Eli5 why does cling film sometimes stick perfectly to some plates/bowls but other times it does not?

Question

Eli5 why does cling film sometimes stick perfectly to some plates/bowls but other times it does not?

In: 350

Answer 1

It often depends on the surface porosity and/or imperfections on the bowl or plate you’re trying to cover. Temperature also plays a role as higher temperatures will cause the plastic to soften and become more tacky. It’s intersesting to note that these wraps used to be made of PVC however it was determined that the chlorides were not healthy. Now most wraps are made of LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) because it is considered to be safer for the body but it results in a less effective cling. So yes, cling wraps used to work better than they do now.