Hello!

Is plastic or glass better for storage? I sometimes worry that my plastic storage containers aren’t that clean – some of them have white patches on them and some are a bit stained from tomato based sauces. I put them in the dishwasher – does this mean they come out clean or should I throw them out and replace with glass?

Posted by Amanda,2/11/13

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  • I much prefer glass. It lasts much longer and doesnt stain.


  • Still sticking with a combination of plastic and glass depending on the food.


  • I have found it is best not to store plastic toy items within plastic containers long term as some plastics become sticky over time. I changed over to cardboard boxes, shoe boxes are great for this and cost effective.


  • I use both plastic and glass,plastic tends to get stained more and look grotty!


  • I find plastic storage regardless of whether it is a lunchbox or bottle always leaves some sort of stain . If I store tomato sauce , it will have some sort of orange mark on it and doesn’t come off . Yet if I use glass for anything items and the storage pack lasts much longer and the only time I would break it is if I accidently drop it on the floor. I store water in plastic bottles all the time and is the only thing I trust will last long . So my answer glass is more reliable .


  • Very interesting views on this topic. If you happen to have a household that drops thing good quality unbreakable plastic is probably a better option.


  • I do prefer glass although it as a lot more expensive.
    I also found that tomato based sauces stained a lot & after a few washes plastic became soft & very bendy.


  • What interesting comments read on this! Thanks


  • For dry ingredients I think plastic is fine, otherwise I’d use glass.


  • Personally ,I’d soak them in boiling water with vinegar ,it helps remove odour,


  • I use a combination of both plastic and glass.


  • The stained and white patches on your plastic containers are because they have been heated or reheated too high. You should only ever use medium heat with plastic.
    As long as they are washed in the dishwasher they are clean enough.
    I only throw mine out when the plastic starts to peel off. or they warp.


  • Hey there
    I would think glass is better as plastic has chemicals etc in them.


  • Why throw them out, if you’re putting them in the dishwasher then they’re nice and clean even if they have some stains. Glass is good but they’re more prone to breakage.


  • I used Tupperware containers for storage.


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