How to Remove Stains and Odors from Rubbermaid  Glass Food Storage Containers

We’ve all been there. You grab for the plastic box to pack your lunch, but as soon as you open the top, you are assaulted by the lingering spirit of last week’s garlic curry. Or, worse yet, the plastic is now permanently stained “Spaghetti Orange.”

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Even good quality products such as Rubbermaid Brilliance, which advertise themselves as being stain-resistant food storage, may be no match for the bright colors offered by turmeric, tomato sauce, and oil if they are not maintained well.

Instead of discarding stained Tupperware containers, why not give these 4 easy methods a try? They might just make them look good as new.

The Science of the Stain: Why Does This Happen?

To clean it, you have to know it. Most plastic boxes have a porous structure at a microscopic level. The colors of common foods like tomatoes (lycopene) or turmeric (curcumin) have a property called hydrophobicity meaning they repel water and attract oil.

Since plastics are also oil-based substances, these pigments bond on a molecular level. This is why the simple act of washing the container with soap and water is ineffective; you are attempting to break a chemical bond.

Method 1: The “Baking Soda Paste” (For Stubborn Spots)

Baking soda is the holy grail of housecleaning. It is used here as a mild abrasive that scrubs away pigments without eating away at the plastic.

• The Recipe: Mix 2 tablespoons baking soda with enough water to create a thick paste.
• The Application: Spread the paste over the areas where there are stains.
• The Wait: Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for heavy stains).
• The Finish: Clean with a non-scratch sponge and rinse. In many cases, this process removes the “orange ring” residue left from pasta sauce.

Method 2: The Vinegar Soak (For Lingering Smells)

If your container appears clean but smells like a locker room, you are going to want to use an acid to remove the bacteria and oils trapped in the pores of the plastic.

• The Process: Fill the container with a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar.
• The Wait: Let it soak for 1 hour.
• The Rinse: Wash with soap and water. The vinegar scent will dissipate as it dries, taking the funky food odors with it.

Method 3: The “TikTok Hack” (Dish Soap & Paper Towel)

This technique went viral for a reason: it actually works well to remove greasy residue.

1. Add a few drops of dish soap into the stained container.
2. Add some warm water.
3. Tear a piece of paper towel and toss it in.
4. Shut the lid tightly and shake it vigorously for 45-60 seconds.

Why it works: The paper towel acts as a scrubber inside the soapy vortex, wiping the oil off the porous surface more effectively than static soaking.

Method 4: Nature’s Bleach (Sunlight)

When chemicals don’t work, resort to the help of the sun. The UV rays are a natural bleaching agent for lycopene stains.

• The Move: Wash your container, then put it outside in direct sunlight for 2 to 3 hours.
• The Result: You will be amazed at how quickly the yellow/orange tint fades. This is the safest way to clean older and scratched Rubbermaid containers.

Prevention: Stop the Stain Before It Starts

The key to stain removal is stain prevention. Here is the golden rule on how to ensure your stain-resistant food storage stays clear:

1. The Oil Barrier: Spray a thin layer of cooking oil (olive or canola) inside the container before adding chili or tomato sauce. This acts as a temporary barrier between the pigment and the plastic.
2. Cold Water First: When cleaning, rinse with cold water first. Hot water expands the pores of the plastic, locking the stains in deeper. Only switch to hot water once you have removed the residue.

When to Let Go? (The Safety Check)

Sometimes, a container is beyond repair. If your Rubbermaid container has:

• Deep scratches (which harbor bacteria),
• A cloudy white haze that does not wash off (heat damage),
• Or a warped lid that fails to seal properly…

Then no amount of baking soda will save it. It’s time to recycle it and get a new set. Maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a glass set with no stain worries!