How to rescue your mouldy food containers
We’ve all been there – you packed your lunch bag with the best intentions, but somehow, that meal prep container ended up forgotten in your work locker, gym bag, or the backseat of your car. And by the time you rediscover it… you’re greeted with an unwelcome science experiment.
Or it’s the end of term and your teenager has finally cleared out their school bag or bedroom, only to present you with a collection of festering, unopened or half-eaten lunch boxes that you’re too scared to open.
But before you toss it straight into the bin, there’s good news: you can salvage it if you act fast and clean it properly. And to help you, Lynne Murphy, a meal prep expert from Nutri-Lean, reveals how to save mouldy meal prep containers so they can be used again – in four steps.
1) Make sure you have the right protection
Mould spores are no joke. Some can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, and a few ( in the right conditions) produce “mycotoxins” – poisonous substances that can make you sick. So grab a pair of gloves and a mask before you start, to avoid breathing them in.
Mould can spread easily, so it’s best to take PPE seriously – especially if you have allergies or sensitivities. Once you’re properly geared up, take the container outside or to a well-ventilated area to avoid contaminating your kitchen.
2) Give your container a preliminary wash
Next, give the container a preliminary wash with warm, soapy water to remove any loose mould and grime. If there are tough patches, use an old toothbrush or scrubbing brush to break them up before moving on to deeper cleaning methods.
3) Choose your mould-fighting product
There are a number of products that can help you defeat mould.
Bleach
Bleach is a powerhouse for killing mould and bacteria. Mix one cup of bleach with four litres (about a gallon) of water. Let the container soak for at least 15 minutes to ensure the bleach has time to break down stubborn mould colonies. Scrub away any stains with a stiff-bristled brush, then rinse thoroughly. Bleach can cause discolouration in plastic, so if your container is a light colour, you might notice some fading.
Vinegar
If you prefer a gentler and more eco-friendly alternative, white vinegar is a great natural mould-remover. Pour undiluted vinegar directly into the container and let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or longer for tougher mould). Vinegar is particularly good at neutralising odours, so if your container has developed a lingering musty smell, this is your best bet. After soaking, scrub the container with a sponge or brush, then rinse with warm water.
Baking soda
For extra cleaning power, sprinkle baking soda into the container before scrubbing with vinegar. This combination creates a fizzy reaction that helps lift stains and break down grime. Plus, baking soda is excellent for absorbing odours.
4) Rinse, scrub, repeat
Once the mould is gone, wash the container thoroughly with dish soap and warm water. This helps remove any leftover bleach or vinegar residue and makes sure your container is safe for food storage. For added peace of mind, let the container air dry completely in direct sunlight – the UV rays can help kill any lingering bacteria
How to stop mould from coming back
While you can salvage mouldy containers, the best thing is not to let the mould grow in the first place. Here are Lynne’s top mould-busting tips:
- Monthly deep clean: Mould spores can be persistent, so prevent their return by soaking lids and containers in a diluted bleach solution once a month. You can also use a vinegar soak if you prefer a natural approach.
- Fridge patrol: Mould spreads easily, especially in humid environments like a fridge. If you find a mouldy container, inspect nearby food items and wipe down fridge shelves with a disinfecting cleaner. Regularly cleaning your fridge helps prevent mould spores from taking hold in the first place.
- Air it out: After washing, always dry your containers completely before storing them. Store them with the lids off or slightly ajar to allow airflow, which prevents moisture buildup – mould’s favourite breeding ground.
- Use silica packs: For extra protection, consider putting a food-safe silica gel pack into your container when storing it. These little packets absorb moisture and help keep your container dry and mould-free.
Keep your plastic containers mould-free
Throwing out mouldy containers every time one gets a little funky adds up fast – both in terms of waste and cost. A proper deep clean can extend the lifespan of your containers, saving you money while keeping your meal prep routine on track. Investing in durable, non-porous containers like glass or stainless steel is also a great long-term solution since they’re easier to clean and less prone to mould growth.
Making cleaning a habit is also very important. If you take a few extra minutes each week to check and clean your containers, you’ll never have to deal with a nasty surprise at the bottom of your gym bag again.
So, before you resign your mouldy plastic containers to the trash, give them a fighting chance with these simple cleaning tricks. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you!
Nutri-Lean is a meal delivery service specialising in fresh, healthy, low-calorie, and high-protein meals. Their offerings are designed to support weight loss and muscle gain, featuring macro-balanced meals that are trackable on MyFitnessPal.
They provide a variety of meal plans, including options to build your own plan, bulk meal plans, and reduced-carb plans. In addition to meals, Nutri Lean offers high-protein snacks such as energy pancakes, protein bites, and overnight oats.
