A cleaning expert has revealed a 65p hack for tackling stubborn stains.
The tip could save parents money during the back-to-school season, as many prepare to replace stained Tupperware.
Heather Nixon, sustainability manager at Bio-D, explained how parents can revive stained Tupperware containers using a simple paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water.
Bicarbonate of soda, which costs just 65p from supermarkets, can help remove tough stains caused by tomato-based sauces and oily foods.
The Bio-D manager added: "Foods with tomato-based sauces, curries and other strongly coloured dishes can often leave lingering stains on Tupperware, and this is because a lot of these foods contain naturally occurring pigments.
"When these are combined with oils and fats, they become particularly good at clinging to plastic containers, and the longer the food is left inside them, the more noticeable the discolouration can become."
She recommends mixing bicarbonate of soda with water to form a thick paste and applying it to the stained area.
Ms Nixon said: "If normal washing up liquid and warm water haven’t lifted the stain, mix a small amount of bicarbonate of soda with water to make a paste.
"Add the water gradually, as you’re looking for a thick enough consistency so that it will sit on the stained area rather than running straight off."
The paste should be left on for 20 to 30 minutes to break down the stain before being gently worked over the surface with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
Afterwards, the container should be washed and rinsed thoroughly.
She also cautioned against using abrasive scourers.
Ms Nixon said: "It’s important not to scrub the container aggressively with an abrasive scourer, as this can scratch the plastic’s surface and create small areas where food residue and odours can collect more easily."
The method is gentle and cost-effective, requiring only a small amount of product that many people already have at home.
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For tougher stains, Ms Nixon suggests using Bio-D’s eco laundry bleach as an alternative.
She said: "All you need to do is fill the container up with warm water and add a spoonful of the laundry bleach before leaving it to soak overnight.
"This helps to lift the remaining pigment without using harsh chemicals, as this tends to do more damage to the plastic."
Will you be trying this hack? Let us know in the comments.
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