Tupperware is a brand of plastic storage containers and kitchenware. It is often used to store food, but it can also be used to store other items, such as toys or crafts. Tupperware is dishwasher safe, which means that it can be washed in the dishwasher without being damaged. However, there are some exceptions to this. Read on to find out more.
How to Wash Tupperware in the Dishwasher Safely?
Temperature control
Temperature control is important when washing Tupperware in the dishwasher. To keep the container from melting, turn down the heat on your dishwasher. On most models, this can be done by adjusting a dial or pressing a button labeled with symbols that look like water droplets.
A symbol of three dots in a vertical line means that you should put that dish on a lower rack, so the water doesn’t touch it.
Pressure control
The high-pressure spray of the dishwasher might be too much for Tupperware, causing cracks or even shattering it. This is particularly true for containers that are not made from polypropylene plastic.
For most models of Tupperware, this isn’t a concern because they are resistant to these sorts of changes in pressure. However, some containers and lids should only be washed by hand, not in the dishwasher.
Make sure that you read the labels on your Tupperware carefully before putting it into the dishwasher to ensure that it is indeed dishwasher safe. If there are no markings indicating whether or not a piece is dishwasher safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution and wash it by hand.
As long as the dishwasher is running with a low heat setting, Tupperware should be safe to wash in the dishwasher. However, if you’re washing a container that isn’t marked as being dishwasher safe, or if you’re not sure whether it is labeled this way, it’s best to clean it by hand.
Dishwashers don’t dry the plastics completely
Dishwashers don’t dry the plastics completely thus leaving water inside the Tupperware. It is not advisable to use this for storage purposes as it can lead to bacteria development, thus affecting your health negatively. Since the plastic is not dried completely, there are chances that water can get converted into mold and mildew.
Though Tupperware is dishwasher safe, it has to be dried thoroughly after washing in a dishwasher. You will have to dry each piece wholly with a clean cloth or paper towel before reusing it for storage purposes.
Washing Tupperware by Hand vs. in a Dishwasher
The best way to clean Tupperware is by hand. Not only does this allow you to scrub it thoroughly, but you can also inspect the pieces for any cracks or weak spots that might develop due to high temperatures and pressure in a dishwasher.
However, if you do choose to use the dishwasher, make sure that each piece of Tupperware has temperature control, pressure control and is marked as dishwasher safe.
The Proper Way to Hand Wash Your Tupperware
Rinse them with warm water
Rinse them with warm water and a sponge or dishcloth to remove any loose particles.
Soak them in warm, sudsy water for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food and other stains. Food that’s been left sitting can become dry and difficult to clean off later, so it’s best to soak as soon as you can. Use a soft cloth or sponge, and be gentle.
Wash the container and lid separately
If the container and the lid don’t fit flush together, wash them in separate loads to avoid knocking out any food particles that might be wedged inside.
Make sure that you completely rinse off all suds and food particles before adding another piece of Tupperware or other dishwasher-safe accessories. Any leftover debris can lead to a “washed” smell if left to sit.
Scrub the dirt away
To clean even in the cracks, use a bottle brush or dish scrub. A wire-bristled grill brush is perfect for getting inside tough spots like the lid crevices.
If you washed each piece separately, place the lids and containers together before adding them to your dishwasher or drying them by hand. This prevents knocking loose food particles out of the Tupperware and helps to prevent odors from developing.
Use a clean dish towel or napkin to dry your food storage containers completely after washing them by hand, then allow them to air-dry before storing them for future use.
Rinse and dry
If you’re washing Tupperware in the dishwasher, avoid using harsh detergents or high heat. You can use automatic dishwasher soap if necessary but look for products that are specifically labeled as being safe to use on plastic cookware.
Regular detergents can leave behind residue, causing your food storage containers to smell unpleasant. High heat can warp or melt plastic Tupperware, and some dishwasher cycles may not reach hot enough water to thoroughly clean the containers.
How to Avoid Stubborn Stains Getting on Your Tupperware?
Stubborn stains are an ordeal for any cook or Tupperware user. The key to avoiding these is by following the same routine every time you wash your Tupperware. Here’s what you should do:
1) Rinse your Tupperware with warm water and a sponge or dishcloth, removing any loose particles first.
2) Soak them in warm soapy water for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food and other stains if possible
3) Wash the container and lid separately
4) Dry them thoroughly before storing them for future use. Avoid using harsh detergents on plastic Tupperware as they can leave residue behind that may smell bad later on, as well as warp it from high heat exposure
5) Also, clean your Tupperware as soon as you can after using it.
If these steps are followed every time, the chances of stains setting in and becoming a recurring problem are greatly reduced.
How to Get Rid of the Strong Smell in Tupperware?
The strong smell in Tupperware can be difficult to get rid of. Here are a few tips to help:
1) Wipe down the Tupperware with a damp sponge or cloth. This will help remove any food particles or residue that may be causing the smell.
2) Soak the Tupperware in warm water mixed with dish soap for a few minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food or dirt.
3) Use a wire-bristled brush to scrub at any tough spots.
4) Rinse and dry the Tupperware completely. Make sure to allow it to air-dry before storing it for future use.
5) If the smell persists, try using a solution of baking soda and water to scrub the surface of your Tupperware with a soft sponge. Leave it to dry overnight, then wipe away any residue with a clean cloth or towel.
6) To remove smells that have been absorbed into plastic cookware, soak them in a mixture of dish soap and white vinegar for an hour before washing them
7) To ensure that your Tupperware doesn’t absorb strong smells, avoid using harsh detergents or high heat when cleaning them.
8) Avoid using these storage containers for meats, fish and other strong-smelling food. Also keep it away from garbage disposals where odors can be absorbed into the piping.
9) To avoid the problem in the future, clean your Tupperware as soon after use as possible.
Conclusion
Tupperware is a popular household product that’s been around for decades. In this article, we’ve covered how to make sure your Tupperware lasts you as long as possible and how to avoid the problem of stubborn stains in the future. These steps should help prevent any problems with smell or grease from setting in on your plastic cookware.