If you’ve ever opened your kitchen cabinet only to find plastic containers streaked with red from last night’s pasta sauce or yesterday’s curry, you know how frustrating it can be. These stains are stubborn, unsightly, and can make even the cleanest kitchen look messy. Many people are tempted to toss the containers, but thankfully, there’s an easy solution. My mom taught me a simple trick that restores stained containers with almost zero effort.
This method uses a common household ingredient that most of us already have and is a true time-saver for anyone who wants to keep their kitchenware looking like new. Here’s the trick, why it works, and how you can use it yourself.
1. Why Red Stains Stick to Plastic
Red stains are common in plastic containers, especially from tomato-based sauces and curries. These foods contain natural pigments—like lycopene in tomatoes—that are oil-soluble and cling stubbornly to plastic.
Plastic is naturally porous, meaning it has tiny openings that absorb colorants from food. Even after thorough washing, these pigments can remain trapped in the microscopic pores. Older containers, which expand and contract with repeated heating and cooling, are especially prone to staining.
2. The One-Ingredient Trick That Works Every Time
The secret? Baking soda. This simple kitchen staple has mild abrasiveness and natural whitening properties, making it perfect for removing stains without damaging your containers.
Here’s how to use it:
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Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stained areas.
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If needed, add a few drops of water to make a paste.
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Let it sit—no scrubbing required.
That’s it! Baking soda does all the work.
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