📌 Tomato sauce stains on plastic: the boiling water + paper towel technique that restores shine to containers
Posted 22 January 2026 by: Admin
The TikTok Revelation That Changes Everything For Your Stained Tupperware
Those stubborn orange traces that never go away? The TikTok account “Les trucs de Mathieu” has just disrupted the codes of household maintenance with a technique as simple as it is effective. Three everyday ingredients are enough: dish soap, boiling water, and a piece of paper towel. Nothing more.
The method is almost like magic, the creator claims, but is actually based on a precise chemical reaction. The combination of heat, detergent, and mechanical friction acts deeply to lift the pigments embedded in the plastic walls. In just thirty seconds of manipulation, stubborn tomato sauce residues disappear effortlessly.
“Make sure the lid is tightly closed, because if you shake it, it might splash everywhere,” warns Mathieu in his viral video. A word of caution that avoids splashes, but the procedure remains disconcertingly simple. No more endless scrubbing at the risk of damaging the plastic. This economical tip instantly restores the original shine to the most marked containers, transforming a dreaded chore into a perfectly mastered daily gesture.
The Precise Three-Step Protocol For An Impeccable Result
The technique is based on a rigorous sequence of actions. First, pour dish soap into the bottom of the stained container, then add a quarter of boiling water. The heat immediately activates the degreasing properties of the detergent, creating an initial chemical reaction that softens the embedded pigments.
Then insert a piece of paper towel into the mixture and seal the lid hermetically. This step is crucial for the success of the operation: the container must remain perfectly sealed to avoid any projection during shaking. “If you shake without closing properly, it might splash everywhere,” insists Mathieu, reminding us that caution is required despite the simplicity of the gesture.
Then shake vigorously for thirty seconds. This energetic movement combines three decisive forces: the heat of the water which dilates the pores of the plastic, the detergent which dissolves the pigmented fats, and the mechanical friction of the paper towel which tears away the residues still clinging on. This triple action works deeply where simple washing systematically fails.
Open the dish, remove the soaked paper, rinse with hot water. The walls regain their original transparency, only a few minimal traces remain in areas where the plastic has slightly melted. A staggering efficiency that definitively transforms the maintenance of your containers.
Stunning Results That Bring Containers Back To Life
This method keeps its promises. Plastic containers, even those marked by years of intensive use, regain their original color after a simple rinse with hot water. The stubborn orange of tomato sauce, that lycopene pigment that gets embedded in the pores of the plastic, disappears as if by magic under the combined effect of heat, detergent, and friction.
Only a few minimal traces persist in areas where the plastic has undergone physical alterations: burns, deformations, micro-cracks. These residual marks testify to previous structural damage, not the ineffectiveness of the technique. On intact surfaces, the result borders on perfection.
The proven effectiveness on tomato sauce stains extends to all stubborn food pigments: curry, paprika, beetroot. Each trial demonstrates the same regeneration capacity, transforming containers deemed unsalvageable into like-new vessels. No more endless scrubbing at the risk of wearing down the surface, no more aggressive chemicals.
This tip literally gives a facelift to plastics condemned to the scrap heap. A revolution for those who accumulate containers without daring to throw them away, held back by their aged appearance. Test the method on all your stained dishes: the impressive results largely justify the thirty seconds invested.
Preventive Actions To Avoid Stain Embedding
Beyond this curative technique, anticipation remains the best strategy. Rinse your containers immediately after use, especially after contact with colored or oily foods. Pigments settle into the pores of the plastic within the first few minutes: rapid action prevents their permanent fixation.
For preparations based on tomato, curry, or paprika, prefer glass over plastic. This non-porous material absorbs neither colors nor odors, unlike polymers which capture volatile molecules in their microscopic structure. A strategic choice that eliminates the problem at the source.
Baking soda is an effective preventive ally. Regularly rub your containers with a paste of baking soda and water to gradually whiten the plastic. This gentle action neutralizes residual acidity and dislodges micro-deposits before they become visible.
These simple precautions significantly extend the life of your containers. No more need to fear colorful meals or to multiply purchases to replace stained containers. Combined with Mathieu’s method, they guarantee optimal preservation without compromising the aesthetics of your reusable tableware.










