Glass bottles and jars are ubiquitous in our lives, and keeping them clean and odor-free is a constant challenge, especially for housewives. Even when used to store something as simple as drinking water, these containers can develop an unpleasant odor over time.
Moreover, the daily cleaning methods we employ are often insufficient to eliminate these odors. The unique shapes of bottles and jars, often slender with a narrow mouth, further compound the challenge of maintaining their cleanliness. So, how can we address this issue? The following tips will help you quickly and effectively clean your glass containers, be they bottles, jars, or vases, just in time for the upcoming holiday season.
1 Salt to the Rescue
Salt
Not just a condiment that enhances the flavor of our food, salt also has a myriad of other uses, from home remedies to curing agents. One of its lesser-known applications is in deodorizing glass containers, especially flower vases.
Instructions:
Start by removing any remaining food particles or residue from the inside of the container and inspecting it for cracks. Then, add a generous amount of coarse salt and half as much water to the container, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. This action will help dislodge stubborn residue while the salt absorbs odors.
After shaking, rinse the container with dish soap and warm water, and then air-dry it. For best results, dry it in direct sunlight. That’s it! With this simple deodorizing trick, you’ve successfully eliminated odors from your glass vase.
2 Baking Soda to the Rescue
For more stubborn odors that the salt and water solution couldn’t eliminate, it’s time to bring out the big guns: baking soda.
Start by scrubbing the inside of the container with coarse salt and a sponge. Due to the container’s shape, you may find it challenging to reach all areas, so feel free to use a wooden spoon for assistance. Next, add baking soda to the container, along with the coarse salt, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, pour in some hot water and let it sit for a few more minutes before securing the lid and giving it a good shake. Finally, rinse the container with warm water and air-dry it.
3 Mustard Seeds to the Rescue
Mustard seeds are a familiar ingredient, easily sourced from local markets and grocery stores.
To utilize this method, place some mustard seeds in a glass, and shake vigorously for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, rinse the glass with warm water, and voilà! The unpleasant odor will be a thing of the past.
Additionally, after arranging flowers in a vase, you can add some mustard seeds and water to the vase and use this mixture to rinse it. This will effectively eliminate any lingering odors. For even better results, soak the vase in the mustard seed water overnight.
4 Fresh Lemon to the Rescue
You’ve likely heard of using lemon to remove stains from clothing, but did you know it’s also a potent deodorizer for glass containers?
Simply cut a thin slice of lemon and rub it on the stained area, letting it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the acidic juice to penetrate the stain. Then, rinse the container with warm water, and enjoy the pleasant citrus aroma that lingers.
Alternatively, mix equal parts lemon juice and warm water and use this solution to wash the container, followed by a wipe-down with a clean cloth. This will leave your vase sparkling clean and smelling fresh. You can also use lemon to gently scrub the vase, followed by a rinse with water, to achieve similar results.
5 Coffee Grounds to the Rescue
Instead of discarding used coffee grounds, put them to good use by adding them to the plastic containers you wish to clean. Soak the containers in the coffee grounds for a few hours or even a full day, depending on the severity of the odor. Then, rinse them out, and be prepared to be delighted by the pleasant aroma of coffee that lingers in your now-fresh-smelling containers.
6 Rice to the Rescue
Rice is an easily accessible and highly effective ingredient for cleaning glass items, especially flower vases.
Simply add a handful of rice to the vase, along with some boiling water, and secure the lid. Then, shake vigorously. Repeat this process a few times, and your vase will be sparkling clean, just like new.
Using glassware in our daily lives without knowing these handy tips would be a waste. I hope that by sharing these insights, I’ve provided you with valuable information. Choosing glass products gives you peace of mind regarding their quality and durability, but it’s also essential to know how to properly care for them to maintain their shine and pleasant aroma.
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