If you’ve recently bought a new juicer, or even used one for a while, you might be dealing with an unwanted plastic smell. This is super common, especially for beginners! Sometimes, the plastic used to make the juicer can release odors, making your fresh juice taste… well, not so fresh. Don’t worry, finding out how to remove plastic smell from juicer is easier than you think. We’ll walk through some simple steps you can take to make your juicer and your juice smell and taste great. Let’s get started, shall we?
What Causes the Plastic Smell?
The plastic smell you notice in your juicer usually comes from the materials used to make it. Juicers often use various types of plastic, and some of these can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when they get warm or when they come into contact with liquids. This is especially noticeable in brand-new juicers, as the plastic is fresh and hasn’t been used before. The smell can transfer to your juice, affecting its flavor. Even after a few uses, the smell can linger if the juicer isn’t cleaned properly.
Types of Plastic in Juicers
Different parts of your juicer are usually made from different kinds of plastic. Knowing this can help you figure out why that smell is sticking around. Understanding the plastic types helps you select the correct cleaning methods that work without damaging your machine.
- Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is known for its strength and ability to withstand high temperatures. It’s often used in the juicer’s main housing. Because it is heat resistant, this plastic is useful for juicers that produce heat during operation.
- ABS Plastic: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a strong, rigid plastic that is frequently used for the external casing and other parts that don’t directly come into contact with food. ABS is strong and durable and can withstand wear and tear.
- Tritan Plastic: Tritan is a type of BPA-free plastic that is used in many juicer components, such as the juice containers and sometimes the juicing parts. It’s known for its clarity and durability. This plastic type is resistant to odors and stains.
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile plastic often used for various parts, including the pulp container and sometimes the juicing screen. It’s safe for food contact and can be found in the parts where juice is produced and collected.
Polycarbonate offers excellent clarity and impact resistance, which makes it suitable for parts where you need to see what’s happening. Because it can handle the stress, it’s a popular choice.
ABS plastic is often chosen for its durability and resistance to impact. It can withstand the rigors of frequent use without easily cracking or breaking, but can sometimes retain odors.
Tritan offers both safety and good performance, making it a favorite for parts that interact with your juice.
PP is appreciated for its chemical resistance. It doesn’t break down easily when exposed to different substances, which makes it appropriate for components that frequently encounter juices and food scraps.
Factors That Make the Smell Worse
Several things can make the plastic smell in your juicer more noticeable and persistent. Knowing about these factors will allow you to prevent the issue and keep your juicer running well.
- Heat: Heat is the number one reason. When you’re juicing, friction can heat up the juicer’s parts, especially near the blades or auger. This heat causes the plastic to release its odors more quickly and more powerfully. If you run your juicer for long periods without breaks, the heat can get intense.
- Type of Juice: Certain juices, like those made from citrus fruits or other acidic ingredients, can interact with the plastic and make the smell worse. Acids can break down the plastic on a microscopic level, releasing odors.
- Poor Ventilation: If your juicer is stored in a closed space or cupboard after use, the smell can build up without fresh air to circulate. Poor ventilation traps the odors, making them more intense.
- Age of the Juicer: Over time, the plastic in your juicer can degrade. The wear and tear can make the smell more evident, even after cleaning.
Try to juice in shorter bursts and give the machine time to cool down between sessions to minimize this effect. Additionally, cleaning the parts promptly after each use can stop the smell from clinging on.
After juicing acidic fruits, make sure you thoroughly clean your juicer. This can help prevent the smell from worsening.
After cleaning your juicer, letting the parts air dry completely before storing them is a good practice. Also, consider storing the juicer in an open space where air can move freely around it.
Regular maintenance can help delay this process, but it’s important to remember that all materials have a lifespan. Check the components of your juicer periodically for signs of wear and tear, and consider replacing them when necessary.
Effective Ways to Remove the Plastic Smell
Now, let’s explore some effective methods to eliminate that stubborn plastic smell. Here are some simple, practical steps you can take to make your juicer fresh and ready to use:
Cleaning and Disassembly
The first and most important step in banishing that smell is a thorough cleaning. Taking your juicer apart and cleaning all the pieces will help you find the source of the odor. You want to make sure you get all the bits and pieces of any foods, so that they won’t rot. This also lets you inspect the parts for any damage or wear and tear.
- Disassemble Completely: Take apart every removable part of your juicer. This includes the juicing screen, the auger or blades, the pulp container, and the juice container. The more parts you can access, the better.
- Rinse Immediately: Rinse all the parts under warm water immediately after each use. This stops any juice residue from drying and sticking to the plastic. This also helps prevent smells from building up.
- Use Warm, Soapy Water: Wash all the parts with warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish soap to avoid strong chemicals that might damage the plastic or leave their own smells.
