Tips To Remove Stains From Plastic
Why is removing hard water stains from plastic so tough to clean and dry? Because our eyes trick us. Plastic may look polished as glass, but under a microscope, you’ll look at its actually a rugged surface.
Not merely does food such as ravioli gravy attaches to plastic, but in the dishwasher, water doesn’t sheathe off as easily as it works out on the glass.
Again, those of us who use extra elbow grease in rubbing plastic may be part of the issue.
Call it the dishwashing course of life – the better you scrub, the further you make microscopic blemishes in the plastic, which arrest stains and cause you to be more impelled to scrub.
The same remains true for splitting and dicing on a plastic cutting board. Every nick is a possible depository for food and stains. Plus, all those cuts and scrapes make plastic to hold extra moisture.
Before we continue further with our suggestion for cleaning plastic kitchenware, let’s address one paramount issue: The fear that the boiling water in a dishwasher (or the heat in a microwave) can weaken the plastic in food vessels and pass adverse chemicals to leach out.
After considerations were raised about one such chemical, bisphenol A, or BPA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibited its usage in baby bottles and related commodities.
Stains penetrate plastic, specifically when you warm food in the microwave.
The Best Tips For Removing Hard Water Stains From Plastic
1. One tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one cup of water. Pour to just above the height of the stain or place the solution into a vessel extensive enough to keep your plastic component. Soak for 30 minutes or until the stain is gone. Then flush in lukewarm soapy water.
2. Many favors distilled white vinegar as a stain-buster. Fill the stained plastic with one part water and one part vinegar. Soak overnight or until the stain fades.
3. If you have food like pasta with red sauce in a plastic container, remove it first onto a non-plastic plate before putting it into the microwave. You can remove odors such as garlic by making a thick paste of baking soda and water. Scrub the paste into the plastic to absorb any odors.
4. Baking soda paste may also do the trick if your stain-busting solution can’t handle the job. Work the paste into the stain using a small microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush.
When that plastic dish, bowl, or utensil becomes warped, bent, or misshapen, it’s time to let it go.
Some items are recyclable (check with your local recycling service).
You can also repurpose food containers, perhaps to the garage to store small pieces of hardware or to your office as a paper clip caddy.
Ultra Hard Stains Removal
Removing hard water stains from plastic by conventional methods using soaps and detergents in most cases not work. Using acetone or nail polish remover is the solution for removing this type of staining.
ACETONE AND NAIL POLISH REMOVER
Nail polish removers contain acetone or solvents similar to acetone. Acetone is also sold in stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. Acetone is capable of dissolving many stains which have a plastic composition.
CAUTION
Acetone is not safe for all fabrics. It can dissolve certain fabrics such as acetate and triacetate. Acetone and similar solvents can also remove the surface dye on some fabrics.
Remember to test the color and fabric before use. It is also highly flammable and you should avoid breathing in the fumes.
PLASTIC-BASED STAINS
Paint stains: There are many different types of paint that are available to the consumer. These include oil-based paint, latex paint, lacquer, water-based paint, and enamel.
With varied compositions, paint stains consist of pigment-colored powder particles. The more heat that is applied to paint the more it oxidizes and presents difficulty in removing.
Nail polish: Contains pigment and plastic.
Instant glue: There is a number of glues on the market with names like Super Glue and Krazy Glue. These glues bond through polymerization.
The liquid molecules in the glue combined with molecules in the fabric forming long chains of molecules called polymers. In short, the glue in the fabric becomes one.
Rubber and plastic glues: These glues contain rubber and plastic ingredients mixed with solvents. When the solvents evaporate the remaining agents form a hard bonding residue.
STAIN REMOVAL
Preparation:
- Old towel or cloth
- Glass
- Spoon
- Petroleum Jelly or Vaseline
- Acetone or Nail Polish Remover
- Detergent mixed with water.
Procedure:
- Place a glass upside down on a flat surface. The upturned base of the glass provides a firm work area for the rubbing necessary to remove this type of stain and keeps the dry solvent from contacting other areas.
- Put a towel over the glass base for absorption and place the stained fabric on top of this work area.
- Apply a little petroleum jelly to stain for lubrication.
- Add a few drops of acetone or nail polish remover. Carefully rub the area with the round edge of the spoon to break up the stain. Rinse the area with detergent and water.
- Wash the garment.
