How to wash off a stained lunch box

Lunch box dyeing can be cleaned using methods such as baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, toothpaste, etc. Dyeing is usually caused by factors such as food pigment deposition, oil oxidation, and plastic material adsorption. Different materials require different cleaning methods.

1. Baking soda

Baking soda has weak alkalinity and can decompose fats and pigments. Mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to the dyed area. Leave it to stand and scrub, suitable for stainless steel and glass lunch boxes. When using plastic lunch boxes, it is necessary to reduce friction and avoid scratching the surface.

2. White Vinegar

The acidic components of white vinegar can dissolve alkaline stains. Soaking the lunch box in white vinegar or directly wiping the stained area has a significant effect on tea and coffee stains. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water to avoid residual acetic acid affecting the taste of food.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains natural fruit acids and bleaching ingredients. Mixing lemon juice with salt and wiping can remove stubborn pigments such as curry and tomato sauce. This method is particularly suitable for plastic lunch boxes, as high temperature exposure can enhance cleaning effectiveness but may accelerate plastic aging.

4. Salt

The particles of salt have a physical frictional effect. Dry wiping can remove surface floating color, while soaking in salt water can penetrate fiber gaps. Ceramic lunch boxes can be boiled and disinfected with concentrated salt water, but this method is not suitable for containers with damaged glaze.

5. Toothpaste

The abrasives and surfactants in toothpaste can remove deep staining. Apply white paste evenly and clean in circles with a soft cloth. Avoid using toothpaste containing bleach ingredients as it may corrode the metal lunch box coating.

When using lunch boxes in daily life, it is advisable to avoid storing dark colored food for a long time. Timely cleaning after dyeing can reduce the difficulty of cleaning. The tolerance of lunch boxes made of different materials varies. Metal materials should avoid strong acids and alkalis, while plastic materials should avoid high-temperature cooking. Stubborn stains can be treated with sun exposure oxidation method, but it may affect the service life of the lunch box. It is recommended to regularly soak and disinfect with boiling water. Keeping it dry and ventilated during storage can reduce odors and bacterial growth.