Baking Soda Paste Kills Fish Smell

Baking soda paste will get that fish smell out of your stainless steel lunch box.

First, wash the box with hot water and dish soap — not just a rinse. Fish oil is what’s holding the smell, and soap breaks that down. Dry it completely.

Then mix baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste. Spread it all over the inside, especially the corners and lid seal if there is one. Leave it overnight. The baking soda absorbs the odor instead of just covering it up.

Next day, scrub with a soft sponge, rinse well, and dry it. If a faint smell survives, wipe the inside with white vinegar, let it sit for ten minutes, then rinse. Or put the open box in direct sun for an afternoon — UV light is surprisingly good at killing stubborn smells.

Skip the bleach. It doesn’t work well on odors and can leave its own smell behind. Stainless steel is nonporous, so once the oil is gone, the smell should go with it.

Your lunch box deserves a second chance.