How Do You Sterilize Plastic Containers?

Plastic containers can be sterilized through a combination of bleaching and heating. Washing a container with soap and water removes most surface bacteria, but should be combined with other methods to ensure complete sterilization.

  1. Wash the container

    Wash the container with an anti-bacterial soap and hot water. Rinse in hot water to remove all the soap residue.

  2. Bleach the container

    Make a solution of 5 percent bleach and warm water. Soak the container in the solution for about 10 minutes.

  3. Sterilize with heat

    Run the plastic container under water to wet the surface. Place the damp container in the microwave on high heat for about two minutes.