How To Wash Backpacks + Lunch Boxes - Clean Mama

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How to Wash Backpacks + Lunch Boxes
August 11, 2017

My kiddos head back to school in a little over a week. That means we’re getting ready for the new school year with lots of prepping of our systems, getting school supplies, and just trying to get ready for the new routine. One of the things we’re doing this week is to check backpacks and give them a wash. Typically I would have done this back in June but we went on vacation the day after school got out and I guess we just kind of forgot 🙂

Most fabric backpacks and soft lunch boxes CAN be washed – here’s how to do just that. (I’ve washed numerous backpacks and lunch boxes this way over the years and have never lost one :))

Empty the backpack and/or lunch box completely – open all the pockets and compartments and make sure that there isn’t anything hiding.

Place in your washing machine and wash on gentle with a gentle detergent. I use Clean Mama Laundry Detergent Spray – perfect for backpacks and lunchboxes.

Leave all the pockets open and hang to dry or place outside to dry in the sun.

We keep backpacks and lunch boxes in our mudroom in this giant basket. When the kids come home from school, they empty their lunch boxes and take out homework. The backpacks and lunch boxes are easy for them to access and they have a ‘spot’. Making sure that everything has a place makes it easy for kids to take responsibility for their own things.

Check out this post for some of my best ‘mom shortcuts’ – perfect for back to school!

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9 Comments

  1. Mary Says...

    It is pretty gross when you think about all the places the back pack goes! It’s always on the floor or germy hands touching it! We use Molly’s Suds as well! I love the basket idea! Setting up systems like this makes everything run smoother when it’s time to get out the door! Thank you for sharing!

    Mary http://Www.clutterfreewithmaryleigh.com

  2. Momma Says...

    This is timely! My kids started back to school today and I was washing book bags yesterday. I had to soak my daughter’s in oxiclean. Her bag is light blue and was looking rough. Now it looks brand new!

  3. Steph Says...

    What about a lunchbox that has the silver insulted lining. Can those still go in the washer?

    1. b r Says...
      Post author

      My kids have that lining and I’ve never had an issue!

  4. Lisa D Says...

    This is also an excellent idea for grown up’s cycling and hiking ‘Camelbacks’ and back packs as well! These can get pretty grungy over time!

  5. Kathlyne Raymundo Says...

    i usually hang them up side down to make sure all the water escapes.

  6. Pingback: It’s the Little Things #85 – Clean Mama

  7. Ewa Skoczek Says...

    I wash my grandson’s backpack outside in a big plastic trough with normal washing detergent and a splash of vinegar. Use a scrubbing brush & rinse thoroughly with the garden hose. All done on the lawn; so, as we live in Australia (the driest continent) there is no wasting of precious water.

  8. Effie Skiouris Says...

    How do I access the class for 5 day refresh I’ve joined and bought the printables but have no idea how to connect Will an email be sent to the link

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