1. The Baking Soda Paper Towel Paste

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild abrasive and a natural deodorizer. Combined with water to form a paste and applied with a paper towel, it creates a gentle scouring action that can lift surface stains without scratching the plastic.

1. Materials Needed:

You will need baking soda, water, several sheets of paper towel, and optionally, a drop of dish soap.

2. Step-by-Step Process:

First, dampen the stained container with a little water. Then, on a small plate or bowl, mix baking soda with just enough water to create a thick, spreadable paste. Tear off a sheet of paper towel, fold it into a small pad, and scoop up a generous amount of the paste onto it. Use the paper towel pad to vigorously scrub the stained areas in a circular motion. The paper towel provides a grip and applies the paste evenly. For extra cleaning power, you can add a tiny drop of dish soap to the paste. Let the paste sit on the stain for 15-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. The paper towel can be used to wipe away the paste residue before the final wash.

3. Why This Works:

The mild abrasiveness of the baking soda crystals, when mobilized by the paper towel, helps to scrub away stain particles lodged in microscopic scratches on the plastic surface. The soaking period allows it to loosen the bond of the stain.