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Does anyone have a practical solution for removing odors from lunch boxes and school bags?


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  • I’ve had to throw out a bag after finding an old mashed up banana in the bottom – nothing was going to fix that. Moving forward, I then checked the bag everyday. I use Vanilla essence to wipe down surfaces like the microwave and fridge for odour – so this could also work.


  • I soak the luch container in hot water with dishwashing liquid overnight!


  • I give them a wipe out and clean with clean damp dish cloth and then I just smear some vanilla extract in them.


  • tea tree oil is meant to work wonders, you can even get it in a spray can and just spray the bag


  • You can either air the bag on the clothesline or hand wash it in the bath with clothes detergent. With the lunchbox, I would soak it in bicarb or eucalyptus. Give it a really good wash after and use.


  • Wipe over with a solution of vinegar or bicarb and leave in the sun.


  • Wipe school bag all over with white vinegar and put out on a sunny day to air it. Dettol spray might help too.


  • Scrub bags and air dry in the sun.


  • wash the bag and air dry on the line. let the open lunch box sit in the freezer overnight and it will be smell free! this also works for any plastic ware


  • Great question! This is something I have been wondering about for a while.


  • empty the bag and spray glen 20 or for a more natural solution spray a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar or even vanilla.


  • On the school holidays i put the bag (empty) out on the line for some fresh air and some sun. I then give the lunchbox a good clean. I am too busy during the week to be doing this daily but I find each holidays does the trick.


  • a good splash of vanilla essense in warm water, then wipe it with a cloth, then let it air out for a couple of days. if that doesnt work, try some baking or bicarb soda in a small dish, in the lunch bag to absorb the smell.


  • I am dealing with this right now, I tend to just throw everything in the dishwasher and hope for the best!


  • Great question. I am following this for sure. I personally find if I clean out lunchboxes straight after school, give bags a quick spray then I havent had much trouble.


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