A variety of materials can be used to make a diaper bag.Any type of material is safe to use for wiping down, spot cleaning, and sterilizing your diaper bag.The washing machine should only be cleaned in bags where the care instructions indicate it is safe.Never put a leather bag in a washing machine or submerge it in water.If you want to prevent stains from forming, you should wash your diaper bag on a weekly basis.A deep-cleaning only needs to be done every 6 months after big messes or stains.
Step 1: Take the contents of your diaper bag and open it.
Remove everything from the inside of your diaper bag before you start.Any stiff partition, straps, or handles need to be removed.All pockets, compartments, snaps, clasps, and other items can be opened.
Step 2: Rub the inside of the bag.
If you have loose debris and dirt, shake it out by holding your diaper bag upside down.Use a vacuum to remove the debris, dust, and dirt from inside the bag, especially in the corners and creases.To get into the bag, use the wand-like attachment on your vacuum.
Step 3: Baking soda can be put in the bag for 24 hours.
Alternatively, sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda inside the bag.You can put a small amount of baking soda inside smaller containers that can fit in each compartment.Baking soda should be allowed to absorb odours for at least 24 hours.If you put baking soda inside your diaper bag, shake it out and vacuum it after the 24 hours are up.
Step 4: Warm water and soap can be used to clean a bag.
In a bucket, bowl, or sink, mix together 1 gallon of warm water and mild laundry detergent.To clean the inside and outside of your diaper bag, use a clean cloth or rag.If necessary, scrub stains in a circular motion.Even if there are no stains, make sure you wipe the inside and outside of the bag with a damp cloth.The same method is used to clean any straps, handles, and compartments.
Step 5: Baking soda and water can be used for a scrubbing cleanser.
Baking soda paste can be used to remove tough stains.Add warm water and baking soda to a small bowl and it will form a thick paste.Use a toothbrush or cloth to scrub the stains with the baking soda paste.If you find stains that can't be washed with soap or water, you may need to use a commercial stain removal product.To make sure the stain removal won't damage the bag, it's important to test an inconspicuous spot.
Step 6: Use a clean, damp cloth or towel to rinse and dry the bag.
Use a damp cloth to remove the soap and baking soda paste.You may need to rinse the cloth several times as it may accumulate soap and/or baking soda paste.Warm water can be used to damp the cloth.Don't put the diaper bag under the faucet or tap to remove the soap.
Step 7: The bag should be allowed to air dry.
Keep your diaper bag open while the air in it dries.Put the bag on a towel or a drying rack to dry.If you can, place the bag outside in the sun.The diaper bag should be dry in a couple of hours due to the minimal amount of water used.
Step 8: It's a good idea to spray the inside of the bag with white vinegar.
If you want to spray the inside of the diaper bag, put white vinegar inside a spray bottle.As the vinegar dries, the smell of it will disappear.If you want to wipe down the surfaces of your diaper bag, you can use a cloth or towel.After it dries, don't rinse or wipe it away.Every couple of days, you can spray the inside of your diaper bag with white vinegar.
Step 9: Remove the diaper bag completely and open it.
Take everything out of your diaper bag.You can shake out loose debris by holding your diaper bag upside down.You can use a vacuum to get rid of the remaining debris.At this stage, you should remove the stiff partition, bottoms, straps, and handles from your bag.
Step 10: Warm water and mild laundry detergent are needed to fill a bucket or sink.
If you want to submerge your entire diaper bag in the water, make sure the bucket or sink is large enough.Warm water can be used to fill the bucket.If you own a diaper bag made of cotton and the fabric contains multiple colors, you may want to use cold water to prevent the colors from running.Do not try to get a leather diaper bag.Leather bags shouldn't be submerged in water.
Step 11: The diaper bag should be submerged under the soapy water for at least 10 minutes.
The entire bag needs to be under the water for at least 10 minutes.Place a heavier item on top of the bag to keep it submerged.The bag can be soaked to help lift and loosen stains that may have formed inside the bag.
Step 12: To remove stubborn stains, use an old toothbrush.
When you remove your bag from the water, look for stains that may have not been completely removed.An old toothbrush can be used to scrub stubborn stains.If you don't have an old toothbrush, use a clean cloth or rag to scrub the stains in a circular motion.
Step 13: To remove soap from your diaper bag, rinse it with clean water.
You can rinse away all the soap by holding your diaper bag under the sink.All the soap needs to be washed from the inside and outside of the bag.To wash the inside of the bag, turn it inside out.You can rinse the diaper bag in the bathroom if you don't have a large enough sink.
Step 14: Hang your bag in a dry place.
Don't put your diaper bag in the dryer.The bag can be hung on a clothesline, towel bag or shower rod.Just remember to turn the towel over a couple of times and the bag will dry out.Re-shape the bag while it is drying.The bag may have been stretched or twisted.Before you use your diaper bag again, make sure it is completely dry.
Step 15: Read the instructions carefully.
Some diaper bags are not designed to be washed in a washing machine.It is a good idea to spot/hand clean the bag if you are unsure.If you don't clean your diaper bags properly, your warranty may be voided.
Step 16: The diaper bag has straps and handles.
Take the items off the diaper bag before putting it in the washing machine.If they get caught on something in the washing machine, the handles and straps may be damaged.If left inside the bag, the parts may not be washed correctly.Do not use the washing machine to clean the handles, straps, or partition from the bag.If you submerge them in water, they may be ruined because they have cardboard as their interior.
Step 17: The diaper bag should be inside a mesh bag.
Instead of putting your diaper bag in the washing machine, put it inside a large mesh bag or pillowcase.The mesh bag or pillowcase will protect the bag from being damaged in the washing machine and will help prevent the diaper bag being stretched out of shape.If you have a washing machine with an agitator, this step is important.During the spin cycle, the bag can be damaged or straps/handles can get stuck.
Step 18: The gentle cycle can be used with warm water and detergent.
The gentle or delicate cycle is the best way to wash a diaper bag.If you are concerned about colors running, use a warm water setting.Use gentle or mild detergent.Do not use bleach on bags that are not white.The bag should be washed with other delicate items.If you already have mild detergent, use it to clean your baby's clothes.
Step 19: Allow the bag to air dry after removing it from the washing machine.
The diaper bag should be removed from the mesh bag.There is a place where the diaper bag can air dry.Put the bag on top of a drying rack and hang it to dry.If you want, you can put your bag outside in the sun.The mesh laundry bag can be put into the dryer with another load or dried using the same methods as the diaper bag.