How to clean the blackened sealing strip of the lunch box

The sealing strip of the lunch box can be cleaned with baking soda, white vinegar, toothpaste, alcohol, or specialized cleaning agents if it turns black. Blackening is usually caused by mold growth, food residue accumulation, oxidation reactions, rubber aging, or incomplete cleaning. Timely treatment can avoid health hazards.

1. Baking soda

Baking soda has weak alkalinity and grindability, which can effectively remove black mold spots on sealing strips. Mix baking soda and water into a paste, dip it in a soft bristled toothbrush, and repeatedly brush the black areas of the shampoo. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. Baking soda can decompose organic stains without damaging rubber materials, making it suitable for mild blackening in daily life.

2. White Vinegar

The acidic components of white vinegar can kill mold and dissolve oxides. Dip a cotton swab in white vinegar and apply it directly to the blackened area, or soak the sealing strip for 10 minutes and scrub it. White vinegar has a significant effect on stubborn mold spots, but it needs to be thoroughly rinsed after use to avoid residual acidity and is not suitable for long-term frequent use.

3. Toothpaste

Toothpaste containing friction agents can physically remove surface black stains. Choose regular white toothpaste and use a discarded toothbrush to brush the gaps between the sealing strips in a circular motion. Toothpaste is suitable for treating blackening caused by oil oxidation. After cleaning, check for residual paste to avoid contaminating food.

4. Alcohol

75% medical alcohol can quickly kill mold and evaporate without leaving a trace. Soak a cotton pad in alcohol and wipe the blackened area, especially suitable for silicone sealing strips. Alcohol has a significant effect on fresh mold stains, but it may accelerate rubber aging. It is not recommended to use it more than once a week.

5. Special cleaning agent

Food grade rubber cleaner contains surfactants and antibacterial ingredients, which can deeply clean without damaging the material. Dilute according to the instructions and soak or wipe to treat severe blackening and form a protective film. After use, it is necessary to confirm the safety of the ingredients and thoroughly rinse them off. After cleaning, the sealing strip should be completely dried before assembly to avoid the growth of mold in humid environments. Check the sealing strip status weekly and replace it promptly if cracks or deformations are found. Immediately clean the gaps with neutral detergent after daily use, and regularly rinse and disinfect with boiling water. Keep the lunch box open and ventilated during storage to avoid direct sunlight that may cause rubber aging. If blackening is accompanied by an odor or cleaning is ineffective, it is recommended to replace the sealing strip with a new one to ensure food safety.