- Air Dry Thoroughly: After washing, let all the parts air dry completely before reassembling your juicer. Don’t put the parts back together until they are fully dry.
Make sure you review your juicer’s manual. Your owner’s manual will give you instructions for taking apart the juicer safely.
Rinsing is important for helping to keep everything clean, so that you don’t encounter issues down the road.
Make sure you use a sponge or brush to get into all the little cracks and crevices where smells may linger.
This stops mold or mildew from growing, which can also cause odors. Make sure the parts are in a well-ventilated area.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and a great way to remove odors from your juicer. It’s gentle, effective, and readily available. Baking soda helps to neutralize the smell.
- Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Mix about two tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste.
- Apply to Surfaces: Apply the paste to all the plastic parts of your juicer. Focus on areas where the smell seems most intense.
- Let It Sit: Let the baking soda paste sit on the plastic parts for at least 30 minutes, or longer if the smell is strong. This allows the baking soda to absorb the odors.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the parts thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the baking soda. Air dry the parts completely before reassembling the juicer.
This paste is great for tackling tough smells and reaching hard-to-reach areas.
Make sure you cover all the areas where you think there may be smells lingering.
The longer you allow the paste to remain on the surface, the better it can work on the odors.
Making sure you remove the baking soda from the juicer is important, so that it doesn’t leave any residue or flavor in your juices.
Vinegar’s Role
Vinegar is another excellent natural cleaning agent and odor remover. Its acidic properties can help to break down the substances causing the plastic smell. It’s simple and something you probably already have at home. White vinegar is the best option for your juicer.
- Vinegar Solution: Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. For example, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of warm water.
- Soak the Parts: Soak the juicer parts in the vinegar solution for about 30 minutes. This will allow the vinegar to penetrate and neutralize the odors.
- Run the Juicer (Optional): If your juicer has a simple design, you can run a solution of vinegar and water through it. This will help to clean and deodorize the inside. Let the juicer run for a short time, then rinse thoroughly.
- Rinse and Dry: After soaking or running the vinegar solution, rinse all the parts thoroughly with clean water. Allow the parts to air dry completely before reassembling.
Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that cuts through odors and can easily be found at your local grocery store.
Make sure the parts are fully submerged to get the best results. If some parts can’t be soaked, use a cloth soaked in the solution to wipe them down.
Always check your juicer’s manual for specific instructions on how to clean it. Make sure this step is okay with your machine.
Rinsing the parts removes any lingering vinegar smell, and air drying makes sure there is no moisture left, which could cause mold or mildew.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Sometimes, getting rid of a plastic smell requires a little extra effort. Here are some additional tips and tricks that can help to banish those persistent odors and keep your juicer smelling fresh:
Regular Maintenance
Keeping up with regular maintenance is key to keeping your juicer in good working order and odor-free. Regular maintenance can stop the plastic smell from coming back. This practice will also help extend the life of your juicer and allow it to run better.
- Clean After Each Use: This is a key step, as mentioned earlier. Make it a habit to clean your juicer immediately after each use. This will stop food residue from drying and sticking to the plastic.
- Inspect Parts Regularly: Check your juicer parts for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or discoloration. Parts showing signs of wear and tear could trap smells more easily.
- Proper Storage: Store your juicer in a well-ventilated area where air can circulate. Avoid storing it in a closed cupboard or drawer, where odors can build up.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions in your juicer’s manual. These instructions are designed to help you keep your juicer in tip-top shape.
Rinsing the parts with warm water and using a mild soap will help remove juice residue before it hardens or starts to smell.
If you see any damage, think about replacing the parts as soon as you can. This can prevent odors from worsening.
A well-ventilated area helps to keep the plastic parts dry and prevents the build-up of moisture, which can lead to mold or mildew.
The manufacturer’s instructions offer the best guidance for maintaining your specific model of juicer.
Dealing With Stubborn Smells
If the plastic smell just won’t go away, you may need to try some more methods. These can help to remove those tough odors that just won’t seem to disappear.
- Lemon Juice: The citric acid in lemon juice can help to neutralize odors. Soak the juicer parts in a solution of lemon juice and warm water for about 30 minutes.
- Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is great for absorbing odors. Place some activated charcoal in a container and put the juicer parts inside. Let them sit for a day or two.
- Ozone Generator (Use With Caution): Ozone generators can be effective at removing odors, but they should be used carefully. Never run your juicer through an ozone generator.
- Consider
If the smell is really bad, even the most aggressive cleaning methods may not work. If your juicer is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer or retailer for assistance.
Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer that leaves a fresh, clean scent. It also has antibacterial properties.
Activated charcoal is extremely porous, making it great for absorbing odors. It’s often used in air purifiers and refrigerators to remove smells.
Make sure you fully understand how to use an ozone generator. These generators work by producing ozone, a gas that is capable of removing odors and sanitizing surfaces. Improper use can be dangerous.
