Is your tiffin box smelly? Here’s how to clean it properly and keep it germ-free

Your tiffin box might be your trusted meal companion, but it can quickly turn into a smelly, stained mess if not cleaned properly. These boxes carry your meals to school or work every day, often holding food for hours. If not cleaned properly, they can harbour bad odours, stains, and even germs, posing a risk to your health.

On top of that, grease and oil can dull the vibrant colours of your tiffin box over time. Don’t worry, though! With these quick and easy cleaning hacks, you can keep your tiffin boxes fresh, spotless, and as good as new.

Wash immediately
Most people wash the tiffin box only after returning home in the evening. However, letting food particles sit for hours can result in unpleasant odors. It may not be possible to wash the tiffin box using dish soap, when you are outside your house. But, you could get rid of the odour to an extent if you at least rinse the tiffin box using plain water. You could then wipe off the excess water using tissues.

Use hot water for oil stains

If you’ve stored oily food in your tiffin box, washing it with warm water works wonders. Add a few drops of dish soap and gently scrub with a sponge to remove stubborn grease and stains. The warm water not only helps break down the oil but also eliminates bad odours, leaving your box clean and fresh.

Clean the designs

Food particles and dirt could get accumulated on the folds of the designs on the tiffin box. You could clean these using a tooth brush. Dip the tooth brush in dish soap and gently scrub on the folds and designs on the tiffin box to clean.

Try a vinegar Solution

For a deep clean, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing water, vinegar, and dish soap. Soak your tiffin box in this solution for about 15 minutes, then rinse it with hot water. This method helps dissolve stubborn stains and neutralize odours effectively.

Scrub with lime

After washing your tiffin box with warm water, take half a lime, dip it in liquid dish soap, and use it to scrub away stains. Lime not only removes stubborn marks but also leaves your tiffin box smelling citrus-fresh.

Keep it dry
The tiffin box, even if it is clean, would smell bad if it isn’t dried properly. Do not close the lid as soon as you wash the box. Instead, allow the box to air dry completely. For best results, leave it under the sun for a few hours to ensure it’s thoroughly dry and odour-free.

Bonus: Tips for keeping your lunch tote bag clean
Your lunch tote bag is just as important as your tiffin box when it comes to hygiene. Over time, spilled food, leaking containers, and crumbs can make your tote bag smelly and unhygienic. Follow these simple tips to keep it clean and odour-free:

1. Wipe daily with a damp cloth or disinfectant wipes after each use.
2. Wash weekly by machine or scrub with soapy water and air dry.
3. Remove stains with a baking soda paste for tough food marks.
4. Deodorize by sprinkling baking soda inside overnight to absorb odours.
5. Keep it dry to prevent smells or mould from building up.
6. Use liners like paper towels or reusable liners to catch spills.
7. Separate items by packing wet and dry foods in leak-proof containers.