How to Clean Tupperware

Tupperware is a great product - versatile, durable, and with new, easy-to-use seals that are virtually airtight and liquid-tight.

You can clean Tupperware in your dishwasher most of the time. Few pieces are not dishwasher safe.

You don’t have to think much about how to clean Tupperware. Much of it, even new microwave pieces, are touted as being virtually stain resistant and “impervious to odor”.

Dreaded Red Stains

You do have to clean Tupperware, though, when the dreaded red stains hit. Tomato stains! If you have ever reheated spaghetti sauce, chili, or other tomato-based foods in light-colored Tupperware, you understand the problem. Your nice clean Tupperware looked great in the “before photo”, but disastrous after the red stain hit.

Sticky Gummy Stains

You will also want to clean Tupperware more thoroughly when it collects a sticky, gummy stain. This usually occurs over long use, and appears as a yellowing residue inside or outside your Tupperware.

Prevention

It’s always easier to keep clean Tupperware clean if you take a moment to prevent stains.

* Spray a little nonstick cooking spray in your Tupperware container before adding a tomato-based food.
* If you prefer, lightly rub the inside of the container with a dab of olive oil before pouring in foods such as spaghetti sauce.
* Wiping clean Tupperware with a cloth slightly moistened in vinegar will remove stubborn odors and grease.
* Avoid even red stains by washing Tupperware in cold water and detergent BEFORE placing it in the dishwasher.

Restoration

If your clean Tupperware has already become stained, there are still solutions to the problem.

* Apply a coating of mustard to the red-stained area of the container. Let it sit for 8 to 10 hours, and then wash well in hot, soapy water. A dishwasher bath or hand-washing should give you bright, clean Tupperware.
* For sticky, gummy stains, fill a container with a solution of water and bleach (use plastic or rubber gloves). Submerge your container and/or seal completely in the bleach and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Rinse well and examine it. If residue remains, soak the container for a longer period. When the residue is gone, wash in hot, soapy water, and rinse well. Your clean Tupperware will have a new lease on life.
* Another way to clean Tupperware that has sticky, gummy stains is to spray it with oven cleaner. We recommend doing this outdoors, on a bed of newspaper. Allow the cleaner to work for a few minutes, and then wash in hot, soapy water.
* Clean Tupperware canisters using a mixture of equal parts salt and baking soda instead of a scratchy cleanser.
* Clean Tupperware that is lightly stained by rubbing lemon juice on the stains and setting the container in bright sunshine.

Clean Tupperware is not an impossibility, and it’s worth taking care of your investment.