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Last Updated: April 22, 2008

Dear Cleaning Secrets Community,

We live in a use-it-once-and-toss-it society. Many foods come in plastic containers that are discarded right after their initial use, and the disposable bags and containers we use at home generally meet the same fate. With Earth Day right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to commit to using, washing and reusing regular utensils and dishes, rather than their disposable counterparts, whenever you can.

But let’s face it. Sometimes life demands the convenience of disposable products. When you pass up one-use plastic containers for their multi-use alternatives, though, you cut back on waste and assure that you’ll always have the durable containers you need for storing leftovers. If you do use traditionally one-use plastic products, you can wash and reuse them as many times as possible and then recycle them rather than throwing them away.

Plastic Storage and Sandwich Bags
Plastic sandwich and other storage bags (freezer bags, snack bags) are extremely convenient. But next time you’re done with your sandwich or other snack, instead of tossing the bag into the garbage, wash it. After washing it, turn it inside out and dry it in your dish drain or a wooden bag dryer.

Plastic Dishes and Utensils
When you buy plastic plates, bowls, cups and utensils for camping, picnics, parties or other activities, you can always save them instead of throwing them away. After using them, put them in the dishwasher (or wash them by hand) and then add them to your camping or picnic gear or keep them handy for the next get-together. Or take the utensils to work and reuse them for meals or for stirring your coffee or tea in the morning.

Plastic Food and Water Containers
Many types of plastic containers can be reused for storing, refrigerating and freezing foods. Containers for yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream and similar items are great for storing leftovers. You can refrigerate or freeze the contents, and then when you are ready to eat, put the food into a pan or pot to warm on the stove or into a dish to reheat in the microwave. Note: Do not microwave food in these kinds of disposable food containers.

Water, soda juice, and sports drink bottles can also be reused, though they must be carefully cleaned after use to avoid contamination by bacteria. If properly cleaned, these liquid containers can be reused several times. Eventually, the plastic will start to wear down, though, so don’t keep them too long (no more than a month or two).

Milk jugs and other opaque containers, on the other hand, are designed for very short-term use and should not be reused for storage of food or beverages because they break down very easily.

I hope you find Jill's Cleaning Tips to be a useful resource. If you have any feedback or questions, I'd love to hear from you. Email me at cleaningtips@greatcleaners.com.

Happy (headache free) Cleaning,