When I was a kid in the 1970s, Tupperware parties were the big deal. It all seemed so decidedly uncool. In the heyday of third wave feminism, such domestic, housewife-y notions seemed like a remnant of a lost civilization of the “black-and-white-days.” When I had to attend such events with my mother, it was boring, and a bit embarrassing.
Oh, what I would give for a time travel machine! To be able to order full sets of brand new products from catalogs, in my favorite Tupperware era…wow. It’s not boring anymore–I have rediscovered Tupperware. In a nutshell-Tupperware is fabulous.
Why vintage Tupperware?
There are many reasons to begin collecting and using Vintage Tupperware. For one, it is quite stylish. The very old pieces from the 1950s and 60s are classic retro kitchen colors, soft yellow, pink, turquoise, etc. The pieces from the 70s likewise represent that era’s aesthetic mod sensibilities: bright oranges and yellows, along with colors such as the classic harvest gold, chocolate browns, and muted army greens.
Although vintage Tupperware just looks cool, it also is extremely functional. The pieces have held their own, and it is rare to find any with structural or functional damage. Usually, all that is needed is a cursory scrubbing before use-using the same methods you would likely use with any other second hand kitchen item.
Cleaning & caring for vintage Tupperware
To clean vintage Tupperware, soak for a couple minutes in a sink or dish tub using a white vinegar and water solution (about a 1:3 ratio) and scrub with a kitchen brush tool, using the vinegar and water solution. Next, use a good portion of liquid dish detergent, and scrub with the brush.
If stains or smell linger, or for optimum sanitation, the Tupperware can be soaked in a proper bleach and water solution ratio, of 1 tablespoon liquid bleach, to one gallon of water, letting stand two minutes, and air drying.
For regular care and maintenance, vintage Tupperware is easily washed by hand with regular dish detergent. It should not be placed in a dishwasher. Vintage Tupperware is great for freezer usage, but should not be used in the microwaved.
Where to find vintage Tupperware
Although Tupperware new Tupperware products are still being manufactured, vintage pieces are widely available; Tupperware is ubiquitous. It was so popular, that it’s very simple to find discarded Tupperware items in thrift stores, at yard sales, flea markets, and of course, specific pieces on eBay.
At thrift stores and the like, it is not uncommon to find individual pieces for 50 cents. An average price for a large piece with all parts is $2.00. Although there are sometimes huge jackpots of sets (sometimes even taped together, and being sold as a unit) to be found at thrift stores, Tupperware is usually scored piece by piece.
If you happen to find lidless items, (or otherwise incomplete) at a good price, chances are you can find the piece later. One great thing about Tupperware, is the interchangeability of lids and pieces. Yard sales, of course, are usually quite inexpensive as well, with some pieces going for 10 cents!
Sellers of Tupperware on Ebay usually know they are dealing with collectibles, and the items are priced accordingly. However, because of Tupperware’s non-rarity, they are very relatively inexpensive. Even including shipping, the prices for vintage Tupperware rival contemporary products purchased new from stores like Target and Wal-Mart.
Finally, it’s important to note that Tupperware is not just about storing leftovers. There are many kitchen utensils and unique containers that are simply wonderful. There are egg separators, pickle holders (my favorite-useful for other things such as olives, and marinating vegetables or tofu as well) condiment trays (with lids!) cake carriers, canisters, tumblers, and on and on. If you haven’t given Tupperware much thought, it’s time to think again!
Sources:
http://www.clorox.com/products/faqs.php?prod_id=clb
Reference:
- PBS show about Tupperware history: www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/tupperware/
