I have this lunch box that is huge but works really well for me. I made a mistake a few weeks ago by leaving rotten food in it over the weekend and the stench is unbearable.

This lunch box has a removable interior made of some kind of plastic so I removed it and soaked it in warm water and dish soap for 48 hours in the sink and then I scrubbed the interior with a sponge.

When I got done, it still smelled like rotten food! I also cleaned the lid which isn’t removable but made of the same material. But just used the sponge on it.

Sticking my head inside is where I smell it most, so I think it’s the removable tub.

I also tried teabags as I heard of something like this with smelly shoes, but now my lunch box smells like feet lol.

So I’m at a loss. I love this box and don’t want to trash it. It was hard finding one like it.

Anything else I can try?

Edit: thanks for the suggestions! I forgot to mention that I did put some vinegar and baking soda in last night and kept the lid closed. I’ll leave it this way until tomorrow night and see.

Thanks for the suggestions!

  • Mothra@mander.xyz
    3·
    6 months ago

    Once I had a non stick frying pan catch the smell of laundry detergent pods and the stuff wouldn’t go away, ruining my breakfast. Vinegar didn’t work. So I cooked oats and oil until burning it almost. That removed the smell. I know it’s different with a plastic container as you can’t put it on the stove, but I would try storing and reheating some very oily porridge in that container. Sometimes what detergents and acids can’t remove, oils wipe awat easily. But, do try the vinegar first.

      • Mothra@mander.xyz
        3·
        6 months ago

        If the item is brand new but it’s been sitting unused for years too? Or is this a thing related to use? How can I know the pan I just bought hasn’t been stocked for more than six months?

        • SolOrion@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          2·
          6 months ago

          From my understanding it’s about use. The non-stick coating will start to flake off, and you don’t want to eat the stuff.

          Using metal utensils on non-stick pans is a terrible idea for this exact reason as well- they’re really hard on the coating.

        • SereneHurricane@lemmy.world
          1·
          6 months ago

          Here’s a more detailed explanation:

          As a human being, I tend to eat everyday.

          Sure I have my diet days and take-out days.

          But as a general rule of thumb if you use up the pan about 3 to 4 days of the week, then you need to change it every 6 months.