One thing’s for sure—there’s no shortage of cleaning hacks on social media. But what’s not so evident is which are legitimate and which are a waste of time. Reading the comments on videos demonstrating a hack that promises to magically remove unsightly dark stains from Tupperware containers may leave you with more questions than answers. We’re here to clarify those questions—we’ll explain how to perform this hack, if there is any merit to it, and why alternative cleaning methods might be a better solution.
What Is the Spaghetti-Stained Tupperware Cleaning Hack?
Numerous content creators have shown the Tupperware cleaning method to millions of people—literally! For example, this Instagram Reel currently has 7.4 million views, and this TikTok racked up a whopping 10.6 million thus far. All the cleaning hack entails is filling a plastic food container (Tupperware brand or not) riddled with red stains (likely from tomato-based sauce) with warm water, squirting in some Dawn dish soap, and tossing in a single paper towel. From here, the creators snap on the lid and shake the container vigorously for about a minute.
The rationale behind this is twofold: First, shaking the container with soapy water helps to loosen the grease and oil left behind. Second, the paper towel absorbs that loosened grease and oil. The result is a much cleaner and clearer plastic container. Seems simple enough, right? Commenters had a lot of opinions, and a few of them posed a very valid question: Does it actually work?
Does the Spaghetti-Stained Tupperware Cleaning Hack Work?
The answer is debatable, as commenters who tried it had mixed reviews. Even a few creators weren’t so sure after the results. Sure, some claimed on camera that it was a game-changing hack, but the visual difference wasn’t always so evident. The reason it may or may not work for you has to do with a topic that many commenters brought up: How soon after using the container do you need to try this hack for it to be successful?
Timing Is Everything
The consensus is that it should be done as soon as possible, as it won’t work on set-in stains. So, if you have a Tupperware container that’s been stained red for weeks, save yourself the hassle of attempting the hack and accept its red hue. And if you’ve already run it through the dishwasher (which, side note, you should probably avoid anyway), your efforts will be futile.
Glass Over Plastic
Another common theme among comment sections was concerning the use of plastic food containers, with many saying they’re not only bad for the environment but can also be hazardous to our health. Many commenters were advocates for glass containers, as they’re recyclable and don’t contain the harmful properties that some plastic ones have. Glass can also be warmed up and won’t stain like plastic containers.
However, if you’re using plastic containers solely to store cooled food and then are transferring it to a plate or bowl to heat up, the health risks are greatly minimized. And, as some pointed out, it’s more sustainable (and economical) to continue using the Tupperware you already own as long as it’s intact rather than tossing containers to buy new.
Alternative Methods to Clean Spaghetti-Stained Tupperware
If you’ve missed the necessary time period to use this hack, there are other methods you can try. They’re easy to do and require ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Baking Soda and Water
Create a thick paste by mixing baking soda and water and applying it directly onto the stains inside the Tupperware. Once covered in the paste, allow it to sit on the container for a few minutes. Use a sponge to scrub and test a small area—if the stains are gone, wash the entire container with the sponge. If they’re still there, allow the paste to sit a little longer, then scrub away once satisfied. As a bonus, baking soda helps eliminate lingering food smells.
Vinegar and Water
Another pantry staple, white vinegar, can tackle greasy sauce stains with a little elbow grease. Simply fill the container with equal parts vinegar and warm water and leave it for an hour or two (or overnight for stark stains). When ready, rinse and hand wash it as usual. Note that this method works best to battle newly-stained Tupperware.
Lemon Juice and Sunlight
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a stained container and rub it in with a sponge. Leave it outside in direct sunlight for a few hours, then wash it in the sink. The sun will naturally bleach the Tupperware, just as it helps to whiten clothes and linens when air-drying outside.
How to Prevent Tupperware Stains
If you want to prevent spaghetti sauce (or equally staining turmeric-based sauces) from discoloring your Tupperware in the first place, try one of the following preventative measures.
Use Cooking Spray
Coat the inside of the container with a nonstick cooking spray before filling it with leftovers. Alternatively, rub a stick of butter throughout the inside of the Tupperware, as the fat and oil in it will form a protective layer against stains.
Add Plastic Wrap or Wax Paper
Add a plastic wrap or wax paper layer before scooping your leftovers into a container. Be sure to transfer the leftovers to another dish before heating them. Then, all you have to do is simply remove the wrap or paper from the container and wash any food or sauce that may have seeped through (hopefully without much staining, if any at all).
