Is it safe to clean and re-use a moldy lunch container?

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amy1577

I just found a re-usable insulated lunch bag I thought I lost about a year ago. I was all excited to start using it again when I opened it up and found the sides were moldy from what appears to be either an apple or an orange that I obviously forgot to take out. The bag is in otherwise good condition... there are no cracks in the plastic. Would it be safe for me to give the bag a good cleaning, perhaps with some bleach water, and begin re-using it for my lunch?

Answer
I wouldn't use bleach on plastic, but a good cleaning may be enough. If after it is washed there is a stain, then the plastic was porous enough that the mold is likely permanent, in that case I wouldn't reuse.

Is it safe to clean and re-use a moldy lunch container?

amy1577

I just found a re-usable insulated lunch bag I thought I lost about a year ago. I was all excited to start using it again when I opened it up and found the sides were moldy from what appears to be either an apple or an orange that I obviously forgot to take out. The bag is in otherwise good condition... there are no cracks in the plastic. Would it be safe for me to give the bag a good cleaning, perhaps with some bleach water, and begin re-using it for my lunch?

Answer
As long as you can get all of the mold spores out you should be fine. I would use a bleach and water mix, 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, and then wash it out with dish soap after that just to make sure you get all the bleach out and let it dry, if you notice any smells then after you clean it try it again and if you cant get rid of the mold smell or if it returns latter you may just have to throw it out. I hope this helps

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how long can salad be left at room temperature?

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saylor

I'm in college and I have a busy schedule that requires me to pack a lunch and on some days dinner. I'm trying to eat as clean as possible and I really don't want to pack a sandwich everyday. I really like salads and I was just wondering how long they would stay fresh outside a fridge? I'm going to have to keep it in my car for a few hours but I have ice packs in a insulated lunch bag. So, would having a salad sit out for a few hours be okay? I will also put dressing on it but should I stick that it another container or go ahead and pour it on there beforehand? suggestions?

Answer
No longer than two hours at room temperature (41F -135F) because mayonnaise based dressing,dairy products like cheese and even tomatoes are prone to rapid bacteria growth.

Even side from those things. Lettuce wilts and turns brown quickly if not kept sealed and cold. Your salad will also be very soggy if you put the dressing on it hours before. I would store it separate and add once you're going to eat.

*If you have an ice pack with the salad in a very small bag it should be okay. I say in a small bag or small compartment so the ice pack has an easier time of keeping the salad cold for an extended period of time.

Is it safe to clean and re-use a moldy lunch container?

amy1577

I just found a re-usable insulated lunch bag I thought I lost about a year ago. I was all excited to start using it again when I opened it up and found the sides were moldy from what appears to be either an apple or an orange that I obviously forgot to take out. The bag is in otherwise good condition... there are no cracks in the plastic. Would it be safe for me to give the bag a good cleaning, perhaps with some bleach water, and begin re-using it for my lunch?

Answer
I wouldn't use bleach on plastic, but a good cleaning may be enough. If after it is washed there is a stain, then the plastic was porous enough that the mold is likely permanent, in that case I wouldn't reuse.

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How long can you reuse a food container before bacteria or mold begins to grow?

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Q. Is it harmful and could it cause tiredness and a stuffy head? The container typically has spinach and thousand island dressing in it and is reused for a couple or so days. It is stored in a small insulated lunch bag with an ice pack. If it is unhealthy, why? Is it okay to reuse a container such as one with a tomato and after a few days cut a new tomato and store it in the same container without washing it? The container has been refridgerated.

Answer
sorry but ewww. Why wouldn't you wash it after using it each time? Even just rinsing it in warm water.
I mean every time you take it out and it's not refrigirated it goes bad a bit and gets on the fresh food. Besides, food goes bad in a fridge eventually no matter what.

What are insulated lunch bags lined with?

Mandy

What is the name of the material used for insulation in and insulated nylon lunch bag? Thanks!

Answer
Usually a thin sheet of foam. Usually no thicker than 1/4". Sometimes there may be vinyl layers in there as well. The more layers, the better the insulation, because each layer has a layer of air between it further adding to the insulation.

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