How to Keep a Lunch Box Clean

Exploding yogurt, spilled vinaigrette, errant crumbs. Whatever your mess culprit is, cleaning it up is essential. Here’s how to keep a lunch box clean.

Sending your kids off to school with a well-thought-out meal and snacks is a huge battle won but what about keeping those lunch boxes and containers hygienically clean? Let’s face it, whether you are packing lunch for your kids or yourself, there will inevitably be some leaks and spills along the way.

I don’t know about you but I just hate a sticky lunch bag. To combat this, I’ve put together some great cleaning tips for your daily and weekly efforts towards keeping the lunch boxes and bag germ-free and sanitary. 

Here are some tips on how to keep bellies full and lunch bags clean:

For Daily Cleaning

Antibacterial Wipes:

One of my daily quick and easy spot cleaning solutions for a dirty lunch bag or container includes antibacterial wipes. You heard me right. This is such a handy way to kill germs immediately as that lunch bag enters the door. 

DIY Natural Cleaner Spray Bottle

Another great idea is to keep a natural cleaner on hand in a spray bottle. Vinegar works wonders for this and is my go-to solution around the house. 

When it comes to cleaning items which have contact with your mouth, I always try to opt for a natural cleaner. Simply mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. It both disinfects and deodorizes. And if you’re worried about the vinegar smell, don’t because it quickly disappears when it dries. 

Another option is to mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. The hydrogen peroxide is considered the safest all-natural effective sanitizer.

Whether you want to go the route of a DIY homemade cleaning spray or an all-natural store-bought cleaning spray, simply spray the lunch bag and wipe clean with a cloth or sponge. It’s that simple and an easy daily cleaning routine that won’t require much time or effort at all!

For Weekly Cleaning

Machine Washing Lunch Bags

Most insulated lunch bags can be machine-washed. This is something that can be done on a weekly basis. Just toss them right in on a gentle cycle, with cold water and a mild detergent, and that will ensure a deeper clean than the daily wiping down. For drying, some are best to let air dry. Others hold up perfectly on a delicate cycle through the dryer. There’s really nothing better than starting the week with a clean and fresh lunch bag.

Tip: Always read the tags/labels on your lunch bags to ensure that you adhere to the recommended care. It’s also a good idea to wash your lunch bags separately or with “old rags” from the rest of your laundry. 

Hand Washing Lunch Bags

Another way to wash your lunch bags is by hand. Start by filling your sink with warm water and a small amount of dish detergent mixed in. Wipe both the interior and exterior with a sponge or cloth. Rinse by using a cloth that is dampened with clean water. Pat it dry with a towel and allow it to dry completely by air. You can also lay it out, open and upside down in your dish strainer to allow it to dry overnight. 

Have any other suggestions on how to keep your lunch bag or box clean? Leave a comment below!