Storing leftover sauce or dry goods like rice and pasta in old jars might feel like a win for the planet. That is, until you pop the lid and get hit with a pungent smell that just won't quit.
From garlic to pickles, stubborn odors often linger long after washing, leading many to give up and toss otherwise useful containers. However, one content creator has shared a simple, low-effort trick that can make cleaning and reusing jars much easier.
The scoop
In a TikTok video, 86 Plastic (@86plastic) demonstrated a no-scrub, no-soak method to eliminate odors from both jars and their lids: leave them out in the sun for a few hours.
@86plastic you don't need to buy anything, soak, or scrub - just leave your stinky jars (& fabric!!) out in the sun for a few hours! so you can reuse your jars for glasses, to-go containers, or refill them at your favorite refillery 🙃 #reuseable #refillery #metrodetroit #troymichigan #sustainableliving ♬ original sound - 86 Plastic
According to the OP, no extra tools or cleaning products are needed.
"On a super sunny day, place the jar and lid in direct sunlight. It's really important that you put the lid out there because that's where most of the smells typically come from," 86 Plastic explained.
Sunlight acts as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant. This is due to UV rays that help break down odor-causing bacteria, according to Professor Jacek Koziel of Iowa State University. This makes it especially effective on jar lids and rubber seals that are hard to clean thoroughly.
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As long as you place the items in direct sunlight for a few hours, the smells often vanish entirely, no chemicals or elbow grease required.
"This is also a really good trick for getting stains and smells out of fabric," the OP said in the video.
How it's helping
This low-effort method saves time and avoids the cost of special cleansers. It's also useful for those interested in organizing and repurposing containers and packaging at home.
This hack can be paired with other smart strategies like decluttering for store credit, knowing your recycling options, and making money on your old clothes and electronics. Doing so helps you maximize the value of your belongings while minimizing clutter.
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Giving me money back 💰 More importantly, cleaning and reusing jars helps reduce household waste, cutting down on single-use plastics and packaging. That, in turn, helps prevent landfill overflow and protects oceans from plastic pollution, both of which are growing concerns in the global waste crisis.
What everyone's saying
The reaction to 86 Plastic's tip has been overwhelmingly positive.
"Didn't know this, thanks," one commenter wrote.
"Great idea because I have not really been loving my pickle essence coffees in those jars," another added.
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