Baking soda fixes lunchbox stink.

Baking soda and a bit of patience will get fish and egg smell out of your lunch box.

The real problem is that oils and proteins settle into little scratches and crevices in the plastic. Hot soapy water alone misses those. So after your normal wash, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the whole inside — lid too. Let it sit for at least an hour, longer if the smell is bad, then scrub with hot water and a sponge. Rinse and dry completely. That neutralizes the odor instead of just masking it.

Vinegar works too, but baking soda doubles as a mild abrasive, so it actually lifts the gunk out. And don’t underestimate drying — leaving it closed while it’s still damp is how bacteria and mildew take over. If the smell comes back after baking soda, it’s time to accept the plastic is permanently haunted and switch to glass or stainless steel containers for anything fishy.

Future meals deserve better than yesterday’s salmon vibe.