3. Why Baking Soda Removes Tomato and Curry Stains
Baking soda works in two ways:
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Mild abrasiveness: It gently scrubs away the surface layer of the stain without scratching the plastic.
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Alkalinity: Baking soda neutralizes the acids in tomato sauces and other foods, breaking down stubborn pigments.
When made into a paste with water, baking soda can penetrate the plastic’s pores, lifting stains from within. This combination of gentle scrubbing and chemical action is why it’s so effective against even the most stubborn red stains.
4. Step-by-Step: No-Scrub Stain Removal
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Rinse your container with warm water to remove any loose debris.
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Cover the stained areas with a generous layer of baking soda.
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Let the container sit for 15–30 minutes (or up to an hour for tougher stains).
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean towel.
No scrubbing required—the stains lift on their own while you go about your day.
5. The Science Behind Oil and Sauce Stains
Oils and sauces stain plastic because they contain lipids and pigments that are hydrophobic—they repel water but bond with plastic polymers. This makes them resistant to normal washing. Baking soda interacts with these molecules differently, helping to pull the pigments out of the pores and leaving your containers looking fresh again.