How to Clean Your Diaper Bag So That It’s Like Brand New

Certain materials require certain maintenance and cleaning products. The majority of diaper bags are composed of one of:

So, a one size fits all cleaning approach doesn’t always work!

In order to keep the outside looking shiny and new, read on to learn how to treat each material!

Leather

In order to clean leather on the outside of your bag, the first step in keeping it fresh and new looking is to condition it every few months.

This keeps the leather’s natural oils looking healthy and shiny.

You can find lots of leather conditioners on the market. Or, you could try making your own.

All you need is a mixture of warm water (about a quart), a tablespoon of soap, and a couple drops of vinegar.

Use a cloth, like you would with your purchased, bottled conditioner and wring it out to make sure it’s not too wet.

Wipe down your surface and voila!

You have a brand new looking baby bag!

Be sure to test a small area first and also let it fully air dry.

Nylon

To clean the outside of a nylon bag or diaper backpack, you just need a little warm water, dish soap, and a toothbrush (or baby brush).

Simply dip the brush into the soapy mixture and gently scrub the surface.

This helps target stains, water marks, and other forms of deterioration over time.

Don’t want to whip up your own solution?

There are lots of nylon cleaners on the market to purchase.

Canvas

When it comes to cleaning the exterior of your canvas bag, it’s important to remember to not fully submerge the bag in water.

This can cause color bleeding and staining throughout.

Your fabric can also lose its shape. So, spot clean the bag with a damp sponge and a special detergent (that you can find in any old grocery store) that is designated for hand washing fine fabrics.

Cotton Blend

You can generally toss cotton blend bags into the washer.

Be sure to use warm water and just a small amount of detergent.

If your bag is heavily stained or soiled, pre-treat it as you would with stained clothing items. Let the bag dry flat!

So, now that you’ve conquered the outside of your bag, let’s focus on the inside!

I’ve gained so many helpful tips and tricks over the years, they’re too good to not share.

Keep Baking Soda in Your Bag

You know how you keep a box open in the back of your fridge?

Why not keep your bag smelling fresh by sprinkling a little in a baggie and keeping it in a pocket of your bag?

Get Your Vacuum Involved

When snacks get spilled in my diaper bag, I often turn to my vacuum for help.

Using the hose feature (and high suction setting), get to work diminishing crumbs and chunks of food!

All You Need is Dish Soap

Dish soap is very gentle but powerful. So, when you’re ready to clean the inside of your bag, most linings can handle being blotted or brushed with a warm, soapy mixture.

If you have a tough stain or two, keep a bleach pen on hand in your bag. You can apply it right away to hold you over until you can get home to treat it.

Wipes Suffice for a Quick Clean

If you notice a spill, a stain, or some stickiness forming, don’t wait until you get home to take action.

In addition to cleaning up boogers, dirty faces, dirty hands, and miscellaneous marks from markers, pen, and glue, baby wipes are great to have on hand. They can combat problems before they start and can simply be tossed in the trash when finished.

Open Up All Pockets

Pockets can get the dirtiest and trap bacteria, causing odor and releasing germs on those who utilize the bag. When cleaning the interior, unzip every nook and cranny.

Vacuum each part out before tossing it in the washer or using a circular motion with a tool of your choice. This way, you’ll be sure each pocket and compartment won’t be overlooked and it will also be able to dry out properly as well.

Here's a quick checklist of more tips you can follow to keep your diaper bag looking like new!