Camsquares FreshPro Containers: Cleaning and Care Tips

Quick answer

Wash Camsquares FreshPro containers by hand in warm water with a mild dish detergent, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry upside down before stacking. For stains or odors, soak in a baking soda solution, then scrub gently with a soft cloth. Skip abrasive pads and harsh chemicals, which scratch Camwear surfaces and trap residue that shortens container life.

Daily Wash Routine That Protects Camwear Clarity

Empty containers as soon as possible after service. Scrape food into the trash, not the sink, so grease and particles do not coat the inside walls. Fill with warm water and a few drops of mild dish detergent, then wash with a soft sponge or dishcloth. Pay attention to corners and the rim, where oils collect and can later hold odors. Rinse in warm water until no suds remain. Hot water alone can set some proteins and starches, so always use detergent before rinsing.

Air-dry containers upside down on a rack with space between them. Stacking wet containers traps moisture and can leave water spots or a cloudy film on translucent Camwear. If you need to stack for storage, confirm they are completely dry first.

Removing Stains Without Damaging the Surface

Tomato sauce, turmeric, and dark sauces can leave color on translucent containers. For fresh stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, then wash and rinse normally. For older stains, soak the container in a solution of one tablespoon baking soda per quart of warm water for 30 minutes before scrubbing.

Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or powdered cleansers. These scratch the Camwear surface and create tiny grooves that hold onto stains and bacteria. If a stain remains after a baking soda soak, a diluted white vinegar soak (one part vinegar to three parts water) for 15 minutes can help. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Eliminating Odors and Keeping Them Away

Odors usually come from food residue trapped in scratches or from storing strong-smelling foods in closed containers for too long. After washing, leave containers uncovered in a well-ventilated area for a few hours. For persistent odors, fill the container with a solution of one tablespoon baking soda per quart of warm water and let it sit overnight. Wash and rinse again in the morning.

To prevent odors, avoid storing highly aromatic foods like onions or fish in containers longer than a day or two. Use the Camsquares® FreshPro Drain Shelves (product ID 337316) to keep food elevated and allow air circulation, which reduces moisture and odor buildup. Pair containers with Food Storage Lids (product ID 337296) that fit properly; a loose lid lets odors spread and lets food dry out.

When to Stop and Replace a Container

Inspect containers regularly for deep scratches, cracks, or a cloudy, rough surface that no longer comes clean. These are signs the Camwear material is worn and can harbor bacteria or transfer flavors. If a container still smells after a baking soda soak and air-drying, or if stains remain after gentle cleaning, it is time to replace it. Continuing to use a compromised container risks food quality and safety.

For heavy-duty storage needs, consider replacing worn containers with new Camsquares® FreshPro Food Storage Containers – Camwear® (product ID 337300). Their square design fits standard shelving and refrigerators, and the clear material lets you identify contents at a glance.

Diagnosis: matching symptoms to causes and actions

• Cloudy or dull container surface: Likely cause: mineral film from hard water or detergent residue. Corrective action: wash with a mild detergent, then rinse with a diluted white vinegar solution (one part vinegar to three parts water) and air-dry. If cloudiness remains after a vinegar rinse, the surface may be scratched and the container should be replaced.
• Persistent food odor: Likely cause: food residue trapped in scratches or prolonged storage of strong-smelling foods. Corrective action: soak overnight in a baking soda solution (one tablespoon per quart of warm water), wash, and air-dry uncovered. If odor lingers after two overnight soaks, retire the container.
• Stubborn stains that will not lift: Likely cause: pigment from tomato, turmeric, or dark sauces absorbed into the surface. Corrective action: make a baking soda paste, apply for 15 minutes, scrub gently with a soft cloth, then wash and rinse. If the stain remains after a gentle scrub, do not use abrasives; replace the container to keep food presentation consistent.

Product facts that support care and cleaning

• Camsquares® FreshPro Food Storage Containers – Camwear®: Made from durable Camwear® material, these square containers are designed for efficient storage in commercial kitchens, maximizing space while maintaining clarity for easy content identification. Camwear clarity helps you spot stains or residue early, and the square shape reduces wasted space so containers are less likely to be jammed or scratched during storage.
• Camsquares® FreshPro Drain Shelves – Translucent: The Camsquares® FreshPro Drain Shelves in Translucent are designed to promote efficient air circulation and drainage in your food storage setup. Elevating food with a drain shelf keeps it out of juices, which reduces moisture and odor inside the container and makes cleaning easier.
• Food Storage Lids: Camwear® Food Pan Lids offer Cambro durability and a variety of options to preserve freshness, designed to support HACCP guidelines. A proper lid minimizes cross-contamination and helps maintain freshness, but it must be cleaned as carefully as the container to avoid odor transfer.