For Perfectly Airtight Food Containers, Look for This
For Perfectly Airtight Food Containers, Look for This is a easy American recipe that serves 1. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $9.16 total, $9.16 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups Warm Water (use hot tap water, not boiling)
- 2 tablespoons Dish Soap (mild, fragrance‑free preferred)
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar (helps dissolve mineral buildup and kills mold spores)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (optional, for stubborn stains)
- 1 piece Silicone Gasket (if removable) (check that it is intact; replace if cracked)
Instructions
Gather Supplies
Collect warm water, dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, a scrub brush, a soft sponge, and a dry towel. If your containers have removable silicone gaskets, pull them out for separate cleaning.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Cleaning Solution
Fill the sink with 4 cups of warm water, add 2 tablespoons of dish soap and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Stir gently to create a sudsy solution.
Time: PT2M
Soak Removable Gaskets
Place any removable silicone gaskets in the solution and let them soak for 5 minutes while you clean the containers.
Time: PT5M
Scrub Narrow Channels
Using the scrub brush, work the soapy water into the narrow channels of each container, focusing on any food gunk or residue. Rotate the brush to reach all sides.
Time: PT5M
Treat Stubborn Stains
If any spots remain, sprinkle a pinch of baking soda onto the sponge and gently scrub the area. The mild abrasive will lift residue without scratching the plastic.
Time: PT3M
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse each container and gasket under clean running water to remove soap, vinegar, and loosened debris.
Time: PT2M
Dry Completely
Pat the containers and gaskets dry with a clean towel or place them on a drying rack. Ensure the interior channels are fully dry before re‑assembly to prevent mold growth.
Time: PT3M
Re‑assemble and Store
Snap the silicone gasket back into place, close the lid, and store the container in a dry, well‑ventilated area.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- 0
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Last updated: April 8, 2026








