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
    57•6 months ago

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

      • @eltrain123
        8•6 months 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…

    • QubaXR
      2•6 months ago

      Whenever I’m in doubt about cleaning, I try sprinkling a good amount of baking soda and then pouring copious amounts of vinegar, then letting it do its thing. It’s an inexpensive experiment to try and could solve your problem.

      • @[email protected]
        6•6 months ago

        Baking soda works, vinegar works. When you mix them together it’s just salty water. It does nothing.

        • QubaXR
          1•6 months ago

          Doesn’t the bubbly reaction do anything? It sure looks impressive.

          • @[email protected]
            3•6 months ago

            Yeah. The acid in the vinegar is what gives it cleaning power. The base in the baking soda gives it cleaning power. They each will clean different things. When you mix them you get an acid base reaction which makes water, co2, and a salt. None of those have good cleaning properties in that situation.

            • QubaXR
              1•6 months ago

              Wow, thanks! I guess there’s always a chance to learn something new!