Friday, May 11, 2012

Vintage Tupperware Containers

Every now and then I like to study the traffic stats on the blog. One thing I noticed is that many visitors arrive at SixBalloons looking for my posts on Vintage Tupperware!


I suppose I have posted about the Salt and Pepper shakers, measuring cups, and grater, among other items. But the most iconic Tupperware items I remember from my youth are these vibrant Tupperware lunch containers.


I happened upon a bag of these orange and brown containers with the mismatched lid at Value Village. I didn't mind the lid because it was really the orange one I was after. I think a nice salad of mesclun greens would look beautiful in it. I believe I paid $2.99 for the bag.


Unfortunately, I couldn't do the smell test because VV staples these things up pretty well in the bags, and I'm not one to poke around too much with that. These containers failed the test miserably. They stink! Any ideas on how to get rid of that musty old plastic grossness smell?

Linking up to HLA's Flea Market Finds!

15 comments:

  1. I use bar keepers friend then dish soap. I have found that gets the smell out of most, but not all.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Have you tried baking soda, or a vinegar wash? Those are usually my first go-to before I try other things. I'd try a baking soda paste first- rub it all over inside surface and lid, then seal and let sit. Hope it helps. I am always drawn to those containers when I see them at the thrifts, but Pyrex is hogging up my shelf space. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I use vinegar and baking soda as well..I just pour a very generous amount of baking soda in, fill it about halfway with vinegar and let it sit for a day or two..usually does the trick ...I'll have to try this paste idea too, never thought of that!

    ReplyDelete
  4. i looooove those kinds of containers! i don't know how to get out the smells, i had to throw one away because i just couldn't take it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Newspaper! Put a generous wad of newspaper inside your container, seal the lid, let it sit for a day. The stinkier the container, the more days you can do this, just use fresh newspaper each day until the smell comes out. It's worked surprisingly well on 70's canisters that were cosmetically in good shape, but in my experience, if the Tupperware is sticky, discolored, brittle, etc. I consider it a hopeless case.

    Hope this helps!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm sorry to hear that they stink! I poke a hole in the bag & smell. I don't want to spend any money on smelly junk anymore!

    You can always see if they will open the bag at the desk. They have a stapler there & can staple it right back up.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I had some of these when I was newly married. Wish I still had them!

    I second Roxanne's tip. After you've washed them up, put the newspaper in and let it sit for several days, exchanging the newspaper daily. I've had good luck getting smells out of plastic stuff this way.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just wanted to say Happy First Mother's Day to you! Isn't it wonderful?!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so sweet of you! Happy Mother's Day to you as well! Thanks to Mr. SixBalloons I had a wonderful morning sleeping in :)

      Delete
  9. I love the old tupperware, too! I sold a set recently on my Etsy shop, but I was really tempted to keep it. It was (or seemed, at least) so much better quality than "modern" tupperware, and cuter too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the tips folks. I'll report back if I have any success!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Had to look at your post (from HLA) because I grew up with that Tupperware--and my mom still has it! She's got orange and avocado green. And I think it probably is better quality than the stuff out there now.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love the old ones that you have in the photo, but love the tops like those with the clear bottoms. I also don't buy them in they are gross or sticky. ehg.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congratulations! I missed the arrival of your little one and I'm happy to hear you are home with baby now. Glad that your mother's day was a lovely one! Sleep has never been so precious, has it?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Always on the hunt for vintage tupperware treasure! And it isn't easy to find! Reminds me of my childhood so if it is brown, orange, gold or green it is coming home with me.
    Danielle
    http://awonderfullifeinfullframe.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...