A pungent odour lingering in your tiffin can be quite off-putting, affecting the enjoyment of your meals. Whether it's due to spicy curries, strong-smelling ingredients, or simply the result of extended storage, getting rid of these odours is essential for a pleasant eating experience. In this article, we present four practical tips to help you eliminate pungent odours from your tiffins effectively. By following these tips, you can ensure that your packed meals remain fresh, appetising, and free from any unwanted smells, allowing you to enjoy your food to the fullest.
1. Raw Potato
When it comes to eliminating pungent odours from tiffins or lunch boxes, raw potatoes can be an effective natural solution. Here are some tips to help you get rid of those unpleasant smells:
- Cut a raw potato: Take a raw potato and cut it into thick slices or wedges.
- Rub the potato on the tiffin: Take one of the potato slices and rub it all over the inside of the tiffin, focusing on areas with strong odours. The natural enzymes present in the potato will help neutralise the smell.
- Leave it overnight: After rubbing the potato, place the slices inside the tiffin and close the lid. Let it sit overnight to allow the potato to absorb any remaining odours.
- Rinse and wash: The next day, discard the potato slices and rinse the tiffin with warm water. Use a mild dishwashing soap and sponge to thoroughly clean the tiffin, paying attention to any lingering smells.
- Air dry: Once clean, leave the tiffin open to air dry completely. This will help remove any residual odour and ensure it's ready for future use.
Using raw potatoes is a natural and effective method to eliminate pungent odours from tiffins without the need for harsh chemicals. Give it a try and enjoy a fresh and odour-free lunch box experience.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known for its pleasant aroma and natural deodorising properties, making it an effective ingredient to eliminate pungent odours from tiffins. Here are some tips for cleaning with cinnamon to get rid of unwanted smells:
- Cinnamon Stick Method: Place a cinnamon stick or two inside the empty tiffin and close it tightly. Let it sit overnight or for a few hours. The cinnamon stick will absorb the pungent odour, leaving a pleasant scent behind.
- Cinnamon Powder Method: Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon powder inside the tiffin. Close the tiffin and shake it gently to distribute the powder evenly. Leave it for a few hours or overnight before rinsing it out. The cinnamon powder will help neutralise the odours.
- Cinnamon Tea Solution: Boil a cup of water and add a cinnamon stick or a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to it. Let it steep for a few minutes, then strain the solution. Use this cinnamon tea to wipe the interior of the tiffin, focusing on areas with strong odours. Rinse it thoroughly afterwards.
- Cinnamon and Lemon Combo: Combine cinnamon powder with a few drops of lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to the interior of the tiffin and let it sit for some time before washing it off. The combination of cinnamon and lemon will help eliminate odours effectively.
Remember to rinse the tiffin thoroughly after using any of these methods to remove the cinnamon residue. These tips will not only help eliminate the pungent odour but also leave your tiffin smelling fresh and inviting.
3. Lemon Peels
Lemon peels are an excellent natural solution for getting rid of pungent odours from tiffins. Here are some tips on using lemon peels for cleaning and deodorising:
- Collect lemon peels: Save the peels from consumed lemons and rinse them thoroughly to remove any pulp or residue.
- Place the peels inside the tiffin: Put a few lemon peels inside the empty tiffin and close it tightly. Leave them overnight or for a few hours to allow the lemon peels to absorb the odours.
- Scrub with lemon peels: If the tiffin has stubborn odours, you can use lemon peels as a natural scrub. Rub the interior of the tiffin with the peel, focusing on the areas with strong smells. The acidic properties of lemon can help neutralise the odours.
- Lemon peel and baking soda mixture: Another effective method is to create a mixture of lemon peels and baking soda. Place a handful of lemon peels in the tiffin, sprinkle some baking soda over them, and close the container. Leave it overnight or for a few hours before rinsing it thoroughly.
- Rinse and air dry: After using lemon peels to eliminate odours, rinse the tiffin with water to remove any residue. Allow it to air dry completely before storing or using it again.
- By utilising these tips, you can effectively eliminate pungent odours from tiffins using natural lemon peels, leaving them fresh and ready for your next meal.
4. Vinegar Solution
If you're dealing with a pungent odour in your tiffin containers, using a vinegar solution can help eliminate the smell effectively. Here are some tips to get rid of the odour using a vinegar solution:
- Empty the tiffin: Start by emptying the tiffin container, discarding any leftover food or residue.
- Vinegar and water mixture: Create a solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl or basin. For example, you can use 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water.
- Soak the tiffin: Submerge the tiffin container in the vinegar solution and let it soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will help neutralise the odour.
- Scrub with a sponge or brush: After soaking, scrub the tiffin container using a sponge or brush to remove any remaining odour or stains. Pay extra attention to any stubborn areas.
- Rinse thoroughly: Once you've scrubbed the tiffin, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any vinegar residue.
- Air dry in sunlight: Finally, allow the tiffin container to air dry in direct sunlight. The sun's rays will help further eliminate any lingering odour and ensure the container is completely dry before use.
By following these steps and using a vinegar solution, you can effectively remove the pungent odour from your tiffin containers, leaving them fresh and ready for use.