Ideas for Cleaning and Storing Food Containers and Lids
Containers in all formats and sizes that are used to preserve food are commonly found in all homes. However, cleaning and storing food containers and lids are usually an issue when it comes to creating an orderly kitchen.
With this guide, you can easily organize your food containers and ensure that the lids don’t disappear into the black hole of lost objects. We’ll also explain how to keep them clean, and how to completely remove debris and bad odors.
Love your lunch box
Nowadays, it’s common for people who work outside the home to carry a lunch box containing their food. Lunch isn’t always a take-out or bought in restaurants and many people choose this cheaper and healthier option.
Equally, in recent years the concept of batch cooking has proliferated–do you know about this? It’s a system that helps you to stay organized, save time and eat better.
Batch cooking means you dedicate one day each week to cooking your entire weekly menu. You can freeze each meal and simply reheat it when you need it.
By planning your menus you’ll use your time better and savings will be reflected in your shopping cart. But for this system to work, you’ll need a good collection of freezer and microwave-safe containers–and this is where these tips come into play.
Before cleaning and storing food containers and lids, choose carefully
There are so many models and types of food storage containers that you can go crazy when it comes to choosing the best one for you. Different shapes, sizes, materials…but not all that glitters is gold! Many don’t actually offer the necessary quality in terms of resistance, durability, and health guarantees.
- Plastic containers: the most suitable for transporting food, so if you take food with you to work, don’t hesitate to opt for this type. Of course, ensure that the type of plastic is suitable for heating in microwaves, otherwise, they can release toxic substances such as Bisphenols.
- Glass containers: when it comes to preserving food this is the best option. They’re durable, won’t absorb flavors or odors, and they’re consistent with the sustainability of the planet. The problem is that they weigh more and can break, so it’s not necessarily the best option for transporting food to work.
Now it’s time for cleaning and storing food containers and lids
Regarding cleanliness…
You should scrub food containers and lids as quickly as you can and as soon as they’re used, especially if they’re made of plastic. In this way, you’ll prevent them from absorbing odors and becoming stained.
It’s best to clean them in your dishwasher since this is the best way to remove traces of adhering grease. However, if they’re made of plastic, make sure they can withstand high temperatures–otherwise, they may become misshapen and distorted.
If you don’t have a dishwasher, just put them to soak in hot soapy water for a few minutes. Then rub them with a soft scouring pad and voila!
Tip: for stubborn tomato stains, after you’ve washed them as usual, leave them for two hours in water with a splash of food-safe bleach. They’ll be like new in no time!
Containing order
If you want to store them well, the first thing to know is that containers and lids should be stored separately. This way, you can put one inside the other and they’ll take up less space.
Place the lids by type and size and use dividers or a box so that they’re not loose and scattered around the drawers. It’ll then be very easy for you to find the container and its matching lid.
Although everyone finds the most effective method to store them, it’s advisable that you invest in some accessories to create order. You can use dividers or anything that helps you compartmentalize your drawers.
As you can see, cleaning and storing food containers and lids requires some considerations so that they remain in good condition for longer.
Also, it’s important that you can access them easily and that they’re not scrambled in a closet. Think of it as a way to make your life easier.