How to Clean a Lunch Box

At the beginning of the school year, your lunch bag is clean, fresh, and able to stand-up to all types of food, from pasta to sandwiches. However, a few months into classes (say around November or December), you may begin to notice some lingering odors or stains. It’s probably a situation that you plan to take care of, but you aren’t sure where to start.

Even though you have good intentions, weeks and weeks go by, the odor or stains get worse and you’re simply forced to buy a new lunch box. However, it shouldn’t have to come to this – with just a little bit of effort and a couple of simple ingredients, your lunch bag will look (and smell!) as good as new. Read below to learn how to clean a lunch box.

Throw it in the Washing Machine

This is something that might seem like an absolute “don’t,” but check your lunch bag’s label. Obviously, an insulated lunch bag with a plastic core can’t go in the washing machine, but there’s a good chance that you can wash its outer shell.

If your lunch bag comes with care instructions and it says it’s OK to put in the laundry, then it’s definitely okay to do so. There’s also a good chance that your lunch bag is strong enough to withstand a washing even if there isn’t a tag with care instructions.

If you’re daring and willing to purchase a replacement lunch bag, you can try running your bag through the delicate cycle of your washing machine and then letting your bag air dry.

Hand Wash Stains

If you don’t want to risk it, or your bag clearly states that a cycle through the washer is prohibited, you’re going to have to hand wash spots and stains. If you’ve kept up with spot cleaning on a daily (or weekly) basis, this might be a pretty easy job. If it’s been awhile, follow our tips below for spot cleaning your lunch bag:

Step 1: Grab an old towel, dish detergent and some water. Have some sponges handy as well, in case you have to scrub.

Step 2: Fill your sink with warm water. Add a little bit of dish detergent and move the water around (agitating the detergent and simulating how a washing machine works).

Step 3: Submerge one of the towels or a soft cloth and try to wipe the lunch bag down. If this doesn’t rid the bag of stains, try a sponge or scrubber sponge to do the trick. 

Step 4: Let the bag soak in the bathroom or kitchen sink for a few hours to help loosen the debris.

Tip: Most lunch bags can be submerged in water – again, take a look at the care instructions just to be sure.

Get Rid of Unpleasant Smells

If your lunch bag smells a bit like your gym locker, it might be time to give it a little bit of TLC.

Step 1: Find a spray bottle and fill it with water and a few drops of bleach. 

Step 2: Spray the inside of your lunch bag with the solution, and wipe it down with a dry cloth. 

Step 3: Allow your bag to dry completely and leave it open while it dries. You don’t want the inside of your bag to smell like bleach, either.

Opt for an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solution

If you’re a little uneasy about using bleach on something food-related, that’s perfectly fine. There’s another method to get odors out of your lunch bag or other food storage containers.

Step 1: Mix water and baking soda together until it forms a paste.

Step 2: Spread the paste on the inside of your lunch box and allow the paste to dry. You will have to scrub to remove the paste, but unpleasant odors should be banished.

Step 3: If your lunch bag is really suffering from some harsh odors, try the bleach method followed by the baking soda method.

Cleaning your lunch box is a great way to remove odor, stains, and potential bacteria hiding in the crevices. We hope you found our tips on how to clean a lunch box helpful for the next time you need to freshen it up.