5. The Dish Soap and Hot Water Press

Sometimes, the simplest method is the best. For fresh or light stains, hot water and dish soap can work wonders, especially when aided by the capillary action and absorption of a paper towel.

1. Materials Needed:

You will need liquid dish soap, very hot (near boiling) water, and 2-3 sheets of paper towel.

2. Step-by-Step Process:

Place a drop of dish soap in the bottom of the stained container. Add a small amount of very hot water—just enough to cover the bottom by about half an inch. Take a sheet of paper towel, tear it, crumple it loosely, and place it into the soapy water. Quickly put the lid on the container and seal it tightly. Shake the container vigorously for 30 seconds. The hot soapy water will slosh around, and the crumpled paper towel will act as a gentle, abrasive scrubber inside. Let the sealed container sit for 10-15 minutes. The heat and soap will loosen the stains, and the paper towel will absorb some of the dissolved staining agents. Open carefully (mind the steam), empty the contents, and use the now soapy paper towel to give the interior a final wipe-down before rinsing clean.

3. Why This Works:

The hot water heats the plastic and the stain, making the stain molecules more active and easier to break down. The dish soap emulsifies the oils and food particles. The paper towel provides a gentle mechanical scrubbing action during the shake and then serves as a sponge to soak up the loosened grime, preventing it from re-depositing on the plastic.