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!

  • beaubbe@lemmy.world
    0·
    1 year ago

    Dunk it in vinegar overnight. It will kill bacterias, and the smell of vinegar itself will go away pretty quickly.

      • eltrain123@lemmy.world
        1·
        1 year ago

        Same same. I had a thermos I accidentally left hot cocoa (made with milk) in for about 6 months when it fell behind my car seat. I thought I was going to have to throw it out because it smelled so horribly rancid. I booked some water and flushed it out and used white vinegar for a few overnight soaks and it got the smell out. Like a brand new thermos…