What's the best way to get rid of smells from old plastic Tupperware? Got a huge batch from nana but the smell is crazy bad

Receiving kitchen items from relatives can often be like uncovering treasure, especially when they come with a sense of nostalgia and history attached to them. However, sometimes these culinary hand-me-downs can carry with them the scents of years past, which can be less than appetizing. Tupperware, particularly old plastic containers, can easily become a harbor for persistent and unpleasant odors due to the porous nature of the plastic.

While it might seem that your nana’s old Tupperware is doomed to carry the fragrance of her famous (or infamous) dishes forever, fear not! With a few simple, household products and a little bit of elbow grease, you can deodorize those containers and have them smelling fresh once again.

Start by giving the Tupperware a good wash with a strong dish soap that is designed to cut through grease and grime. Use the hottest water you can safely handle, as heat can help to open up the plastic's pores, thereby allowing the soap to penetrate more effectively and remove more of the odor-causing residues. After washing, rinse thoroughly and dry.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in the Tupperware and let it soak for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help in neutralizing smells. After the soaking period, wash again with dish soap and hot water, rinse well, and let dry.

If the smell persists, try creating a thick paste with baking soda and water and spread it across the inside of the Tupperware. Allow it to sit, with the lid off, for at least 24 hours. Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors, and the time spent sitting allows it to draw the smell out of the plastic. Once the time has elapsed, rinse and wash as usual.

Another effective method for stubborn smells is using fresh or used coffee grounds. Place the grounds inside the Tupperware, seal it, and let it sit for a day or two. The coffee grounds can absorb the odors and impart a more pleasant coffee scent. Afterward, thoroughly wash and rinse the containers.

Lemon has natural freshening properties. After your usual washing routine, rinse the Tupperware with lemon juice or rub a cut lemon directly onto the plastic, then place the containers in the sun to air dry. The combination of the lemon's acidity and the sun's ultraviolet rays can work together to break down and neutralize odors.

Activated charcoal is another fantastic odor neutralizer. If the aforementioned methods don't work, try placing a piece of activated charcoal in the Tupperware, seal the lid, and let it sit for a couple of days. The charcoal can absorb a significant amount of the odor, leaving your Tupperware smell-free. Wash it out after the period has passed.

For minor residual smells, sealing the Tupperware and placing it in the freezer overnight can often help. The cold can reduce the smell's potency, making it easier to remove after another wash.

Every Tupperware container is unique, and so is each odor it holds. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect deodorizing method for your nana’s Tupperware. In severe cases, where smells persist, repeat the methods or combine them for more powerful results. With these steps, you should be able to neutralize even the most "crazy bad" odors and keep those family kitchen keepsakes in use for many years to come.