I buy coffee from the warehouse store in very big plastic containers. I'd love to re-use these containers for food storage, but even after I wash them on the top shelf of my dishwasher, they still smell like coffee. I'm afraid that anything I store would pick up the coffee smell. Any idea how to get the smell out of the plastic container?
RE: Removing Coffee Odor From Plastic Coffee Containers
By ivy (Guest Post)
Add 1 tablespoon of liquid household bleach to a gallon of cool water and pour into the container.
Let the solution remain in the container for 10 minutes, then pour out.
Rinse the container with purified water. Pour out the rinse water and let dry. Do not wipe dry with paper towels, hand towels, etc. These may harbor germs which will leave bacteria in the container.
You now have a completely sanitized container!
NEVER use hot water! Hot water weakens plastic and may cause it to warp or become thin in some areas.
Never reuse "one-time" use containers such as plastic water bottles, party cups or plastic cutlery, unless the label says "safe for reuse!" These items are not designed to be be reused, nor can they be completed and safely cleaned since they cannot withstand a hot enough water temperature to be sanitized. They have been manufactured with small imperfections (ridges, rims, inconsistent surfaces) which harbor germs and can make you sick!
I have not tried this but try placing the can in the sun for a day. This is supposed to remove tomato stains from plastic containers and odors from plastic containers.
I use white vinegar about 1/2 cup or less and let it set out. It has worked or I used baking soda alone and just shake it once in a while and it also works. good luck
I agree with the previous post ---> Use WHITE VINEGAR, but if your containers are really large, you may need to use more vinegar than stated, maybe even 2 cups then soak overnight.
---> Vinegar and Lemon Juice are natures disinfectants, and odor removers.
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Request: Removing Coffee Odor From Plastic Coffee Canisters
Archived on 09/13/2006
I have a good source of large, used plastic coffee canisters with lids. I wanted to use the canisters to store other dry goods I buy in bulk, such as flour, oatmeal, beans, sugar, etc., but I can't get the coffee odor out of the plastic. I had some oatmeal in one, and it definitely gave the oatmeal a coffee flavor.
I've tried washing in vinegar, putting baking soda and newspaper in them, then leaving for a few days and then washing again afterwards. Right now I have a little activated charcoal in one to see if that will work. Any other suggestions on how to get the odor out?
Thanks for all your help!
Sarah from Indianapolis, IN
Answers:
RE: Removing Coffee Odor From Plastic Coffee Canisters
I have tried, with success, pouring in 1/2 c. vinegar and placing the lid back on the container. Then, I let them sit for a few days, giving an occasional shake when I walk by them. I haven't found much else that works. Good luck! (02/22/2006)
RE: Removing Coffee Odor From Plastic Coffee Canisters
Fill coffee canister with a couple tablespoons of bleach and fill with hot water. Let it stand in sink for about 30 minutes. Rinse well with cool water. Let air dry. (02/22/2006)
