Do you know the complete and comprehensive process to clean plastic storage drawers? Yes, they do need a thorough cleaning every once in a while. Otherwise they can turn yellow, infest dirt and insects and can damage your storage.
Plastic storage drawers are flexible, easy to handle, and a practical storage solution for many homes. They are easy to carry, adaptable, and easily set in any place. Plastic drawers are of different colours, designs, and sizes to fulfil various storage needs.
However, plastic can collect ooze, mud, smudges, stains, and odours if not cleaned properly. So clean it regularly to avoid dirt. To maintain the cleanliness and functionality of plastic drawers regular cleaning/dusting is necessary. This article will give you proper guidance on how to keep your plastic storage drawers neat and clean.
Initial Steps to Clean Plastic Storage Drawers
Gather Necessary Supplies
- Mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloths or sponges
- Paper towels
- A toothbrush or small brush
- Vacuum cleaner
- Baking soda (optional)
- Dishwasher (optional)
Preparation To Clean Plastic Storage Baskets
Remove all contents from the drawers, take everything out and sort/organize items as needed. This allows for a thorough cleaning. Remove the drawers from the unit and place them on a flat, protected surface like the kitchen counter or table. This enables cleaning all sides easily.
Cover The Drawer Surface
Cover the surface under the drawers being cleaned with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth to catch any spills or residue. Make sure to have dish soap/cleaner, microfiber cloths, paper towels, and a brush readily available before starting to clean.
Cleaning the Interior Of Box
Vacuum & Apply Soap
Use the vacuum attachment to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the interior surfaces and corners. Pay close attention to crevices. Pour a small amount of dish soap or all-purpose cleaner into a spray bottle filled with warm water. Mix well. Or apply the soap directly with a damp microfiber cloth.
Wipe Well & Dry
Use the soapy mixture and microfiber cloths or sponges to wipe down all interior surfaces, paying close attention to the corners. Gently scrub any stuck-on grime or stains with the brush. Wipe the interior surfaces again with a clean, damp cloth to remove all soap residue. Thoroughly dry all surfaces with paper towels. Make sure to leave no moisture behind.
Cleaning the Box From Outside
Spot Clean & Wipe Down
Look for any obvious dirt, debris, sticky residues, or stains on the exterior surfaces. Spot clean these areas first using the soapy mixture and brush as needed before doing the full wipe down. Apply the soapy mixture to a microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire exterior of each drawer, top and bottom, and all four sides. Gently scrub any stuck-on dirt with the brush.
Rinse and Dry Well
As with the interior, rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly with paper towels to leave the exteriors streak-free. You can rinse the box with open tap water to get rid of all soap residue and to get a shiny surface. Make sure to dry it well in the shade. If you have hard water that leave water spots on plastic, you can use a soft towel cloth to clean the box after drying process.
Cleaning Handles and Tracks
Use a soapy microfiber cloth or toothbrush to thoroughly scrub any dirt or grime on handles, cracks, edges, and recessed areas. Rinse and dry well. Tracks Clean the interior tracks that the drawers slide in and out of.
Extra Attention To Edges
Remove any debris with the vacuum or dry brush. Wipe down tracks with soapy cloth and rinse clean. Drawer Edges Clean the top outer edges of the drawer where hands frequently touch using dish soap on a cloth or toothbrush. Rinse and dry these high-touch areas well.
Deodorizing and Disinfecting
Baking Soda
Lightly dust interiors with baking soda. Let sit for at least 30 minutes then vacuum out residue. The baking soda will absorb odours. Baking soda is also good against funky smells, yellow stains and dust spots. Mix a little bit of white vinegar to activate it and get rid of yellow spots on the plastic.
Dilute Bleach/ White Vinegar
For disinfecting purposes, mix 1/2 teaspoon bleach per 1 quart of water. Wipe the solution onto the interiors using a cloth or paper towel. Rinse thoroughly and dry. For any stubborn stains, you can make the same solution and leave it for at least 10 minutes. It is better to cover the applied chemical part with a soft cloth or tissue to work well.
Leave to Air
Once fully rinsed and dried, leave the drawers sitting open overnight with good ventilation to fully dry out any moisture. This also allows any odors to dissipate. Try your best to find a shady place with better ventilation to dry these drawers, instead of a sunny place. As sun rays can leave spots on the specific parts, fades color or damage the material.
Removing Stains
If odours persist, repeat the deodorizing steps above. Be sure to rinse the bleach solution very well to prevent damage. If your drawer shows hard yellow stains, you can use the DIY scrub on them. Mix 1 part of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of dish soap, apply it on the stain and leave for the good 10 minutes, after it you can scrub this with hard scrub sponge in circular motion and rinse it off.
