Product safety & care: use every piece the right way
Microwave, freezer and dishwasher rules, plus simple habits that keep lids leak-proof and jars looking new for years.
Shop PearlpetA little care goes a long way
Pearlpet products are built to last — and they last even longer when used the way they're designed to be. Here's a clear, no-jargon guide to heat, cleaning and sealing, so your containers stay safe, airtight and good as new.
Heat: microwave, freezer & hot food
Match the temperature to the material and everything stays safe.
Reheat in PP only
Use only containers marked microwave-safe (polypropylene). Remove steel lids first, and never microwave a sealed airtight box — steam needs to escape.
Leave headspace
Pearlpet plastic is freezer-safe. Leave about 2 cm at the top for expansion, and cool food before sealing to avoid trapped condensation.
Cool before sealing
Let hot food cool to warm before transferring to plastic storage. Sealing in steam affects freshness and can warp thin plastic over time.
Cleaning & dishwashing
Gentle washing keeps plastic clear and steel shining.
Everyday wash
Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge. Skip abrasive scourers and harsh chemicals that scratch clear plastic and dull steel.
Dishwasher
Most plastic containers are top-rack safe. Hand-wash stainless-steel caps to protect the seal and shine, and avoid high-heat drying cycles.
Stubborn smells & stains
Soak in warm water with a little baking soda, or wipe with lemon. For turmeric stains, a short sun-dry after washing helps them fade.
Keeping lids leak-proof & airtight
A clean, dry, undamaged seal is the whole secret.
Dry before you close
Wipe the rim and lid completely dry. A wet seal traps moisture and breaks the airtight lock.
Don't overfill
Stay below the fill line and close the lid squarely, not at an angle, so the gasket seats evenly all the way round.
Mind the gasket
Check any silicone ring for trapped food. Replace it if it turns hard or loses shape — that's the usual reason a box starts to leak.
Care at a glance
What's safe for each material
| Material | Microwave | Freezer | Dishwasher |
|---|---|---|---|
| PP (microwave-safe range) | Yes | Yes | Top rack |
| PET (clear jars & bottles) | No | Yes | Top rack |
| Stainless steel bottles/casseroles | No | Not needed | Hand-wash best |
| Steel caps / lids | Remove first | — | Hand-wash |
Frequently asked questions
Are Pearlpet containers microwave-safe?
Only containers marked microwave-safe (polypropylene) should reheat food. Clear PET jars and bottles aren't for microwave heating. Check the base marking, remove any steel lid first, and never microwave a sealed airtight container.
Can I put Pearlpet products in the freezer?
Yes — the food-grade plastic is freezer-safe. Leave about 2 cm of headspace for expansion and let food cool before sealing to avoid trapped condensation.
Are Pearlpet products dishwasher-safe?
Most plastic containers are top-rack dishwasher-safe. Hand-wash stainless-steel caps to protect the seal and shine, and avoid high-heat drying cycles that can warp thin plastic over time.
How do I keep lids airtight and leak-proof?
Dry the rim and lid fully before closing, don't overfill past the fill line, and close the lid squarely. Check the gasket for residue and replace it if it hardens or loses shape.
Is it safe to store hot food in plastic containers?
Let hot food cool to warm first. Sealing very hot food traps steam and condensation, which affects freshness and can warp thin plastics over time.
How should I clean my containers to make them last?
Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive scourers and harsh chemicals. For smells, soak in warm water with a little baking soda or lemon.
Why has my clear jar become cloudy or scratched?
Usually from abrasive scrubbers, very hot dishwasher cycles, or years of use. It doesn't make a food-grade jar unsafe, but a badly scratched surface can trap residue — a good time to replace it.
When should I replace a food container?
Replace any container that's cracked, deeply scratched, permanently stained or smelly, or whose lid no longer seals. A worn seal is the most common reason a container stops being leak-proof.
Made to last, cared for to last longer
Curious what your containers are actually made of? Read our plain-English guide to plastics, BPA and food-grade materials.