inner wall: Nano-level polishing technology reduces surface pores and reduces the probability of grease penetration.
Sealing upgrade: Silicone sealing ring + four-lock design, leak-proof and isolated from external odor intrusion.
Functional segmentation: meeting multiple scenarios
Frozen preservation series: Cold-resistant to -20℃, suitable for long-term storage of meat and quick-frozen food.
Microwave heating series: The lid has reserved vents to prevent deformation caused by steam pressure.
Outdoor portable series: Fall-proof and shock-resistant, suitable for camping, takeaway delivery and other scenarios.
Customized Service: creating brand-specific solutions
Corporate customers: Support full-process customization from mold development to mass production, optional:
Brand logo printing: silk screen printing, hot stamping, laser engraving and other processes.
Function combination: such as special designs such as partitioned lunch boxes and folding storage boxes.
Retail partners: Provide ODM/OEM services to flexibly respond to seasonal procurement needs.
LEBO has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing daily plastic containers, focusing on providing corporate customers with efficient, safe and professional storage solutions. Relying on our own factories, we have achieved full process control from raw material procurement, mold development to mass production, ensuring that each product is competitive in quality, delivery time and cost control. Welcome to visit our official website to browse more product details. If you have wholesale or customization needs, please feel free to contact us for quotation and solutions.
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Choose LEBO, we will be your reliable household plastic manufacturer partner. From design to finished product, we offer high-quality plasticware for you.
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Don’t hesitate to contact us