How to remove the black spots on the sealing ring of the lunch box

Black spots on the sealing ring of lunch boxes are usually caused by the growth of mold or food residue. They can be removed by soaking in white vinegar, cleaning with baking soda, wiping with alcohol, hot washing with boiling water, using specialized cleaning agents, and other methods.

1. Soak in white vinegar

Remove the sealing ring and soak it in a solution of white vinegar and water for half an hour. The acetic acid in white vinegar can dissolve mold and inhibit its growth. After soaking, gently brush the black spots with a soft bristled brush. Stubborn stains can prolong the soaking time. This method is suitable for silicone material sealing rings, avoiding the use of metal brushes to prevent scratching the surface.

2. Baking soda cleaning

Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the dark spot and let it stand for 20 minutes. Its weak alkalinity can decompose organic stains. When cleaning, use a sponge or cotton cloth to wipe in circles, especially paying attention to the cleanliness of the sealing ring groove. After completion, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse to avoid residue. This method is applicable to both rubber and silicone materials.

3. Alcohol wiping

Use a cotton swab dipped in medical alcohol to directly wipe the black spot area. Alcohol can quickly kill mold and evaporate without leaving water stains. For small gaps, a toothpick can be used to wrap cotton wool dipped in alcohol for treatment. This method is suitable for emergency cleaning, but frequent use may cause rubber aging. It is recommended to apply food grade lubricants for maintenance after cleaning.

4. Boiling water hot washing

Put the sealing ring into boiling water and boil for three minutes. High temperature can effectively kill mold spores. Note that silicone material can withstand high temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius, while rubber material needs to control the water temperature to not exceed 80 degrees Celsius. Immediately wipe off the moisture after hot stamping to avoid deformation caused by thermal expansion and contraction. This method is suitable for deep cleaning of high-temperature resistant materials.

5. Special cleaning agent

Choose a food contact grade sealing ring cleaning agent containing hydrogen peroxide and follow the instructions to remove stains. These products are usually equipped with slender brush heads for easy cleaning of grooves, and gloves should be worn to maintain ventilation during use. After cleaning, rinse repeatedly with clean water, suitable for stubborn black spots or large-scale mold growth.

When using lunch boxes in daily life, the sealing ring should be cleaned in a timely manner and thoroughly dried. It should be disassembled and cleaned at least once a week. Before storage, ensure that the sealing ring is completely dry and apply a small amount of edible olive oil to maintain elasticity. Avoid using bleach or strong acid and alkali cleaners to prevent material damage. If black spots are accompanied by obvious odors or repeatedly appear after cleaning, it is recommended to replace the sealing ring with a new one to ensure food safety.