How to clean an Insulated Lunch Bag
If you’ve got little ones at school, chances are you know what the state of their lunch bag is like by Friday. Juice stains, squashed bananas or some sort of mystery crumbs seem to find their way in every week!
But don’t panic - cleaning an insulated lunch bag isn’t hard, and a bit of regular care can help it survive whatever’s left inside.
How to wash an insulated lunch bag?
The best way to wash a lunch bag is simply to hand-wash it. That’s probably not the answer you were looking for, but it’s the gentlest way to clean it without damaging the insulating lining or outer fabric.
Here’s what to do:
- Empty crumbs and shake it out over the bin.
- Use a sponge or cloth and washing up liquid to wipe inside and out.
- Rinse with clean water (a damp cloth will do).
Air dry.
Try to avoid using scourers or hard-bristled brushes - their rough surfaces can scratch or tear the lining of the bag over time.
How often should you clean a lunch bag?
For most families, a quick wipe down every few days and a proper wash once a week will do the job. If anything’s leaked or spilled, clean it straight away to avoid stains or suspicious smells.
At the end of term, give the lunch bag a deep clean and air it out before packing it away, so it looks (and smells) as good as new when school starts.
Bumblebee insulated lunch bag, £4.95
Can I put a lunch bag in the washing machine?
Some insulated lunch bags say they’re machine washable, but even then we’d recommend only doing it once in a while (when you’re really tight for time). The more you machine wash it, the more likely it is to wear out over time.
If you do give it a spin:
- Turn the bag inside out.
- Zip or velcro it shut.
- Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
Air dry (tumble drying can ruin the shape).
It’s also best to avoid using fabric softener, as it can leave behind a residue that’s not food-friendly.
Can I put a lunch bag in the dishwasher?
We know it’s tempting, but unless the tag says it’s dishwasher safe, it’s best not to risk putting a lunch bag in the dishwasher. We don’t recommend it with our own lunch bags.
High heat and strong detergents can weaken the seams and damage the inner insulation. Your lunch bag might survive one round - but chances are it won’t last many.
Pink and green Daisy lunch bag, £4.95
How to remove smells from a lunch bag
Even after a wipe down, lunch bags can sometimes cling onto those funky smells. If you’ve ever had to deal with spilled yoghurt or a forgotten sandwich, you’ll know it can be surprisingly hard to budge.
Here’s a simple fix:
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda inside the bag.
- Leave it overnight with the lid open.
Shake it out in the morning and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
If the smell is still lingering, place a small open container of baking soda inside the closed bag and leave it for 24 hours.
How to dry an insulated lunch bag
Don’t forget to dry the lunch bag properly! If you pack it away damp it could undo all the good in cleaning it. After it’s been properly washed:
- Prop the bag open
- Stand it upside down
- Air dry
Sunny Sausage Dog insulated lunch bag, £4.95
Lunch bags are made to be used - so the odd spill or stain is inevitable. If yours is looking a little worse for wear, it might be time for a new one. But regular cleaning can go a long way in keeping it fresh, clean, and ready for more packed lunches!
Shop our range of insulated lunch bags.
