How to Remove Tomato Sauce from Plastic Container
Removal Method
1
Wash the container with dish soap and hot water to remove surface sauce.
2
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Coat the stained interior and let sit overnight.
3
Scrub and rinse. For persistent orange staining, fill with warm water + 1 tbsp bleach. Let sit 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
💡 Alternative Method
Place the container in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours. UV light breaks down the lycopene pigment that causes the orange staining.
🚫 What NOT to Do
- Do not microwave tomato sauce in plastic containers (heat drives staining deeper into the plastic)
🔄 If Nothing Works
The container may be permanently stained. Tomato lycopene bonds to polypropylene plastic at a molecular level.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026