Even Most Clean Freaks Forget To Wash This Part Of Their Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers are a necessary staple in any kitchen, but the ability to pack your leftovers comes with a lot of cons—especially when it comes to cleaning. Loose lids can cause annoying spills and derail your dinner plans. And if you ever store pasta sauce in plastic containers? Good luck getting those orange stains out.
There are ways to minimize the hassle of cleaning your containers, like viral TikTok hacks and investing in high quality sets that are actually airtight. But even those who thoroughly clean all of the grease and grime can overlook one of the dirtiest parts of your food containers: the gaskets.
Depending on the type of food storage container you have, your lid may feature a colorful rubber ring. This ring, known as a gasket, acts as a seal and adds an extra layer of security to prevent any unwanted leaks and spills. It typically sits in a crevice in the lid itself.
If your food is still steaming when you seal the container, or if your leftovers end up jostling around in transit, food and moisture can collect in that crevice. And it can get gross—quickly.
The phenomenon is similar to what happens with rubber spatulas with removable wooden handles. With a lack of air circulation, the tight spaces can easily become full of moisture. According to the USDA, this is the prime environment for mold growth.
The mold and bacteria in the gasket of your food containers remain in contact with any meal you store in them. This increases the risk of your leftovers becoming infected with germs and mold spores (which is decidedly not delicious). It sounds terrifying—and it kind of is. But don't fear, there are ways to fully clean your food containers and prevent future germs.
When it comes to washing your food container lids, the most thorough method involves taking the gasket out and cleaning it separately. It’s also important to clean the crevice that houses the gasket, and this is where it gets a bit difficult. The average dish sponge might not be able to fit in the tight space. So, if you have one, it’s worth using a pipe or straw cleaner to deep clean the crevice.
And once your container is clean, drying it completely will help keep the bacteria and mold at bay. Allow enough time for the water to evaporate from both the gasket and the crevice before reassembling your lid.
It's an extra step, but a necessary one if you want to keep your containers truly clean. Want more kitchen cleaning advice? Check out our guides below:
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