Garlic/Onion Scent Stuck in Plastic! Any Suggestions?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various methods participants have used to eliminate lingering garlic and onion scents from plastic kitchen products. Participants share their personal experiences and suggestions for addressing this common issue.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions that running items through the dishwasher multiple times often leaves a faint smell, particularly with the food chopper used for onions.
  • Another participant suggests using baking soda as a non-abrasive option to absorb odors.
  • One user recommends soaking items in lemon juice to freshen them and remove stains.
  • Another participant advises soaking in vinegar followed by a wash with hot water.
  • One participant shares that washing the food chopper immediately after use helps prevent lingering odors.
  • Another user agrees that immediate washing is effective and suggests organizing kitchen drawers by savory and sweet cooking tools to avoid cross-odor issues.
  • One participant notes that leaving items out in the open for a couple of days can help eliminate odors.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares a mixture of baking soda and water as a deodorizing paste, along with vinegar and lemon juice as additional options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various methods, with no clear consensus on a single best solution for removing odors from plastic products.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and methods that have worked for them, reflecting a range of approaches to a common kitchen challenge.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants and home cooks dealing with similar issues related to odor retention in plastic kitchenware.

S
slapsappyhappy
Silver Member
Messages
47
Hello,

I was wondering if anyone knows how to get that scent out of the products! I put them through the dishwasher but usually it takes 2 cycles and there is still a faint smell. The biggest problem I have is with:

Onions in the food chopper- the scent lingers!!! even with handwashing and then running through the dishwasher. I tried soaking too... it is awesome for chopping onions but I like chopping chocolate in it too and do not want the chocolate to smell like onions.

Garlic in the garlic peeler/slicer- :rolleyes: obviously, I know that it is meant for garlic, but I do not want my whole untensil drawer to smell like garlic. It is not good if I am making a cake and the things in the drawer all smell like garlic, lol!

I have a fairly new dishwasher, and I tried soaking these items with soap and then running them through. If you have any suggestions please let me know!!! :o
 
hmm... I have never noticed a problem.

Have you tried Baking soda? It is non abrasive and absorbs odors.
 
Maybe try soaking in Lemon Juice. That will bring a fresh scent to it.
Lemon Juice also removes any stains or discoloring. Hope this helps!
 
I'd soak in vinegar for awhile...the wash with hot water.
 
the only thing that has worked for the food chopper onions is wash it immediately after using.
 
I agree about washing the food chopper immediately, it really helps get the food off of the blades, and safer, too. You are not trying to scrub the blades, which for me, would surely make me cut myself.

As far as the slicer, how about designating different drawers in your kitchen for things that you primarily use for savory cooking and things primarily used for sweet cooking? I know tupperware used to tell their customers to leave their items in a window sill, and the sun naturally took away the smell or stuff newspaper inside the bowls for a few days to absorb the smell.
 
If i notice that one of my pieces still has an onion or garlic odor after a couple of washes, I leave it out and open for a couple of days. It's always done the trick for me.
 
Hello there,I completely understand your frustration with the lingering garlic and onion scents in your plastic products. As a pampered chef consultant, I have come across this issue before and have some tips that may help.Firstly, I would recommend trying a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water. This is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize the strong odors in your plastic products. Simply make a paste with the baking soda and water and scrub it onto the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.Another option is to use white vinegar. You can soak your plastic products in a mixture of water and vinegar for a few hours before washing them with soap and water. The vinegar will help to break down the odors and leave your products smelling fresh.In addition, try using lemon juice or lemon slices to rub onto the plastic products. Lemon has natural deodorizing properties and can help eliminate the garlic and onion scents.Lastly, make sure to thoroughly dry your plastic products after washing them. Dampness can cause odors to linger, so it's important to let them air dry completely before storing them away.I hope these suggestions help you get rid of the stubborn garlic and onion scents in your plastic products. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Happy cooking!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes garlic and onion scents to linger in plastic containers?

Garlic and onion contain strong sulfur compounds that can easily penetrate porous materials like plastic. These compounds can bond with the plastic, making it difficult to completely remove the scent even after washing.

How can I effectively remove the scent from plastic containers?

To remove the scent, try soaking the containers in a solution of baking soda and water for a few hours. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water, or lemon juice, which can help neutralize odors.

Are there any specific products that can help eliminate these odors?

Yes, there are commercial odor eliminators available that are designed for kitchen use. Look for products that contain activated charcoal or are specifically labeled as odor removers for plastic. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label for best results.

Can I prevent garlic and onion scents from sticking to plastic in the first place?

To prevent odors from sticking, consider using glass or stainless steel containers for storing garlic and onion. If you must use plastic, choose high-quality, odor-resistant plastic containers. Additionally, washing them promptly after use can help minimize scent absorption.

Is it safe to use bleach to remove odors from plastic containers?

While bleach can effectively remove odors, it is not recommended for food storage containers as it can leave harmful residues. Instead, opt for natural cleaning solutions like baking soda or vinegar, which are safer for food-related items.

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