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!

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    cake
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    fedilink
    English
    26 months ago
    1. Vinegar is a weak acid and doesn’t react with any kind of plastic. It often is sold in plastic.
    2. Certain plastics != all plastics. There are many types of plastic. Unless you know what kind exactly you’re using, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
    • @[email protected]
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      fedilink
      16 months ago

      As far as I know, only HDPE is suitable for vinegar. Other types of plastic react with even a weak acid causing swelling/softening.