Take the Drawer Unit Out
Take all drawers out of the unit to access interior spaces. Vacuum any debris from the interior voids where drawers slide in. Pay close attention to corners. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with the soapy water mixture to wipe down all interior surfaces and exterior of the unit.
Interior Voids
Remove any built-up dirt or debris from wheels or glides if the unit rolls. Wipe with a soapy cloth. As with drawers, rinse all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly, including the interior voids. – get in all the nooks and crannies. Rinse clean and dry thoroughly so these storage boxes don’t get Mouldy later.
Cleaning In The Dishwasher
Take out any items containing glue, magnets, wood, etc. Place drawers upright. Stand drawers upright in the dishwasher, wedging so they don’t fall over during the cycle. Run the shortest normal or normal heat cycle with the least intense setting for plastics.
Avoid High Heat
Avoid high heat cycles. Remove immediately after the cycle ends and allow drawers to air dry fully before putting them or items back in. You may need to run the cycle multiple times if there is heavy grime built up.
Maintenance and Storage
Dry Well
Thorough, regular cleaning is key to keeping plastic storage drawers looking their best and functioning properly. Taking the time to carefully wash and rinse all surfaces, paying attention to detail, will remove dirt and prevent grime build-up. Completely drying is also important to prevent Mold or mildew. Some additional deodorizing or disinfecting steps can help remove tough odours.
Apply Wax For Shine
With the right supplies and cleaning methods, plastic drawers can be effectively deep cleaned to new conditions for optimized use and storage. To keep drawers looking their best wipe down periodically with a soapy cloth to remove fingerprints and light dirt build-up. Apply a light coat of car wax or lemon oil to exteriors every few months. Buff to a shine.
Keep In Shade From Sun
Consider lining drawers with contact paper for easy dirt/stain removal. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use. Over time, the sun can cause fading. Avoid sharp objects which can scratch or gouge plastic surfaces over time.
Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Always check manufacturer guidelines for specific cleaning/care instructions as needed. Follow them carefully to avoid cleaning accidents. With regular cleaning and maintenance, plastic drawers can remain in excellent condition for years.
Freshen Up to Clean Plastic Storage Drawers
Sprinkle baking soda inside and leave to absorb smells. Use a bleach solution to disinfect (rinse very well!). Air the drawers before putting them away. To machine wash the plastic storage drawers, stand upright in the dishwasher on a normal cycle. Allow to fully air dry afterward.
Pest Control Or Bug Spray
When you clean your plastic storage drawers deeply, they are mostly a new home to pests and insects that may grow their colonies in there later. This dangerous colony can damage your storage to last. It is better to Spray a bug repellent temporarily for daily usage boxes. But if you are using these boxes for long term storage I would recommend you to take proper precautions for pest control.
Conclusion
You know those plastic storage drawers you have? The ones you keep all your socks and undies in? Well over time they can get pretty grimy, especially in high-traffic areas like the handles. So I’ve given you some easy and handy hacks to clean them well.
Let’s hit the insides first. Vacuum out any crumbs hiding in the corners. Mix up a soapy solution to wipe down the walls and bottom. For the outside, look for any sticky spots that need extra love first before wiping the whole thing down. Don’t forget the sides, front and back too! Rinse all the soap off and dry to a shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some plastic drawers are dishwasher safe, but it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Put them in upright and use the normal cycle on the lowest heat setting. Not all plastics can withstand the high temperatures.
Baking soda is very effective at absorbing odours from inside drawers. For stains, try spot cleaning with a toothbrush and mild soap first. Diluted bleach can disinfect but rinse thoroughly. Sunlight also helps fade stains and odours.
It’s recommended to do a thorough cleaning a few times a year, or whenever you notice grime building up. Wiping down surfaces monthly with mild soap and water helps maintain cleanliness between deep cleans. Clean more often if drawers see daily use.
Regular cleaning is key. You can also line drawer interiors with contact paper for easy wiping. Apply car wax or lemon oil occasionally to create a protective barrier. Allowing drawers to fully air dry after washing helps remove moisture where Mold can grow.
Yes, mild cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or baby wipes are generally safe on plastic. Avoid abrasives, ammonia, or harsh chemicals which could damage surfaces over time. Check product labels for suitability. Steamer cleaning also works well.
Minor scratches can sometimes be buffed out with car polish or metal polish. Deeper cracks may require filler but won’t always bond well to plastic long-term. Check if the manufacturer offers replacement drawers as repairs may not be cost-effective.
Pingback: What Is The Use Of Plastic Storage Boxes?
Pingback: How to Clean Outdoor Plastic Storage Bins?