Plastic is a man-made material that is not easily dirty and durable. There are many items made of plastic such as patio furniture, children's toys, shower curtains, tableware, and storage containers. These items should be washed and sterilized regularly. Knowing how to properly clean plastic will help keep your home clean.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Vinegar
Step 1. Mix vinegar and water
Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. For example, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water will make about half a liter of solution.
Step 2. Spray the solution on the plastic
Do not hesitate when spraying the solution. Make sure the plastic is completely wet. Vinegar is very effective at removing oil, mold, and hard water stains as well as sterilizing hard surfaces.
Step 3. Wipe the plastic
Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the vinegar solution off the plastic surface.
Spray more vinegar solution where the dirt has accumulated, and rub repeatedly until the dirt is completely removed
Step 4. Rinse with water
Use clean water to rinse the vinegar solution off the plastic, then dry with a towel.
Method 2 of 4: Using Bleach
Step 1. Make a bleach solution
Add 1 tablespoon bleach for every cup of water you use. You can prepare the solution in a sink, container, or tub.
Be careful when mixing bleach to avoid splashing it on clothing or exposed skin
Step 2. Soak the plastic
Soak the plastic in a solution of bleach and water for 5-10 minutes. Make sure the entire plastic is submerged in the solution.
Use gloves when soaking plastic to avoid injury
Step 3. Scrub the plastic with a sponge or cloth
Remove any dried dirt or sticky dust by scrubbing it with a sponge.
Step 4. Rinse and dry the plastic
Rinse the plastic thoroughly with water to remove the bleach solution. Leave the plastic for 30 minutes or until it dries completely.
Method 3 of 4: Using Baking Soda
Step 1. Make a paste of baking soda and water
Mix baking soda and water in a 3:1 ratio (3 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon water). Use a spoon, dull knife or an old toothbrush to mix the ingredients together until they form a paste.
You should make a paste with a consistency like toothpaste. So, if the paste is too runny or thick, you can add baking soda or water as needed. Adding more baking soda will make the paste thicker and more water will make the baking soda thinner
Step 2. Rub the paste on the plastic
Use an old cloth or toothbrush to apply a generous amount of the paste to the plastic surface, making sure to scrub away any sticky dust.
You may need to make more paste if you are cleaning large plastic items
Step 3. Let the paste stick to the plastic
Wait for 20-30 minutes for the baking soda to work. The baking soda will loosen the dirt stuck to the plastic.
Step 4. Wipe off the paste with a cloth
Use a washcloth to wipe the baking soda paste off the plastic surface. Rinse the washcloth periodically during use for wiping.
Step 5. Rinse the plastic
Remove any remaining paste by rinsing the plastic thoroughly with water. Dirt or sticky dust that sticks to the plastic will also be swept away.
- You can rinse small items in the sink.
- For larger items, rinse using a garden hose.
Step 6. Wash the plastic with soap and water
Use mild dish soap to wash plastic.
Step 7. Dry the plastic with a towel or let it dry on its own
Method 4 of 4: Dishwashing Machine
Step 1. Put a plastic object in the dishwasher
Place the plastic object in the dishwasher and make sure it is securely in place. Smaller items should be placed on the upper shelf, while larger items should be placed on the lower shelf.
Place very small objects, such as toy stacking blocks, in a mesh bag or small dishwasher before placing them on the top shelf
Step 2. Add dish soap
Pour as much dish soap as needed into the soap compartment of the dishwasher.
Check the user manual to find out where the soap compartment is, how much soap you need, and the type of laundry soap to use
Step 3. Turn on the dishwasher
Select the normal wash setting, do not choose the hot dry option. The chemicals in plastic can decompose when exposed to high heat. So, you should let the plastic dry by itself.
Step 4. Let the plastic dry by itself
Remove all items from the dishwasher after the washing process is complete. Place the plastic object on the counter or on the drying rack. You may have to wait a few hours for the plastic to dry completely.
Tips
- To make the vinegar and water solution smell better, add a few drops of an essential oil such as lavender or orange.
- Some methods can clean certain objects better. So, choose a method that matches the object you want to clean. Baking soda is great for removing musty odors and removing sticky dust, bleach is best for sterilizing and bleaching, and vinegar is especially effective for removing grease stains, and the dishwasher is a great choice for small plastic items.
- If one method doesn't clean the plastic completely, try another method.
- If you use bleach, make sure it doesn't come into contact with clothing or exposed skin.
Warning
- Bleach may change the color of the plastic which is not white.
- Check the recycling numbers on the plastic before you put it in the dishwasher. Some types of plastic should not be washed in the dishwasher because the chemicals can break down. Plastics with the numbers 1, 2, and 4 are generally considered safe. The plastic you use for eating or drinking should be hand washed.
- Use gloves when mixing and cleaning plastic with solvents, especially bleach.
