How to Remove Smell from Plastic Containers (Garlic, Fish, Onion, and More)

Plastic containers absorb strong odors from garlic, fish, onion, curry, and fermented foods. Even after washing, these smells linger and can transfer to other foods. Here's how to neutralize them completely.

What You'll Need

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice or lemon peel
• Activated charcoal or crumpled newspaper (for absorption method)
• JohnBee Spray Bottles — for applying vinegar solution
• Dish soap and warm water

Method 1: Baking Soda Soak (Most Effective)

1. Fill the container with warm water.
2. Add 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda and stir to dissolve.
3. Let soak overnight with the lid on.
4. Rinse thoroughly and wash with dish soap.

Baking soda neutralizes both acidic and alkaline odor compounds — it works on virtually every food smell.

Method 2: White Vinegar Rinse

1. Fill the container with undiluted white vinegar.
2. Let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour with the lid on.
3. Pour out the vinegar, rinse thoroughly, and wash with dish soap.
4. The vinegar smell dissipates quickly as the container dries.

Method 3: Lemon Juice Scrub

1. Squeeze lemon juice into the container and rub it over all interior surfaces.
2. Let sit for 15–20 minutes.
3. Rinse and wash with dish soap.

Citric acid neutralizes fishy and sulfurous odors particularly well.

Method 4: Baking Soda Dry Absorption (For Stored Containers)

1. Place 2–3 tablespoons of dry baking soda inside the clean, dry container.
2. Put the lid on and leave for 24–48 hours.
3. Discard the baking soda and rinse.

This works well for containers that smell musty from storage.

Method 5: Sun and Fresh Air

After washing, leave the container open in direct sunlight and fresh air for several hours. UV light and air circulation neutralize many odors naturally — especially effective combined with the baking soda soak.

How to Prevent Plastic Container Odors

• Rinse immediately after use — don't let strong-smelling foods sit
• Store containers with lids off when empty — allows air circulation and prevents musty smells
• Use glass containers for fish, garlic, and fermented foods
• Wash promptly and dry completely before storing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do plastic containers absorb smells so easily?

Plastic is porous at a microscopic level and has an affinity for organic compounds. Odor molecules from strong foods penetrate the plastic surface and are difficult to remove with soap alone.

My container smells even after multiple washes. What should I do?

Try the overnight baking soda soak followed by a vinegar rinse, then leave open in sunlight. If the smell persists after multiple treatments, the odor has penetrated too deeply — it's time to replace the container.

Can I use coffee grounds to deodorize plastic containers?

Yes — place dry coffee grounds inside the container, seal, and leave for 24 hours. Coffee is a natural odor absorber and works well on fish and garlic smells.