I soaked my stained Tupperware in powdered mustard water for 2 weeks. This is what happened

We've all been there: you open your kitchen cabinet to grab a container for leftovers, only to be greeted by discolored Tupperware stained from past meals. Tomato sauce, curry, and other vibrant foods can leave stubborn stains that are nearly impossible to remove with regular washing. Tupperware is a kitchen staple, but maintaining its pristine condition is a challenge many of us face.

In a quest to restore my stained Tupperware to its former glory, I stumbled upon an unconventional cleaning hack involving powdered mustard. While it may sound unusual, the purported cleaning power of mustard intrigued me enough to give it a try. I decided to soak my stained Tupperware in powdered mustard water for two weeks to see if this age-old trick could work miracles.

The use of mustard powder as a cleaning agent is rooted in traditional cleaning methods. Mustard powder, made from ground mustard seeds, contains natural acids and oils that are believed to have stain-lifting properties. I had read anecdotes online about its effectiveness in removing tough stains from fabrics and plastics, which piqued my curiosity.

Given that mustard powder is both affordable and easily available, I decided it was worth the experiment. A small container of mustard powder costs about $2 and is often found in the spice aisle of grocery stores. The potential to clean without harsh chemicals was appealing, prompting me to test this method on my Tupperware collection.

For the experiment, I selected three stained Tupperware containers of similar size and material. Each container had noticeable stains from tomato-based sauces. I filled a large basin with 3 liters of warm water and stirred in 5 tablespoons of powdered mustard until it was fully dissolved.

After ensuring the mustard was evenly distributed in the water, I submerged the Tupperware containers, making sure they were completely covered by the solution. I placed a lid over the basin to minimize evaporation and left it in a cool, dry area of my kitchen for two weeks.

Before starting the soak, I documented the state of my Tupperware. The once-clear plastic had become cloudy, with orange and red stains primarily on the sides and bottoms of the containers. Despite numerous attempts to clean them with soap, baking soda, and vinegar, the stains remained stubbornly intact.

These containers had been used for storing tomato soup, chili, and spaghetti sauce, each of which left its mark. The stains were not only unsightly but also made the containers feel less hygienic, despite being technically clean.

Mustard powder's cleaning properties can be attributed to its acidic nature. The powder contains glucosinolates, which, when mixed with water, break down into isothiocyanates and other compounds that can help lift stains. These compounds are known for their ability to break down organic matter, potentially making them effective against food stains.

Additionally, mustard powder can act as a mild abrasive, helping to scrub away surface stains without scratching or damaging the plastic. This dual action of chemical breakdown and gentle abrasion might be why some consider it a viable cleaning alternative.

During the first few days, there was little visible change in the Tupperware. I occasionally stirred the solution to ensure the mustard powder remained suspended, hoping to maximize contact with the stains.

By the end of the first week, I noticed a slight fading of the most superficial stains. The sides of the containers appeared a bit clearer, though the most stubborn stains remained. As the second week progressed, the changes were more noticeable. The vibrant orange and red hues began to dull, indicating that the mustard was having some effect.

One of the most noticeable side effects of the mustard soak was the smell. A pungent mustard aroma permeated the area around the basin, which, while not unpleasant, was quite strong. This might be a consideration for those sensitive to such odors.

In terms of texture, the Tupperware felt slightly smoother to the touch, suggesting some level of cleaning had occurred. However, the color of the mustard solution darkened over time, likely due to the release of pigments from the stains into the water.

After two weeks, I removed the Tupperware from the mustard solution and rinsed them thoroughly with warm water. While not completely stain-free, the containers were visibly improved. The most noticeable stains had diminished significantly, and the overall cloudiness of the plastic had decreased.

Though it didn't achieve a 'like-new' condition, the mustard soak proved somewhat effective in reducing the severity of the stains, making the Tupperware look cleaner than before.

Compared to other cleaning hacks such as using baking soda, vinegar, or even commercial stain removers, the mustard powder performed moderately well. Baking soda and vinegar had previously shown limited effectiveness, mainly due to their inability to break down the specific compounds causing the stains.

Commercial cleaners, while effective, often come with harsh chemicals that I wanted to avoid. The mustard soak offered a natural alternative with a decent level of success, making it a viable option for those looking to minimize chemical usage.

One of the most significant downsides of the mustard soak was the time commitment. Two weeks is a long period to wait for results, especially when compared to other methods that promise quicker outcomes.

Additionally, the strong smell and the need to maintain the soak periodically by stirring were minor inconveniences. The potential for staining other items, should they come into contact with the mustard solution, was also a risk to consider.

While the results were promising, the extensive time required makes it unlikely that I would repeat this process frequently. However, for those who are not in a rush and are looking for a natural cleaning method, this could be a suitable option.

This hack is ideal for those who prefer natural solutions and have the patience to wait for gradual results. It's also a good choice for individuals with sensitivity to chemical cleaners or those who enjoy experimenting with traditional cleaning techniques.