It’s probably plasticisers and other VOCs coming out of the freshly made plastic. Something with degreasing ability will get the surface stuff off (like a kitchen spray, dish soap, windex, etc) but since the smells are embedded in the plastic itself, it may take some time for the smell to dissipate completely. Leave out side to air out for a week.
Test it first, some chemical cleaners can be too strong and ‘melt’ plastic. (Not melt but will etch it or make it sticky). However cleaning agents can only ever remove the surface smells. Depending on the type of plastic (ie the ingredients the plastic is made of) it may smell for a shorter/longer time as the smells slowly dissipate. Some plastics can smell years later, some are fairly inert smelling after a few days.
Put them in plastic bags and pop them in the freezer for 48 hours. The cold should kill any bacteria that cause the odours. I used to do this with my boxing gloves and worked quite well.
Generally storage boxes (I’m assuming we’re talking about those) are made from thermosetting plastics that should not deform under heat. Don’t use boiling water, just hot from the tap and it should be okay. Unless you want to get extra scientific and check the plastic composition.
got a bunch of totes from bunnings, they all smell like barbie’s arse.
time to get SCIENTIFIC!
Still got a couple if anyone has any recs
buy bags that smell like Barbie’s arse
advertise said bags
sell bags
PROFIT
Sunlight (if you can find some)
I actually have a UVC sterilising cabinet, but it’s…not designed for these. Dammit.
(For anyone interested, voila. and well worth it if you do stuff that requires regular sanitising. or even just want to nuke water bottles)
In order to assist, 1. What are totes? 2. What does barbies arse smell like?
plastic storage totes. heavy duty storage containers with lids. These ones, for precision
it smells like an ancient tyre fire site. I can only assume without penetrative holes they get real fuckin’ weird with it.
It’s probably plasticisers and other VOCs coming out of the freshly made plastic. Something with degreasing ability will get the surface stuff off (like a kitchen spray, dish soap, windex, etc) but since the smells are embedded in the plastic itself, it may take some time for the smell to dissipate completely. Leave out side to air out for a week.
how about industrial degreaser? 'cos I have that…
Test it first, some chemical cleaners can be too strong and ‘melt’ plastic. (Not melt but will etch it or make it sticky). However cleaning agents can only ever remove the surface smells. Depending on the type of plastic (ie the ingredients the plastic is made of) it may smell for a shorter/longer time as the smells slowly dissipate. Some plastics can smell years later, some are fairly inert smelling after a few days.
Do you have any coffee grounds? Soaking with used coffee grounds is my go-to for odour removal.
violent hissing at mention of coffee
(I hate the smell of it)
Put them in plastic bags and pop them in the freezer for 48 hours. The cold should kill any bacteria that cause the odours. I used to do this with my boxing gloves and worked quite well.
won’t fit, this isn’t tupperware
Ah, I assumed ‘totes’ refered to tote bags. Should have read your descriptions more carefully.
If you’ve scrubbed with dawn, perhaps fill it hot water and dawn AND leave for 12 hours or so.
concerns about deformation on that front though. Hmmm.
Generally storage boxes (I’m assuming we’re talking about those) are made from thermosetting plastics that should not deform under heat. Don’t use boiling water, just hot from the tap and it should be okay. Unless you want to get extra scientific and check the plastic composition.
Oooo. Washing powder or napisan. Fill them up and leave for a few hours.
Dishwashing tablet also.
Cream of tartar and vinegar
Citric acid
ooo I have shittons of citric acid (cheesemaking)
Mind you I also have a shitton of lemons. Perhaps hot water lemon soup?
Yes! Citric acid is used in coffee machines and such because it clears up limescale and leaves a nice citrusy smell.
I reckon napisan would conquer the woof.
I actually just realised I have a shitton of greasemonkey (We bought a carton when cleaning the kitchen due to centuries of grease). Mwahahahahhahaaaa