Cooler Bags: 5 Care and Maintenance Tips

During the summer, having cool and refreshing drinks wherever you go is essential for staying hydrated and healthy. Luckily, that is quite easy to achieve. In fact, you only need one cooler bag, and you’re all set.

Aside from drinks, these bags can also help you carry snacks and even full-on meals. In reality, they can fit anything you want to consume cold and keep it at an optimal temperature for more than twelve hours.

However, it is important to note that cooler bags require frequent care to be able to work properly on a regular basis. From cleaning tips to tricks on how to keep the bag from smelling bad, here is all the maintenance advice you can use for your favourite coolers.

 

1.  Everyday Cleaning Tricks

Do you use your cooler bags daily to carry your food and drinks to work? In that case, it is pivotal to clean it after each use. As tiresome as this may seem, it will actually prolong the bag’s shelf life and keep it clean and odourless.

You can do the cleaning in two ways. One is to buy a light antibacterial spray and use a cloth to wipe down the inside of your bag every night. The other is to make a cleaning solution by yourself.

All you need is some water and vinegar. A tablespoon of vinegar will be enough for a bottle of 0.5 l of water. Shake everything together thoroughly, and then use it just like you would a store-bought cleaner.

Besides removing any food and beverage stains from the bags, these cleaning techniques will also keep any foul odours away. Thus, your bag will be ready for use every day as if it were brand new.

 

2.  Removing Persistent Stains

If you’ve forgotten to clean your cooler bag and notice some nasty stains on it, worry not. No matter how persistent the stain might be, you can remove it with a simple mixture of water and baking soda.

Combine these two ingredients to get a paste, and then apply it to the stains. Leave everything to rest for about 20 minutes, then wash it off. You’ll notice that your bag looks pristine again and that the stains are ancient history.

 

3.  Can You Put Your Bags in Your Washer?

If you don’t have time to wash your cooler bags by hand, you might be wondering if you can just throw them in your washer. However, the answer to this question is not as simple because it depends on the material of the bag.

For example, canvas bags and cotton bags are mostly safe for machine washing. On the other hand, any parts made of mesh have to be cleaned by hand to avoid damage. To avoid any mistakes, it is best to always follow the instructions from the bag manufacturer.

When washing your coolers, you should always choose a gentle and cold machine cycle. In addition, you need to buy a mild detergent that won’t be too harsh on the material.

Finally, it is preferable to let your bag dry naturally, regardless of its material. Dryers are usually quite harsh on canvas and similar materials, so natural air drying is a better choice to keep the bag intact.

 

4.  What About Hard-Sided Cooler Bags?

So far, we have covered cleaning techniques suitable for foldable, soft-sided cooler bags. However, these methods do not apply to hard-sided models, as they are made of metal.

To clean such bags, you will need some warm water, soap, and a clean towel. Luckily, the bags retain no odours, so you won’t have to worry about that particular issue. Simply wash the outside and inside of the bag with water and soap, rinse thoroughly, and wipe everything with a dry towel.

It is essential not to submerge your bag in water completely. Instead, dab it with water and soap, and then rinse it. That way, you’ll preserve the cooler and prevent any damage to the metal.

 

5.  How Often Should You Clean Your Cooler Bags?

The answer to this question depends on how often you use the bag and your personal preferences. Generally speaking, it is best to at least wipe down your bag if you use it every day. But if you use it sporadically, washing it before and after every use is more than enough.

Of course, if you notice some stains on your bag, you should wash it as soon as possible. That way, the stain won’t have time to set, and you’ll avoid permanent damage.


Related content:
The Year-Round Appeal of Branded Cooler Bags


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