What should I use? (1 Viewer)

[MobiusX]

I have a Sterilite container where I will store ground bird feeders in. They are non-toxic and safe to store food in. It says on the website and customer service already confirmed this online and on the phone. It even has a number on the bottom of the container that means it's safe to store food in. I need to wash it to get rid of the smell. Dawn soap wasn't strong enough to get rid of it. I need something stronger but it has to be non-toxic and safe for all the birds. What can I use? I was told vinegar but that is toxic for birds according to what people have told me on bird forums so I don't feel safe using it. I need something 100% safe, just a soap. The ground bird feeders will be in non-toxic bags except the one with legs since it's too big to fit in bags. This one I will cover the top and bottom with bags held by rubber bands so they can't come off and the Sterilite container will have a lid and latch and will put it in my closet since I have no other place. I don't want to leave it outside because I read that polypropylene is dangerous to be left outside in the heat and it can release dangerous chemicals. This is why I have to put it in now before the summer starts so I will be buying a new one. This is it. Again, I need a soap that will be strong to get rid of the smell but 100% safe for birds.

Sterilite 50 Gal. Stacker Box-14794K03 - The Home Depot

In need of a durable storage system for closets, basements, garages, or attics The Sterilite Modular Stacker line features rugged construction for added peace of mind that contents will stay safely stored

www.homedepot.com

 

[Lisa W]

Try not washing it, place it out of direct sunlight outside for a few days and see if the smells don’t dissipate. I’ve done this with a number of items.

 

[MobiusX]

Try not washing it, place it out of direct sunlight outside for a few days and see if the smells don’t dissipate. I’ve done this with a number of items.

sunlight=heat=releases toxic chemicals from the container only if it's heat.

 

[Lisa W]

sunlight=heat=releases toxic chemicals from the container only if it's heat.

I guess I don’t understand what you are saying.

 

[delia todd]

Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda removes smells from fridges, so that would be worth a try.

Lemons work too.

 

[MobiusX]

I just saw a video on youtube. I am going to be using Dawn Ultra Antibacterial Dishwashing liquid. It has an orange scent. I will leave it outside at night then put it in the closet. I just saw a video of a lady using this to wash bird feeders. I am not going to use bleach. I am against it.

 

[Mike Crawley]

Your initial post raises many questions in my befuddled old mind - i.e. what’s a non-toxic bag ? But I digress

Wash the item thoroughly in a strong bleach solution (or vinegar or etc.)
rinse well
wash with househol washing up liquid
rinse well
wash with dawn soap (whatever that is)
rinse well
store appropriately

It might be worth noting that manufacturers of plastic products are obliged, by law, to have various safety testing studies performed. If your boxes are relatively new, they should not release any toxic chemicals.