Reusable containers are an essential tool for meal-prepping, storing leftovers, and keeping food fresh for extended periods of time. Sometimes, though, the food that you store in these containers can leave behind strong, unpleasant odors that can linger around, even after multiple washes. This is especially the case for plastic containers, as the slightly absorbent material boasts millions of tiny holes, much smaller than the eyes can see, which trap your food’s aromas. To combat stubborn odors in your food containers, try using ground mustard powder.
It might sound surprising, but ground mustard is naturally anti-microbial, meaning that it kills off any odor-causing bacteria. Start by sprinkling a little bit of ground mustard into your food container. Depending on your container’s size, the amount of ground mustard can range anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon. From there, add in enough hot water to fill your container. Make sure the water isn’t boiling, as this can melt your plastic containers. Snap on the lid and shake up the mixture. Once thoroughly shaken, let the liquid work its magic for a little while. A couple of hours will do the trick, but for extra odor removal, let it rest overnight. After soaking, wash and dry as usual. It’s important to note that this hack only works with dry, ground mustard. The yellow, bottled mustard from the condiment aisle that we all know and love contains other ingredients, such as vinegar, that can leave odors of their own in your food containers.
No mustard? No problem
If you don’t have any ground mustard on hand, don’t worry, as there’s another kitchen staple hiding your pantry that is just as effective at removing undesirable odors in your food containers. Baking soda, most commonly used as a leavening agent in breads, is a miracle worker when it comes to neutralizing bad smells. Previously, we’ve shared how baking soda can help remove strong odors from wooden utensils and how it can help remove coffee odor from your tumbler.
Just like you would with the ground mustard, sprinkle some baking soda into your food container. Start with a tablespoon of baking soda, but add more if your container is extra large or packed full of strong odors, like fish or garlic. Fill the container with hot water, close the lid, then shake. Once mixed, let the sealed container sit on the counter at room temperature for at least an hour. You can let the mixture sit as long as you wish, but the odors will likely dissipate fast. After letting the liquid sit, wash and dry your container as usual.
