With sticky film on plastic I usually smear the item with pure soap and rub well with my hands or a sponge, wetted in a little bit of water. Sometimes it takes two or three applications.

(I can't believe you haven't tried Charlie's!!!!!! If that doesn't work, do you have Goo-gone type stuff? Use in one small spot in case it dulls the finish.)

I'd reach for Charlie's too. Other choices, Mr. Clean Magic Sponge or DAWN Direct Foam. -Grainlady

I thrown those away, didnt know anything would remove that stuff.

I've never heard of Charlie's, but I'm always on the lookout for a good cleaner. Is this it?

Here is a link that might be useful: Charlies?

I'd use rubbing alcohol on a paper towel.

Shambo - Charlie's Soap, darling or not-darling of the Laundry Room forum. Yup, thats it, but here is a link to their website. Nice people.

Here is a link that might be useful: Charlie's Soap

Lars, I've never heard of Charlie's either, but I do like the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, they work wonders on my stove top after a canning marathon.

I've always just put my Tupperware in the dishwasher, yup, even on the bottom shelf, no problems...

Annie

(Psst, Annie, the lower rack on the DW won't hurt your plastic items. The warning and the danger is due to the fact that most American style dishwashers (not the Euro machines) have a powerful heating element in the bottom of the machine. A plastic items that falls onto or even tilts and comes in contact with that heating element can start a fire.)

409, Fantastic, Krud-Kutter, ammonia...any good degreaser should clean them up.

I make a paste with baking soda and water. Just smear it on a rub a bit. Works like a charm for me.

Jessica, I went to the web site you linked to and then tried to find a local retail location, and this is where it took me. I was expecting a store on Olympic, but I think it took me to Sawtelle instead.

Lars

Sorry Lars I just mail order from them!

Has anyone tried " Mean Green " Cleaner from the Dollar Store's.
I've tried all kinds of cleaners on the kitchen ceiling fan blades.
When I sprayed it with " Mean Green " the the buildup ran off.
I felt like I was doing a TV commercial.

Or you could try the new Oven Cleaner, on the bottom first,
to be sure it won't damage the dish.

Lou

Well DUH jessy I NEVER thought of trying the Charlie's....ROFL. I don't know why since I use it for most other things, just never thought of it on dishes or food things. I'll sure give it a try. Just washing in hot dish water doesn't seem to budge it, even using Dawn.

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I agree that my old Tupperware canisters are still better than anything I can find today and won't throw them out even if they stay sticky on the outside.

I love my old Tupperware stuff! I also have some from the '70s and I'm always on the lookout at thrift stores for more.
I put mine in the dishwasher too. "Greased Lightening" is a good degreaser if you don't have a dishwasher or have stuff you are afraid to put in there. It's sold at most grocery and dollar stores.
A neighbor tossed a set of canisters into the dumpster and yup, I dug it out! They were like new, but the largest(outer)one smelled badly of cigarette smoke. Not even the DW could get it out. I finally decided just to keep indoor potting soil in it for my houseplants and after about a year the smell went away. I now keep my potting soil in my oldest and most beat-up big yellow bowl. Just used it today to start some pepper seeds that I needed to start extra early. Sorry about rambling, I just love my Tupperware!

Warm soapy dishwater with a couple shots of bleach. Don't splash yourself or you will have white spots.

: )
lyra

I'm sure you have solved your Tupperware problem by now but just to validate some of the products mentioned:

I've got all of the Charlie's products but forget to use any outside of the laundry room. I'll have to drag out the Charlie's All Purpose spray and keep it in the kitchen.

As far as Mr Clean Magic Erasers, that and Greased Lightning are my go-to cleaners. I love MCER to clean the stainless steel sink. Since I use it on just about anything, I tried it to "erase" the spots on my carpeting. Worked like a charm! Just this week I gave a package as a kitchen warming give to my neighbor who just completed a kitchen renovation.

bryansda:
I just tried Berkleys Gum Cutter on the bottom of a Tupperware piece.
It didn't seem to attack the finish.

It is an Auto Parts supply product, used for cleaning auto carburators.

It is a very powerful cleaner.
I use it for cleaning some kitchen items.

Lou

Like some of you, I have early 70's Tupperware. The clear looking canisters seem to get the sticky feeling the most.

These oldies will get deformed in the hot dishwasher. I tested it. LOL

A Tupperware dealer once told me to use bleach. Yep, bleach. I just make some bleach water in a bucket, put the offending container in, fill it with water to keep it down and put it in a corner in the laundry room.

Days later, when I run across it, and take it out and rinse it, the goo is usually gone. No scrubbing needed. :)

Moni

Moni, that's good to know about the bleach, my tupperware dealer said she "didn't know" and that I should just buy new stuff. Yeah, right.

I put mine in the dishwasher all the time, though, without problems. Maybe it's a difference in dishwahers?

Annie

Lestoil is my "to to" cleaner for stains and grease such as you describe. It will just wash away gummy residue from plastic or anything else.