topic Re: Lock and Lock problem in Community Chat

Lock and Lock problem

patmth — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 23:29:54 GMT

Hi Does anyone know what the white stuff on lock and lock bowls, etc. They have been heated in microwave oven and in dishwasher. Don't understand why. Will try to upload a pic. Thanks for any help.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Mominohio — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 23:33:16 GMT

To me this looks like you heated foods too hot in the bowl.

Any plastic will start to melt and look like this when hot liquids or foods are in contact too long at too high heat.

I'd discard this and not use it.

I never put Lock and Lock in the microwave, even though they say it is safe.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Q4u — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 23:42:13 GMT

This happens to every lock n lock item I've ever had as well as other microwave safe plastic containers. I don't scorch them either but I imagine the edges get really hot compared to the center.

I also make a Spaghetti based cassarole and the tomato in it stains the containers after awhile..... when they get really bad I throw them away and treat myself to some new ones.....

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Marp — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 00:09:58 GMT

The marks look like what happens when fat or grease is heated in the microwave. Fats and oils get hotter faster than the food and etches/scars the plastic.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Annabellethecat66 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 23:57:42 GMT

Like @Q4u said, when you use something that contains a lot of accidity (like tomato based products) i.e. spaghetti sauce, etc. it seems to happen to me.

I don't know if it works but there is something advertised that if you use it on these kinds of products it will get rid of these stains.

Here's something

:http://askannamoseley.com/2011/07/how-to-remove-food-stains-from-tupperware/

Here's something else:

http://foodal.com/knowledge/cleaning/11-ways-remove-stains-plastic/

Just google how to get rid of stains on tupperware (same thing).

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Gemspirit — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 00:37:30 GMT

I've looked at your photo. It brings me back to the Tupperware days. I had a friend who was a rep.. She used to rinse the T-ware in icy cold water before adding in super starchy foods like, potatoes and pasta. Same thing for accidic foods as you and others noted. Especially tomatoes mainly cooked forms

It worked for me! I like lock n lock very much. But still have a few old T-ware plastic containers.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

MsLomo — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 00:44:12 GMT

I have learned not to use the tops in the microwave. I use a small sheet of wax paper on top instead -- and if I'm having something with parmesan cheese on it, I add it after it's been heated in the microwave. I agree about tomato sauce causing stains, too.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

DoneTryin — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 05:50:09 GMT

ITA with comments already made about what caused it. I've pretty much reduced my microwave use to once or twice a week & only heat food/liquid in glass dishes. I use my Lock & Lock for dry & refrigerator storage only. Yes, I know it dirties an extra dish to transfer something into glass, but I just flat out don't like heating in plastic. It doesn't pain me at all to wash another dish. smile

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Mominohio — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 11:00:34 GMT

@DoneTryin wrote:
ITA with comments already made about what caused it. I've pretty much reduced my microwave use to once or twice a week & only heat food/liquid in glass dishes. I use my Lock & Lock for dry & refrigerator storage only. Yes, I know it dirties an extra dish to transfer something into glass, but I just flat out don't like heating in plastic. It doesn't pain me at all to wash another dish. smile

@DoneTryin

I never use plastic in the microwave either.

I found a great solution for not having to transfer things I know will end up reheated. I got a nice big set of Pyrex storage bowls.

They come in sets of multiple sizes from really small to rather generous, have really strong, well sealing lids (they aren't water tight like the lock and lock though), clear heavy glass that you can see through (and not forget what you have in the fridge!!).

When I'm putting away something that I know I will be reheating, I just grab one of those instead of the Lock and Lock. They are so sturdy, including the lids, I expect them to outlast me!

And as a bonus MADE IN AMERICA!!!!

Re: Lock and Lock problem

chickenbutt — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:04:13 GMT

It is the nature of this type of plastic that it will pit, peel, and stain when you use it in the microwave. Why they tell people to use them in the microwave - I have no idea because this WILL happen. It's not a defect of the product. It's just the nature of that type of plastic. For this reason, I don't put my L&L in the microwave and they stay pristine for many years.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

RedTop — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:21:28 GMT

I wouldn't throw the bowl away; just make this one the designated microwave bowl. My family has ruined several cereal size bowls by heating food in them.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

DiAnne — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 17:23:55 GMT

The problem I have with Lock and Lock is the inability to get them clean. I bought several large containers to store flour, sugar, etc in several years ago. From being in the kitchen for several years and I am sure reaching for them with sticky hands I cannot get them clean. I wash them but they are still "sticky" feeling when I am done. Looked at some containers that were a harder plastic at store. Trying to decide whether to dump them.

I also had trouble with tabs breaking off on items in freezer. Went back to Rubbermaid.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

midgie2000 — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 13:17:24 GMT

Like @patmth I have this problem too but not only with the items that I have put in the microwave. I wish I could remember where I heard or read it. Sorry guys. It might be a hard water problem. I have hard water. I'm going to try a different dishwasher detergent and use the light cycle as opposed to the normal. Different experiments. To see if it works. My dishwasher is also old so maybe it gets too hot. Wish I could help more.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

aprilskies — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 13:23:00 GMT

I also don't put my plastic ones in the microwave, only my glass ones. I don't heat up anything in any plastic containers. Just because of the staining issues.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Sunshine Kate — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 13:28:45 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
To me this looks like you heated foods too hot in the bowl.

Any plastic will start to melt and look like this when hot liquids or foods are in contact too long at too high heat.

I'd discard this and not use it.

I never put Lock and Lock in the microwave, even though they say it is safe.

Yep, the above is the best answer. I never put any type of plastic in the microwave, only glass.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

BalletBabe — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 22:16:20 GMT

Lock and Lock is guaranteed. I have used them for years and only had an issue once. Lock and Lock replaced it. I do not use mine in the freezer or microwave.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Newgate — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 22:46:42 GMT

I don't heat or freeze in any plastic containers! I use my L&L and other plastic containers for refrigerator storage only!! Not healthy for plastic to get into your food!!

Re: Lock and Lock problem

patmth — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 02:29:32 GMT

Thanks Ladies. I think I have my answer. No Microwave..So glad I posted on this blog, I knew you girls would know the answer!

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Stelios — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 03:54:40 GMT

I do not use plastic in microwave or dishwasher, so I do not experience that problem. My issue is the lids always breaking. I have trouble getting a response from locknlock when I call . Several years ago I tried calling and emailing and it took several months to get results. I recently ordered and a new number was included with a distribution center in CA so I've been calling for 3 was. Now with no response. It is frustrating.

Re: Lock and Lock problem

Shorty2U — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 17:05:32 GMT

That has happened to some of our lock and lock too. I think its from heating it in the microwave when my husband takes lunch to work. (I myself, never heat plastic in a microwave). Also some of our lock and locks is stained from spaghetti sauce. All of this I thought wasn't supposed to happen to lock and lock, but it does!