How to clean a diaper bag, inside and out

How to clean a diaper bag, inside and out

Start with the care label, then work from the inside out: empty the bag, wipe the lining and pockets, clean the exterior to suit its material and handle the changing pad and pouches separately. The job is mostly gentle wiping, and a bag should only go in the washing machine if its label says so.

Check the care label first

The care label, often sewn into an inside seam or printed on a tag, tells you what the bag can take, and the product page may say the same. If you cannot find either, treat the bag as spot-clean only.

  • If it says machine washable, follow the cycle and temperature on the label.
  • If it says hand wash or spot clean, stay with a damp cloth and mild soap.
  • Test any cleaner on a hidden spot first.
  • Air-dry unless the label allows a dryer, since heat can damage coatings, glue and trim.

Empty, shake out and sort

  1. Take everything out, including the small pockets, where old wipes and snacks like to hide.
  2. Turn the bag upside down over a sink, a garbage can or outdoors and shake out the crumbs. A vacuum with a brush or crevice attachment reaches into the seams.
  3. Sort what came out: throw out the garbage, set aside anything that needs washing and replace anything dried out, such as wipes.
  4. Check the pouches for leaks, then wash your hands.

Wiping down linings and pockets

Use warm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth wrung out until it is damp rather than wet. Wipe the lining first, then each pocket, turning pockets inside out if they allow it. A soft brush or an old toothbrush helps in seams and corners.

Go over everything again with a cloth dampened in plain water to lift the soap, then dry with a towel. Avoid soaking the bag, since water can get trapped in padding and seams. Leave it open to air before you restock.

Fabric, canvas and faux leather exteriors

Exterior Gentle approach
Polyester or nylon Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Machine wash only if the label says so.
Canvas or cotton Spot clean. The fibres soak up liquid, so dry it fully before you close the bag.
Faux leather Wipe with a soft damp cloth, skip abrasive scrubbing and dry with a soft cloth.
Quilted or padded Spot clean, press with a towel to lift moisture and air dry.

Wipe the handles and straps too, since your hands touch them every day.

Dealing with leaks, milk spills and odours

Act quickly when something leaks.

  1. Blot the spill with a dry cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, which pushes it into the fabric.
  2. Wipe with a damp, soapy cloth, then with a clean damp cloth.
  3. Dry with a towel and leave the bag open in a well-aired spot, away from direct heat.

If the leak came from a soiled diaper, lift off any solids with a paper towel first, clean as above and wash your hands well when you finish.

Milk and formula left sitting in a lining can smell, which is why quick action helps. For a lingering odour, leave the bag empty and open so air reaches every pocket. Leaving an open container of baking soda inside the empty bag overnight is a common household tip, as long as it cannot tip over. If a smell stays, check the label for a wash option or ask the seller.

Cleaning the changing pad and pouches

The changing pad

Check the label, then wipe a reusable pad with a damp cloth and mild soap and let it dry fully before you fold it, so no damp is trapped in the fold. A disposable pad needs no cleaning, only replacing. One option is Obyfgily disposable baby changing pads, 13 x 18 in, sold as a 100 pack. More styles are in the changing pads and covers collection.

Pouches and wet bags

Empty them, turn them inside out if you can and follow their labels, since whether a pouch can be hand washed or machine washed depends on how it is made. Air dry them open. Having two helps: the Voccos waterproof wet dry bags in black and grey come as a 2 pack, so one can be in use while the other dries.

If a label allows machine washing, a fragrance-free detergent such as Tru Earth baby laundry detergent eco-strips, fragrance free is one option. If your baby's skin reacts to a detergent, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist which products suit them.

A simple weekly and monthly routine

Weekly

  • Empty the bag, shake it out and throw out the garbage.
  • Wipe the lining, pockets, handles and straps.
  • Wipe the changing pad, or swap in a fresh disposable one.
  • Wash the wet bag if its label allows and let it dry open. Empty it every time you get home.
  • Leave the bag open for a few hours before you restock it.

Monthly

  • Clean the exterior to suit its material.
  • Check the zippers, strap anchors and stitching for wear.
  • Look into corners and seams for damp or musty patches.
  • Wash the pouches and the pad if their labels allow.
  • Take out anything you have not used in weeks.

If a bag has reached the end of its life despite good care, the diaper bags collection is there to browse.

Shop this guide

Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.

Common questions

Can I put a diaper bag in the washing machine?

Only if the care label or product page says so. If it does, follow the cycle, temperature and drying instructions exactly. If it does not, spot clean.

How do I dry the bag indoors in winter?

Stand it open in a warm, well-aired room, away from direct heat, with every pocket unzipped and the changing pad out. A dry towel pushed loosely into the main compartment helps the bag keep its shape and takes up moisture from the lining. Restock once the seams and padding feel dry to the touch.

How do I keep it from getting so dirty?

Keep used items in a zipped wet bag, lay a small washable towel in the base of the main compartment and deal with spills the day they happen. A two-minute wipe when you restock is easier than a deep clean once a month.

Looking for a bag or pad that is easier to keep clean? Reach us through the contact page and we will help you choose. We reply within one business day.