Key takeaways
- Highlight the importance of packing lunch in clean bento box compartments.
- Understand the steps of how to clean a lunch box daily and deep-clean a bento box weekly.
- Avoid common cleaning mistakes to preserve your lunch box both inside and out.
In this article
Why does cleaning a bento lunch box matter?
Step-by-step guide to cleaning & maintaining a bento box
Common mistakes to avoid while cleaning a bento lunch box
Nothing delights a loved one’s heart more than an empty lunch box after a child or spouse returns from school or the office. All their hard work and efforts seem to have paid off. It is no easy task. From deciding the next day’s menu, to putting together all the ingredients, cooking sumptuous and nutritious meals with TLC just to ensure that every bite is a lip-smacking experience. Part of the daily grind.
But have you ever paused to notice whether the tiffin box which carries your labour of love is cleaned or disinfected appropriately? If not, continue to read, as in this blog, we will highlight the importance of cleaning a bento multi compartment lunch box and share a step-by-step guide on how to clean a lunch box.
Why does cleaning a bento lunch box matter?
Carrying food in unclean lunch boxes can be very unappetizing, and they can also carry bacteria that may affect health. Bacteria can easily grow in a warm and moist environment, like a 2 compartment lunch box. And without following a proper cleaning ritual, these bacteria can pose health issues. Whether you pack your child’s, spouse’s or your own food in bento lunch boxes, cleaning and disinfecting the containers is important.
Let us now take a look at simple yet effective lunch box cleaning tips, ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of your bento box.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning & maintaining a bento box
Food storage container cleaning can be intimidating, especially if you are finicky about kids’ lunch box hygiene. Learning how to clean lunch boxes like a pro is not as difficult as you think. Worry no more and continue to read, as we simplify the process into simple 7 steps.
Step 1: Identify your bento box material
To clean bento boxes or for BPA-free bento boxes, it is essential to know the material of your bento box to decide the cleaning process without causing any damage. Please go through the label and the handling instructions, if any. For Basil boxes, the cleaning instructions are clearly stated on the website.
Step 2: Empty the lunch box
Before beginning the cleaning process, discard all food remnants.
Step 3: Rinse immediately after use
The next step is to thoroughly rinse the lunchbox in running water.
Step 4: Wash thoroughly with a mild soap
Wash your Basil bento lunch boxes with warm, soapy water. Weekly, deeply clean the lunch box by soaking it in warm soapy water for a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Special care for steel bento boxes
It is advisable to use a soft sponge or cloth when cleaning 2,3, or 4 compartment lunch box to avoid any scratches.
Step 6: Remove stains and odours naturally
In case of any odour in bento lunch boxes, use a diluted vinegar solution (one part vinegar and three parts water). And for any stubborn stains, make a baking soda and water paste, gently scrub it and rinse well. The best way to clean a plastic bento box is to follow the same procedure; however, use a soft brush to remove any stains.
Also, do remember to rinse the tiffin box thoroughly to ensure there is no soap residue.
Step 7: Dry completely before storing
Ensure to dry the lunch box with a clean cloth to prevent moisture buildup and water spots.
Hope after reading these steps, you would know how to maintain a Basil bento box or stainless steel leak proof lunch box and would know how to remove stains from a bento box. Following these simple yet effective steps will help preserve your lunch box both inside and out.
Common mistakes to avoid while cleaning a bento lunch box
It is good to be very particular about lunch box hygiene, but in the endeavour to be hygiene-conscious, we do get carried away at times and make mistakes in bento box cleaning.
Let us now take a look at some essential pointers that one must avoid to clean a bento box properly.
- When trying to remove stubborn food or oily stains, do not use steel-wool, abrasive scrubs or pads harshly on the box.
- Only use mild soap to clean the box. In case of any residue or odour, use a diluted vinegar solution or a baking soda water paste to disinfect. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or harsh detergents, as they may damage the finish of the box.
- Do not use your bento boxes in microwaves or dishwashers, unless it is clearly permitted in the packaging box or website, as the heat may affect the design and overall finish of the box.
We are sure that after reading these tips, you will know how to clean leakproof Basil bento boxes.
Conclusion
The compassionate and nurturing care with which you prepare delicacies, if incorporated in the daily cleaning of lunch boxes, will go a long way to keep your loved ones happy and healthy. After reading this blog, how to wash a Basil bento box with harsh stains or odours will no longer be a concern. Simply dip the Basil bento box in mild soapy water for a couple of minutes, allowing the dried stains to soften and loosen from the surface. Making your everyday cleaning task a breeze!
Check out Basil’s myriad range of Bento lunch boxes for adults and kids. We offer a range of high-quality products that are unique, practical, and aesthetically appealing, making lunch time a joyful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should you clean your bento box?
To ensure long-lasting bento box care and maintenance, one needs to wash and clean it daily. You can learn how to clean Basil’s lunch boxes by following the above-mentioned steps. They will not only help remove stains from bento boxes but also keep the food fresh and healthy.
2. What is the safest cleaner for bento boxes?
To clean a leakproof bento box, use warm water with a mild soap, rinse thoroughly and then dry with a clean cloth.
3. Can vinegar help clean a bento box?
Yes, a diluted vinegar solution can be used for Basil bento box odour removal.
4. How can I prevent mould in my bento box?
In order to prevent mould in the bento box, regularly wash it, followed by drying it completely with the lid off and store it in a well-ventilated place.
5. What is the safest cleaner for plastic or stainless steel bento boxes?
The safest cleaner for both plastic and stainless steel bento boxes is warm water, a mild dishwashing solution or a baby bottle soap, followed by drying them completely.
6. Can vinegar or baking soda help clean a bento box?
Yes, both a diluted vinegar solution and a baking soda water paste can be used to remove stains or any odours.
7. Why does my bento box smell bad after washing?
There can be an instance when your bento box may smell bad even after washing it. This is due to food oils, sauces or moisture being trapped in the seams or seals. For bento box odour removal, use a diluted vinegar solution.
