OXO Steel Pop Containers are a popular choice for food storage, known for their durability and airtight seal. However, even the most robust containers can encounter issues with stuck food particles, leading to malfunctioning lids and buttons. This guide provides comprehensive repair instructions for two common variations of the OXO Steel Pop Container: the round-edged and flat-edged models. Understanding the differences between these two types is crucial for successful repair, as their mechanisms and disassembly techniques differ significantly.This step-by-step guide details how to troubleshoot and fix common problems, from dislodging stuck buttons to replacing silicone gaskets. We'll cover techniques for both round-edged containers, which involve unscrewing the base and carefully manipulating the button mechanism, and flat-edged containers, which require a slightly different approach to accessing and cleaning the internal components. Whether you're dealing with a jammed button or a stuck lid, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to restore your OXO Steel Pop Containers to their optimal functionality.
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Identifying OXO Steel Pop Container Types
OXO Steel Pop Containers come in two main varieties: round-edged and flat-edged. The round-edged containers feature an embossed OXO logo on the lid button, while the flat-edged ones have a printed OXO logo. This distinction is crucial because their mechanisms and repair methods differ.
The bottom of the lid further differentiates the two types. Round-edged lids have a screw-on base with arrows indicating the direction to unscrew, unlike the flat-edged lids which feature a central button and lack such arrows.
Repairing Round-Edged Containers
To repair a round-edged container, begin by unscrewing the bottom cover counterclockwise, following the arrows. Then, gently squeeze the two indentations at the top and bottom of the lid to release it.
Clean any trapped food debris. If the button is stuck, squeeze from the top, bottom, left, and right, gently rolling your fingers over the metal to dislodge it. The button is held by four clips; press inwards on these clips to aid removal. If the metal clip is bent, carefully straighten it with pliers.
Fixing a Depressed Button (Round-Edged)
If the button is stuck depressed, place the lid upside down on an empty container. Use two small screwdrivers to press down on the two medium-sized holes, releasing the button. Use a quad grip to fully remove the button for cleaning.
Ensure the mechanism is clean before reassembling. Reinsert the button, making sure it's aligned correctly. Gently squeeze the sides to snap it back into place.
Repairing Flat-Edged Containers
Flat-edged containers are simpler to repair. Pull out the bottom button; it usually comes off easily. Remove the silicone gasket by gently pulling it out at the corners. Clean any trapped food particles.
Reassemble by carefully inserting the silicone gasket, starting from one corner and pressing it in. Snap the plastic bottom back into place, ensuring a tight fit.
Advanced Repair for Flat-Edged Containers
If you can't access all the stuck food, you may need to disassemble the container further. Carefully pry open the four corners using a long screwdriver, gently bending the tabs. Clean any trapped debris.
Reassemble by ensuring the rotating white plastic piece's grooves align with the notches on the gray lid. Hold the button down while snapping the lid back together. The button should then depress correctly.
Conclusion
Both round and flat-edged OXO Steel Pop containers can be repaired with relative ease. While the round-edged ones require attention to the button mechanism and potentially bent clips, the flat-edged versions demand careful disassembly and realignment of internal components. The key is thorough cleaning and precise reassembly.
OXO Steel Pop Containers are generally well-designed and durable, but like any container, they can be prone to issues with stuck food. Regular cleaning and following the repair steps outlined above will help extend their lifespan and maintain their usability. The choice between round and flat-edged versions is largely a matter of personal preference; both offer similar functionality.