Question about properties of plastic containers. They absorb odors,

[raccoon]

however, the odor dissapates over time if you air the container out well.

But does the container retain traces of what caused the odor (clorox, sour milk, etc.)?

[NYC_SKP]

1. There are several different plastics used for containers, HDPE, PET, PVC, etc...

Plastic bottles are formed using a variety of techniques. The choice of material varies depending upon application.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is the most widely used resin for plastic bottles. This material is economical, impact resistant, and provides a good moisture barrier. HDPE is compatible with a wide range of products including acids and caustics but is not compatible with solvents. It is supplied in FDA approved food grade. HDPE is naturally translucent and flexible. The addition of color will make HDPE opaque although not glossy. HDPE lends itself readily to silk screen decoration. While HDPE provides good protection at below freezing temperatures, it cannot be used with products filled at over 160 °F (71 °C) or products requiring a hermetic (vacuum) seal.

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is similar to HDPE in composition. It is less rigid and generally less chemically resistant than HDPE, but is more translucent. LDPE is used primarily for squeeze applications. LDPE is significantly more expensive than HDPE.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE or polyester) is commonly used for carbonated beverage, water bottles and many food products. PET provides very good alcohol and essential oil barrier properties, generally good chemical resistance (although acetones and ketones will attack PET) and a high degree of impact resistance and tensile strength. The orienting process serves to improve gas and moisture barrier properties and impact strength. This material does not provide resistance to very high temperature applications—max. temp. 200 °F (93 °C).

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is naturally clear, has extremely good resistance to oils, and has very low oxygen transmission. It provides an excellent barrier to most gases and its drop impact resistance is also very good. This material is chemically resistant, but it is vulnerable to solvents. PVC is an excellent choice for salad oil, mineral oil, and vinegar. It is also commonly used for shampoos and cosmetic products. PVC exhibits poor resistance to high temperatures and will distort at 160 °F (71 °C), making it incompatible with hot filled products. It has attained notoriety in recent years due to potential health risks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_bottle

[CrispyQ]

2. Play it safe. Switch to glass.

My salsa comes in a very nice wide mouth jar. I now have over a dozen & they are prefect for storing just about everything! You can't pour super hot food in them, but if you cool it a bit, no problem.

[freshwest]

4. Yep, I reuse all my glass that way and only use plastic for dry goods; the rest are recycled.

[formercia]

3. Yes

but I wouldn't worry too much about it, unless you're worried about Dogs.

[KurtNYC]

5. yes.

I got so tired of stained plastic containers that never looked clean that I went to all glass.

[Lifelong Protester]

6. I use all glass

I got tired of the stains, and quite frankly, the worry that something 'else' was left behind to grow bacteria, mold, whatever.

I re-use glass containers (that food comes from the store in), and to round things out, went to Target and bought some inexpensive anchor-hocking glass containers. My SO likes to microwave leftovers direct from the fridge, so I nixed all plastic.

The SO grumbled for a while, but is ok about it now.

And there are some really cool (but a little pricey) Italian made fridge wear, glass.