Lunchbox Cleaning & Healthy Lunch Tips

As that school bell begins to ring and summer fades away, parents everywhere are getting back into the routine of packing kids’ lunches. But with this comes the dreaded task of cleaning lunchboxes and containers.

Dirty lunchboxes can be unappetizing for your child, and they can also harbor bacteria that may make them sick. Merry Maids® is here to make getting back into the swing of things a little bit easier with helpful lunchbox cleaning tips – plus, we'll leave you with a list of healthy lunch ideas for everyone in the family (kids aren't the only ones who need a nutritious lunch!).

Why a Clean Lunchbox Matters

Before we discuss the tips, let's consider why it's important to keep lunchboxes and containers clean. Bacteria can easily grow and spread in a warm, moist environment, like your child’s lunchbox. When food is thrown into the mix, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive and make your child sick.

Without proper cleaning, these bacteria can make your child sick and even lead to food poisoning. In fact, 73% of fabric lunchboxes tested contained high levels of bacteria and containments, including staphylococci and enterococci, most commonly found on toilets, and traces of mold.

Whether you pack your child's or your own lunch daily in a bento box, a soft or hard-sided lunchbox, or a reusable container, keeping the containers clean is important!

6 Ways to Keep Your Lunchboxes Clean

Let's dive into some practical ways to keep lunchboxes clean. These tips are designed to fit easily into your daily routine, ensuring that packing a healthy lunch doesn't come with a side of stress.

1. The Daily Wipe-Down

In a perfect world, the lunchbox would be deep cleaned after every use. That can't always happen – we get it.

If you can't wash it daily, give the lunchbox a quick wipe down with an antibacterial wipe at the end of every day. This will help eliminate any lingering bacteria and food crumbs and prevent odors from developing. Make sure to wipe the interior and exterior of the lunchbox. Both are equally important in preventing bacteria growth.

2. Weekly Deep Clean

At least once a week, give the lunchbox a more thorough cleaning. The exact way to do this depends on the type of container you have.

You can deep clean various lunch containers, including:

• Insulated Lunch Bags: Spot-clean the exterior with warm soapy water. If the bag is washing machine-safe, use cold water and gentle detergent on a delicate cycle.
• Stainless Steel Lunchboxes: Wash with warm, soapy water and a dishcloth. For stubborn stains, make a baking soda and water paste, scrub gently, and then rinse well.
• Plastic Lunchboxes: Similar to stainless steel, wash with warm, soapy water and a dishcloth. Use a diluted vinegar solution (one part vinegar, three parts water) and a soft brush for tough stains.

Before cleaning, check the care label on your lunchbox to ensure proper cleaning without causing damage. Mastering the weekly deep clean will help preserve your lunchbox, inside and out.

For more school supply cleaning tips, check out our blog, Tips for Cleaning Backpacks and Lunchboxes.

3. Dry Properly

Odors and mold can develop if lunchboxes are not dried properly. Always let the containers air dry after each use rather than closing them up while still damp.

Try these drying methods:

• Air dry upside down on a dish rack
• Use a clean, lint-free cloth to pat dry
• For insulated bags, stuff with paper towels to absorb moisture

This is one of the most important things to learn about proper lunchbox cleaning, as improper drying can waste all your efforts.

4. Use Liners for Easier Cleanup

If your lunchbox has different compartments to hold different items, line them with silicone or plastic liners. This will make it easier to keep the lunchbox clean. Just pop it open, remove the liners, and give the lunchbox a quick wipe-down. You should only have to deep clean once a week.

5. Odor Control

While baking soda is excellent for removing those tough food stains, it's also a powerful odor absorber. After removing everything from the lunchbox, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside and leave it overnight. In the morning, simply shake out the baking soda and wipe the interior clean.

6. Make It a Team Effort

Involve your child in the cleaning process. Have them help empty the lunchbox, wipe down compartments, or place the liner inside.

This teaches your children good habits, like:

• Disposing of uneaten food properly
• Keeping their lunch area clean and free of bacteria
• Taking responsibility for their belongings and keeping track of them

By incorporating lunchbox maintenance into your after-school routine, you can make the tasks easier and quicker.

Healthy Lunch Ideas for the Whole Family

The odds are that your kids aren't the only ones who need a nutritious lunch. Parents can also benefit from packing their lunches rather than eating out or grabbing fast food on workdays.

Some easy, healthy lunch ideas the whole family can enjoy include:

• Turkey and cheese roll-ups with whole-wheat tortillas
• Veggie pasta salad with a homemade vinaigrette dressing
• Hummus and pita chips with sliced bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers for dipping
• Tuna or chicken salad lettuce wraps

Pack each meal with protein, complex carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruit for a well-rounded meal that will keep you energized all day!

Let Merry Maids Keep Everything Else Clean

While you're on lunchbox duty, let us handle the rest of the cleaning. We offer various services to help take some tasks off your plate (and out of your lunchbox!) and keep your home clean and tidy. From the living room to the kitchen and every room in between, we're your trusted cleaning professionals. We’ll help you keep your home in check, so there’s one less thing to worry about.

Looking for house cleaning services to help with the back-to-school hustle and bustle? Find your nearest location today and request a free estimate.