We’ve all been there. You open the cupboard to grab a container, only to discover your partner’s “signature dish” has struck again: yesterday’s pasta sauce, forever immortalised in bright orange plastic. Or maybe it’s that leftover curry from date night that seemed harmless until it dyed the lid a charming shade of turmeric yellow. And of course, the offending-stained Tupperware is always the one they’ve proudly left to “soak” … for three days.
Stained Tupperware might be an everyday kitchen frustration, but it’s also proof that someone you love is cooking up a storm for you (and maybe forgetting the washing-up part). So, here’s the good news: with a few clever tricks, you can clean stained tupperware and even get tomato stains out of plastic containers so they’re ready for the next round of saucy disasters.
Now, let’s look at the best Tupperware cleaning hacks for lifting those stains and making your containers feel clean again.
Stained Tupperware: why does Tupperware stain so easily?
Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand the problem. Plastic containers are lightweight and practical for storing leftovers from an epic date night with your partner, but their slightly porous surface means they absorb pigments and oils from food. That’s why you often notice:
- Orange stains from tomato sauces, chilli, or curries
- Oily marks that don’t shift with regular washing
- Lingering odours that cling to the container even when it looks clean
Knowing why it happens makes it easier to understand how to remove stains from Tupperware.
Tip
If you’re storing foods that aren’t too wet or messy, like sandwiches, wraps, or sliced fruit, try lining the base of your container with a sheet of Plenty kitchen roll. It acts as a simple barrier, soaking up excess oil and colour before it reaches the plastic, which means fewer stains to tackle later.
The best ways to clean stained tupperware
If you’re wondering, “how do you remove stains from Tupperware?” you’re not alone! Tomato sauces and curry seem to have a personal vendetta against our beloved plastic tubs. The good news is, a few natural products can lift both grease and colour.
Below, we’ve rounded up the most effective methods so stained Tupperware becomes a distant memory (instead of a permanent reminder of last week’s leftovers):
1. Washing up liquid and an absorbent kitchen towel
Curious how to clean plastic tub stains? This method is so simple that anyone can successfully remove stains from their Tupperware. Here’s what you need to do:
- Pour some washing-up liquid into the container.
- Add a little water to create a soapy liquid.
- Add 1-2 sheets of an absorbent kitchen towel, like Plenty.
- Add a little bit more washing-up liquid on top of the kitchen towel.
- Secure with a lid and shake the container for a couple of minutes.
- Rinse and clean with warm water.
This method will result in stain-free Tupperware.
2. Baking soda paste
One of the simplest stained tupperware hacks is a baking soda paste. Here’s how it works:
- Mix 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste.
- Spread it over the stained areas.
- Leave for 15–20 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft sponge.
- Use a Plenty kitchen roll to lift any remaining stains.
- Rinse with warm water.
This works brilliantly if you need to get tomato stains out of plastic or remove red sauce stains from plastic containers.
3. Lemon juice and sunlight
Interesting combo, right? If you’re dealing with persistent food stains on plastic containers, citrus and sunshine are your best friends. Here’s how you can use them:
- Rub half a lemon directly onto the stained Tupperware.
- Place the container in direct sunlight for a few hours.
- Wash as normal.
If you’re wondering how to get orange stains out of tupperware, this natural bleaching method might just do the job!
4. White vinegar soak
For tougher cases, vinegar cuts through grease and dislodges stubborn marks:
- Fill the container with warm water.
- Add half a cup of white vinegar.
- Leave it to soak for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
- Rinse and dry with Plenty kitchen roll to remove lingering smells.
White vinegar is a great alternative to using harsh chemicals but still being incredibly effective at fixing stubbornly stained Tupperware.
5. Ice cubes and salt
A surprising yet powerful Tupperware cleaning hack involves ice cubes and salt:
- Add a few ice cubes and two tablespoons of salt into the stained container.
- Close the lid and shake vigorously - this can help loosen stains and lift oils.
- Let it sit for a while.
- Wash as normal afterwards - feel free to repeat the process if necessary.
If, for whatever reason, you need to clean stained tupperware in a hurry, this works well for quick fixes.
When to replace stained tupperware
Sometimes, no matter how many Tupperware cleaning hacks you throw at it, that stained plastic container refuses to return to its former glory. One look and you know exactly what did it: last night’s “romantic” date-night pasta, now preserved forever in a lurid shade of neon orange.
Stained Tupperware might be harmless, but it’s not the most appealing sight when you’re pulling it out in a busy office kitchen, especially with colleagues eyeing up your leftovers like they can see the tomato sauce. Add in a whiff of mystery odours or scratches deep enough to hide a whole bacteria colony, and it’s clear: your trusty container has loved you well… but it’s time to let it go.
Tip
If you're reheating leftovers on the regular, it’s worth keeping your microwave sparkling clean too. Check out our guide on how to clean your microwave for quick, fuss-free results.
So, how do you get stains out of tupperware? Try some of the handy hacks above. Whether you try baking soda, salt and ice, vinegar, or the clever kitchen towel trick, there are plenty of ways to remove stains from tupperware without harsh scrubbing that does nothing.
And next time you’re standing over the sink wondering, “how to get orange stains out of Tupperware?” remember this: those tomato smudges are just the souvenir of a saucy date night or your partner’s overenthusiastic Bolognese. These simple methods can give your plastic containers a second life, ready for the next stain they so lovingly collect.
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