Do you have a plastic container that's been sitting in the back of your pantry for years? Or perhaps you're about to start storing your food in one, but you want to make sure it's clean and safe. You can sterilize plastic containers in just about any way imaginable. I've listed my favorite three methods below:
Put a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil.
Put your container in the pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit until completely cool. Wash as usual.
The next step is to sterilize the container. You can do this by bringing water to a boil and then carefully submerging your plastic container in it for about 10 minutes, depending on how many containers you're sterilizing at once. Be careful not to leave it in for too long or allow the water level in your pot drop below halfway (if you do, just top it up).
After that, turn off the heat and let them sit until they cool down enough for you to handle them safely before removing them from their bath and letting them dry on some paper towels or dish rags overnight--but don't worry about any residual moisture getting into any cracks or crevices; this isn't going to hurt anything except maybe making those spots stickier than usual for a few days after using them again!
Once you've boiled your container, be sure to let it sit until completely cool before washing. If you don't, the hot water can cause condensation and mold growth inside the container. If you need to use the container right away (or just can't wait), wash it with hot water instead of letting it sit until cool--but know that this increases your risk of contamination by bacteria or other microbes on your hands or elsewhere in your kitchen environment.
The best way to sterilize plastic containers is by washing them as usual. Use hot water, soap and a sponge or brush to wash the container thoroughly. Make sure you get in all the nooks and crannies! Don't use harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive sponges or brushes as they can damage your containers.
Don't put your plastic containers in the dishwasher because it may cause them to warp over time, especially if they're made of thin plastic (like those used for takeout). Also avoid putting your plastic containers in the microwave -- this can cause them to melt!
There are many ways to sterilize your plastic containers. You can do it at home, and it's really easy! The most important thing is that you sterilize your equipment before using it for the first time. Sterilizing after use is also recommended if you have any doubts about the cleanliness of your sterile tools or equipment.
If you're wondering how to sterilize plastic containers at home, then check out these tips:
Soak the containers in a bleach solution (1 cup bleach per 1 gallon water). Soak for at least 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. Dry containers before use.
Boil the containers for 10 minutes in a solution of 1 part household bleach and 3 parts water.
Microwave them in their own container for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
Microwave ovens are a safe and effective way to sterilize plastic containers. To use this method, simply put your food-safe plastic container inside another microwave-safe dish or bowl and heat it up for 2 minutes at full power (the highest setting). After two minutes have passed, remove the top bowl or dish from under your plastic container and stir it with a fork or spoon--you'll want to make sure all parts of your food have been heated evenly so you don't burn yourself when you eat later on. Repeat this process as necessary until all parts of your meal are sufficiently heated through! Be careful not to overheat things though: microwaves can cause burns if used improperly (or at all).
The easiest way to sterilize your plastic containers is by soaking them in a bleach solution. Simply fill your container with water and add 1/4 cup of household bleach (bleach is not recommended for use with polycarbonate plastics). Soak for at least 30 minutes, then rinse well.
You can also boil your plastic container in a pot of water and 1/4 cup of household bleach, bringing the temperature up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). If you don't have time for this method or access to equipment that allows you do so safely, microwave-sterilizing may be an option: simply place your cleaned container on its own lid inside another microwave safe bowl filled with water that has been heated until steaming hot (but not boiling), then microwave until it reaches a temperature between 140 F - 170 F (60 C - 80 C) depending on how much food was in there before heating took place; do not exceed 170 F/80 C as this could cause damage from overheating! Finally if none of these options appeal then simply dip washed containers into boiling water for about 15 seconds each before rinsing thoroughly afterwards."
There you have it! Three easy ways to sterilize your plastic containers. We hope this article has helped you learn how to clean your kitchenware and keep it clean for longer.