Do you know how to clean a diaper bag?
In this article, I explain step-by-step washing instructions for diaper bags.
Before getting into the topic, first let us understand that diaper bags are made of one or a mix of materials, like cotton, canvas, genuine leather, faux leather, vinyl, polyester, nylon, and others.
It is made of waterproof materials and comes with an easy-to-clean lining.
It is essential to clean and disinfect your diaper bag to keep away bacteria and viruses to ensure the baby’s safety.
Methods of washing diaper bags can differ for each type of material. For example, you can’t put your leather diaper bag in the washing machine.
Read your bag’s washing instructions carefully. Some diaper bags are safe to machine wash. Some are hand wash and, and some are spot cleaning only.
All diaper bags are not machine washable unless stated by the manufacturer. So follow it strictly.
However, spot cleaning is safe for all kinds of materials and, it is the easiest way to clean your diaper bag.
Before proceeding, may I suggest you go through the Types of Diaper Bags
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Washing Instructions: Handwashing Method
When the bag is strained and needs a wash, the safe and best method is to handwash to ensure durability. Believe me! It won’t take much time. It hardly takes 15-20 minutes only.
1. Empty your bag and open the zippers, turn the pockets and the entire bag inside out and upside down.
2. Shake it a few times to remove any crumbs or other dirt particles.
3. Remove and set aside any detachable straps (if available) and stiffener, also known as the bottom panel.
4. Use a large tub or bucket that can hold the entire diaper bag.
5. Fill the bucket with water and mix with mild detergent soap.
6. Place the bag, detachable strap, and stiffener in the bucket. Make sure that bag is covered with water.
7. Leave it for a few 2-3 hours to help dirt loosen up and break up stains.
8. Brush the diaper bag using a soft brush. You may also want to brush the exterior surface of the bag to make it look new and remove dirt.
9. Rinse the bag with clean water and hang it for air drying.
10. Leave all zippers and pockets open when drying and dry in a well-ventilated area but out of direct sunlight to avoid color fading.
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Washing the diaper bag in the machine
If your diaper bag is safe to machine wash, then you can follow the steps below.
1. Empty your bag and open the zippers, turn the pockets and the entire bag inside out and upside down.
2. Shake it a few times to remove any crumbs or other dirt particles.
3. Remove and set aside any detachable straps (if available), stiffener(bottom panel) and wash them by hand.
4. Keep your bag inside mesh laundry bags. It prevents your bag from damage and also helps the detergent to penetrate better.
5. However, using a mesh laundry bag is completely optional until or unless you have an interior rotator in your machine.
6. Turn your machine settings to a gentle/hand wash cycle or, mild/delicate settings with cold water and use a mild detergent.
7. Hang it for air drying. Don’t use a dryer. It might cause the bag to shrink or spoil its sensitive parts.
8. Leave all zippers and pockets open when drying and dry in a well-ventilated area but out of direct sunlight to avoid color fading.
Click here to check our Ultimate Diaper Bag Buying Guide
Spot Cleaning: Polyester, Vinyl, or Nylon diaper bags
1. Empty your bag and open the zippers, turn the pockets and the entire bag inside out and upside down.
2. Shake it a few times to remove any crumbs or other dirt particles.
3. Remove and set aside any detachable straps (if available), stiffener(bottom panel) and wash them by hand.
4. Take one small bowl and add one tablespoon of baking soda to it. Keep it inside your bag. and leave it overnight.
5. Baking soda can easily remove the bad odor from your bag. You can disinfect your bag by spraying the mixture of white vinegar and water inside your bag.
6. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes.
7. Mix water and 2-3 drops of mild soap in a small bowl.
8. Some cloth bags are not color safe, So it’s better to test a small spot first with your cleaning solution before proceeding further.
9. Dip a small clean cotton cloth into the above mixture and squeeze excess water.
10. Rub in a circular motion using the damp cloth on the surfaces of the diaper bag. Pay special attention to any visible stains.
11. For stubborn stains, take a small amount of baking soda in a bowl and add the required amount of water. Make it a fine paste and rub it in a circular motion on the strains using a toothbrush.
12. Use a damp cloth to give a quick wipe. Make sure that the cloth should not be dripping wet.
13. Now, use a dry cloth to wipe the bag dry.
14. Hang the bag to air dry.
Cleaning Leather Diaper Bags
If you have a leather diaper bag, you can use the same procedures to clean the interior. Leather bags have their advantages, but they do require extra care.
You must follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
But make sure not to get vinegar on any leather visible on the exterior.
For faux leather, you can use the same procedures.
In the case of genuine leather, you can use a leather cleaner. It protects the bag from wrinkling or cracking. It will even extend its life span and keep it in shape.
Furthermore, it’s better to test a small spot first with your cleaning solution before proceeding further.
Clean your bag according to the instructions on your leather cleaner. Take your time and be gentle.
After cleaning the leather, it’s time to condition it. You can do it at least twice a year to keep the leather moisturized and prevent cracks.
Once conditioned the bag, can wipe it briskly with a soft cloth to shine it up and obtain it look fresh again.
Conclusion
I would suggest you follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions carefully to clean your diaper bag.
However, even your bag is completely safe to machine wash or hand wash, spot cleaning, and disinfecting your diaper bag are my choice for regular cleaning.
It’s better to test a small spot first with your cleaning solution before proceeding further.
You can do deep cleaning once in 4 months or after big messes or stains.
Diaper bags are made of durable materials, but they still need proper washing to keep their quality and increase their life span.
Do you still have any questions regarding cleaning diaper bags? Leave us the question in the comments below!
Before you leave:
- Is your diaper bag machine washable?
- Which method are you following to clean your diaper bag?
- Would you recommend this article to your friends?
