I bought 2 Tupperware containers,arrived but smell bad and have not responded to intense cleaning.

[and_your_point_is]

I bought 2 tupperware containers for which I paid $38 plus $14 for postage.When I opened the parcel a revolting bad musty smell came out.

I have put them through my dishwasher 4 times and soaked them for 24hrs in Milton and 24hrs in strong Dettol but they still smell real bad.

I have asked several people how they smell and everyone reports awful!!

I have messaged the seller and received no response.

There is no way these containers could ever be used for food.I can't even begin to think where they have been or what may have been stored in them. 

[downeyas]

Morning, many moons ago I was a Tupperware sales lady - put the containers into the freezer and leave them there for 4 - 5 days, that is what we were taught to tell people - I still do it now and it has always worked 🙂

[zanadoo_56]

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@thecatspjs wrote:

OP I'd give white vinegar and bicarb a go. You need a runny paste consistency - sprinkle container bottom with bicarb and then pour over vinegar - it will fizz and bubble - then use a toothbrush to rub in sides of container. Worth a shot i reckon.

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This method is pretty good for mild odours but it really depends on the underlying cause when it comes to strong smells.  However, what this cleaning method is really good for is getting rid of the stickyness of old Tupperware.  I had pieces I thought I'd have to throw out but soaking them (especially the lids) in white vinegar and bicarb worked a treat.  My old 70s square rounds are as good as new.

[thecatspjs]

Still worth a shot I reckon.  Unlike commercial products that usually work to mask odours,  bicarb is a natural deodorizer as is white vinegar.    

I have used it with great success on some pretty awful strong smells including old dog pee soaked into floorboards when I moved into a old house. 

I also use it as a cleaning product including for tuff stuff like oil stains on concrete, works a treat.

The tip to put in freezer mentioned by another poster is also a handy one, I will try it. 

[zanadoo_56]

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@thecatspjs wrote:

Still worth a shot I reckon.  Unlike commercial products that usually work to mask odours,  bicarb is a natural deodorizer as is white vinegar.    

I have used it with great success on some pretty awful strong smells including old dog pee soaked into floorboards when I moved into a old house. 

I also use it as a cleaning product including for tuff stuff like oil stains on concrete, works a treat.

The tip to put in freezer mentioned by another poster is also a handy one, I will try it. 

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Definitely worth a shot, as is the freezer option.  It would be helpful for the OP to know what the cause of the odour actually was though. Vinegar and bicarb is worth trying out on all kinds of stuff.  That fizzing is very satisfying.

I think it very bad of the seller not to mention the smell.  Reminds of an item of Tupperware (vintage) on eBay that hasn't sold yet and no wonder - it looks filthy.  You have to wonder - has the seller decided not to clean it or has it been attempted but nothing worked.  I occasionally buy Tupperware on eBay (new stuff and replacement parts for some of my vintage pieces) and every time I come across that listing it makes me smile.  Clearly no one is that desperate to want to buy it!

[i-once-was-bump]

I don't have Tupperware but all smelly containers are treated the same. Fill the container to the point of overflowing and quickly put the lid on. Let sit for 24 to 48 hours, do not disturb by lifting the lid or shaking the container. It should then smell like plastic normally does.

BTW you should use the cold water tap to fill the container.

However my concern is that some sort of chemical might have been stored in them and no matter how you get rid of the smell i would be not want to use them for food.

[and_your_point_is]

Thank you all for your solutions and comments.I had done all of your suggested tips but the smell still remained.The smel was that strong that it hit me asa I slit open the satchel it was a very strong dank musty smell that you would get from something you had packed away &wrapped in a sheet or towel which had got wet and then dried again and this has happened on more than one occasion.
I approached the seller who said she could not give any reason why these containers smelt the way they do

[cherry*135]

Were the Tupperware containers listed as brand new or used? If brand new, no reason they should smell at all.

I bought some new Tupperware once that  had a strong smell, it smelt perfumey like talcum powder. The seller denied they had been anywhere near anything perfumed and had a store room especially for her stock. As the container wasn't being used to store food I let it go.

Try for a refund, if they are food containers they should have no odours. If they had been stored empty with their lids on, that can make plastic smell.