My Mom’s Zero-Effort Trick for Removing Red Stains from Plastic Containers


 

How It Works

  1. Add a few drops of dish soap to the stained container.

  2. Fill halfway with warm water.

  3. Place a folded paper towel inside.

  4. Close the lid tightly.

  5. Shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds.

When you open the lid, you’ll likely find the red stains dramatically faded—or completely gone.

Rinse it out, and your container looks nearly brand new.


Why This Trick Works

The paper towel acts like a gentle scrubber, but instead of you doing the work, the shaking motion lets it move freely around the container. The soap breaks down grease and pigment, while the friction from the paper towel lifts the stain from the plastic surface.

It’s basically effortless cleaning science in action.


Extra Tips for Tough Stains

If a stain is particularly stubborn:

  • Use hotter (not boiling) water.

  • Add a pinch of baking soda with the soap.

  • Let it sit for 5 minutes before shaking.

But in most cases, the basic method is more than enough.


Bonus Prevention Tip

To prevent future stains:

  • Spray containers lightly with cooking spray before storing red sauces.

  • Or rinse them immediately after emptying.

Both methods help reduce pigment absorption.


A Simple Trick That Feels Like Magic

What I love most about this trick is how easy it is. No expensive cleaners. No scrubbing until your arm aches. Just soap, water, a paper towel, and a quick shake.

Sometimes the best household hacks aren’t found online—they’re passed down from moms who’ve been solving everyday problems for years.

Now every time I see a red-stained container, I don’t sigh.

I shake.