Preventive Measures
The best way to deal with the plastic smell is to stop it from happening in the first place. You can do several things to prevent the issue from starting.
- Choose High-Quality Juicers: When buying a juicer, choose models made from high-quality, BPA-free plastics. These materials are less likely to retain odors.
- Avoid Overheating: Don’t run your juicer for extended periods without breaks. This can cause the plastic parts to get hot, which can release odors.
- Don’t Juice Hot Liquids: Never juice hot liquids or foods in your juicer, as this will quickly release odors from the plastic.
- Store Properly: Store your juicer parts in a well-ventilated area. This will help prevent odors from building up.
High-quality juicers are often made with better materials that are more resistant to odors and wear and tear. You can often find information about the materials used in a juicer from its product description.
Give your juicer some rest between batches of juice. If you are juicing a lot, juice in shorter bursts and give the machine a rest period. This can help the parts cool down.
Hot liquids can cause the plastic to break down more quickly, releasing VOCs. Using your juicer to make cold-pressed juice is best.
A well-ventilated area allows air to circulate, which keeps the plastic parts dry and stops moisture from causing odors.
Practical Examples and Scenarios
Here are some examples of what works, so you have a clearer idea of how the solutions can be applied:
- Case Study 1: A user noticed a plastic smell in their new juicer after the first use. They followed the basic cleaning steps, including rinsing immediately after juicing, washing with warm, soapy water, and air-drying. The smell lessened, but still lingered. They then made a baking soda paste and applied it to the parts, leaving it for an hour, followed by a thorough rinse. The smell disappeared entirely.
- Case Study 2: A juicer that had been in storage for a long time developed a strong plastic smell. The user tried the vinegar solution, soaking the parts for 30 minutes, rinsing, and drying. The smell was significantly reduced, but not completely gone. They repeated the process. This time, the smell was completely gone.
This shows the effectiveness of using baking soda for tackling a persistent smell. The key was the longer contact time for the paste to absorb the odors.
This shows that it may take more than one attempt to get rid of a stubborn odor. Persistence, and repeating the process, is sometimes needed.
Here are some sample scenarios:
- You make a batch of apple juice, and after cleaning, notice a lingering plastic smell. You try washing the parts with soap and water, but the smell persists. You then make a baking soda paste and apply it to the juicer parts, letting it sit for an hour. After rinsing and drying, the smell is gone.
- You’ve stored your juicer in a closed cupboard, and when you take it out, you notice a strong plastic smell. You disassemble the juicer, wash all the parts with warm, soapy water, and then soak them in a vinegar solution for 30 minutes. After rinsing and drying, the smell disappears completely.
Statistics
Although exact statistics on the prevalence of plastic smells in juicers are difficult to come by, here are some related facts:
| Statistic | Source |
|---|---|
| Around 80% of consumers prefer BPA-free plastic products to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. | Consumer Reports |
| Approximately 30% of plastic production ends up as waste. | United Nations Environment Programme |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why does my new juicer smell like plastic?
Answer: New juicers often have a plastic smell because of the materials used. The plastic can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause the smell. This is usually more noticeable when the juicer is new.
Question: Is it safe to use a juicer that smells like plastic?
Answer: It’s generally safe to use a juicer that smells like plastic, but it is better to eliminate the smell. If you can get rid of the odor, it will help your juice taste better. If the smell is extreme, then it may be best to contact the manufacturer.
Question: What’s the best way to clean a juicer to remove the plastic smell?
Answer: The best way is to take it apart completely, wash it with warm, soapy water, and then air dry all the parts thoroughly. You can also use methods like a baking soda paste or a vinegar solution.
Question: Can I use hot water to clean my juicer?
Answer: Yes, you can use warm water, but avoid extremely hot water, as it can worsen the smell by causing the plastic to release more odors.
Question: How often should I clean my juicer?
Answer: You should clean your juicer immediately after each use. This stops any residue from drying and sticking to the plastic, which prevents odors from building up.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out how to remove plastic smell from juicer doesn’t have to be hard. By understanding what causes the smell and following a few simple steps, you can get rid of it and keep your juicer running well. From thorough cleaning and using natural deodorizers like baking soda and vinegar, to taking the necessary measures to stop the smell from coming back, there are many methods you can try. Taking good care of your juicer is key to enjoying fresh, tasty juice. So, try these methods out, experiment with what works best for your juicer, and enjoy your delicious, odor-free juices!
I’m Emma J. Caldwell, the founder, lead writer, and home-cooking enthusiast behind KitchenGuideCo.com. With a background in culinary arts and over a decade of cooking experience in both professional and personal kitchens, I created this platform to demystify recipes, offer smart kitchen gadget reviews, and guide readers through meal prep with confidence and clarity.
