Don't Throw Out Deli Storage Containers Without Trying This Cleaning Hack

If you have ever picked up soup, salad, or sides from the deli, you've probably ended up with a stack of plastic storage containers you don't really need. Maybe you've decided that it's time to ditch the plastic food containers and are wondering what to do with them. While they often get tossed in the recycling bin, there's actually a clever way to put them to work in your kitchen. This is also a perfect hack if you dislike touching the food that gets left on your dishes (nobody likes to reach into a huge pile of dirty dishes.) Instead of letting these storage containers pile up in your cabinets or landfill, you can turn them into a tool that makes your daily dishwashing routine just a little bit easier.

This simple cleaning hack is all about using those deli containers as a soaking bin in your sink. All you need is a deli storage container, dish soap, and water. It's a zero-cost solution that reduces waste and streamlines the cleanup process. Instead of letting those deli containers sit unused or get thrown out, this cleaning hack turns them into a simple, everyday helper (proof that sometimes the most practical solutions are hiding in plain sight.) For more dish cleaning hacks, you might like to try 3 cleaning strategies to make washing the dishes more efficient and less miserable. 

This hack is a simple way to make washing your dishes easier and is about as straightforward as it gets. Just place your chosen plastic container, filled with soapy water, in your sink. It can be towards the side or on the counter next to your sink. Throughout the day, you can drop in silverware, water bottle lids, or other small items that often get dried food stuck on them. By the time you're ready to wash the dishes at the end of the day, the tough bits have already loosened, saving you time and effort. When you're ready to tackle these dishes, just dump out the soapy water, give it a quick rinse, and start fresh in the morning.

What makes this hack especially useful is its flexibility. You can dedicate one container for silverware, another for small kitchen tools, or even use one to soak reusable straws and lids. It's a customizable system that can be adjusted based on your household's needs.

There's also an added bonus: By containing the soapy water in a separate tub, you keep your sink less cluttered throughout the day. That means no more fishing for a single spoon in a pile of dirty dishes. This hack not only saves you scrubbing time but also keeps your kitchen workflow a bit more organized.