[header] How to clean plastic containers [title] Remove the lid from the container. [step] After you pop it open, check to make sure there are no remnants of food left inside. Give the container a quick preliminary rinse with hot water. 
Drain and shake out the excess water and place the container on the kitchen counter. [substeps] If there's any dried or sticky residue inside the container, it may help to wipe it out with a paper towel before you begin cleaning.