I save the plastic containers most throw away for these. Sour cream, cool whip and those types. I just freeze in them. It doesn't take long to unthaw on the counter or in the fridge. Then I microwave in another container. They do have a product for what you are talking about, but darned if I can remember what it's called right now! I don't buy it so can't tell you if it works. It is for stained plastic ware, but it wouldn't help the bubbles from heating though.

I don't know... but I hate plastic containers. I have switched over to using glass containers for almost all storage. I feel safer about them and I can use most in the freezer, microwave, oven and wash them in the dishwasher on high heat.

If you still want to use plastic and hate the orange stains, I suggest letting some vinegar soak in the dish for a while.

Spraying the container with PAM prior to putting in the tomato whatever will minimize the staining.

You can try soaking the container with hot water and baking soda.

I, too, sometimes microwave in freezer containers (as noted on the other post, I mostly use Deli Containers from the bar supply store). But mostly, I just run the container under hot water for a minute or two, and pop the food out into a microwave safe container.

Note, too--if you use the deli containers that cost about .15 each, you won't worry about tossing one now and then when they get too gross to reuse.

You can try bleaching them. As for the defrosting, Just set the plastic container in hot water, as soon as the contents are loose enough, transfer to saucepan and heat on very low heat or remove contents to glass bowl and put in microwave.

It might come off just by leaving the washed container in bright sun. It sure works on tomato based laundry stains that don't come out. Also worked on DD's high chair tray way back when. I've only done it once or twice on plastic containers..usually I put tomatoes in glass, but I think it worked.

Personally, the discoloration is an indication that the plastic has not been stable under the heat of the microwave.... and I would not use plastic that way. Nowhere have I seen that those 're=useable ' plastic items are microwave safe for reheating food. JMHO I pop those food items out into a bowl, cover with a lid and 'safely' microwave. I even freeze stuff in corningware.... remove from bowl and put in a bag, then put food back into the bowl to cook. Why would anyone take a chance on that "plastic chemical" leaching into the food one eats?

"the discoloration is an indication that the plastic has not been stable under the heat of the microwave"

Not necessarily!

I have put COOLED items into the container, and it is stained when I remove the item.

NO microwaving involved... but still a stain....

I'm using the plastic containers, e.g. ice cream, margarine, etc. for storage in the fridge or freezer, as I'm not worried about potatoes or most vegetables, etc., though I have some concern re tomato, or possibly applesauce, due to a question as to whether the acid in them may leach out some not-too-pleasant components of the plastic.

I try to avoid heating in the microwave, as I wonder whether the heat may tend to leach out some of the components of the plastic that may cause me some trouble, health-wise.

I let 'em sit on the counter for a while, or let sit for a spell in either cold or hot water if I'm in a hurry, then empty the contents into a glazed earthenware, ceramic or glass bowl prior to going into the microwave, or a pot for on the stove.

That said - after about half-cooking a bunch of tomatoes in a bowl in the microwave last fall, after they cooled I partly filled half a dozen yogurt tubs with them and stored them in the fridge as makings for soup, some for up to a couple of months. There was no residual stain, by the way.

Who said that humans were supposed to be consistent!

ole joyful

I only use them for storage in the freezer or fridge I have some Microwave approved plates and bowl that I cook in I use paper plate for a alot of items in the microwave like breakfast sandwiches etc. If I buy something like a frowxen dinner I will use the provided tray to micro in then toss that tray (most of the time)

I use the ziplock freeze and microwave containers for most of my left overs. Mostly, cause they end up being lunch at work, where I can pop them in the microwave. I would prefer corning ware or pottery, but that is so fragile, and not spill proof.

However, at home, I re heat in corning ware.

To the original question, tomato based foods mess those containers up, and I end up tossing them.

Moni

I use plastic to freeze/put in the frig & we use glass/ceramic to reheat in the microwave.

I too have stained plastic from storing colorful leftovers. I think Dawn power scrub, or something like that, is supposed to remove it.