What You Need
Whether your kids are a fan of the classic metal lunchbox or more modern types, spilled drinks and accumulated food grime will result in sticky, smelly messes that require attentive cleaning and deodorizing. A metal or plastic lunch box will need to be hand-washed, but you can almost always clean a fabric lunch box by throwing it in the washing machine.
Whether you're looking to clean the outside of a lunch box, deodorize the inside, or a little bit of both, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner works to clean, degrease, deodorize, and remove stains without harmful chemicals*. The clean-rinsing formula does not leave behind a residue, so you don't have to worry about tasting soapy residue on your food.
Hand Washing
Washing Machine (fabric or insulated lunch boxes)
While most fabric and insulated lunch bags can be put in the washing machine, some won't hold up to the agitation. Be sure to check the care tag inside the lunch box if you're unsure about machine washing. Make sure you are using a non-HE (high efficiency) washer. HE washers use less water than traditional washers and may not sufficiently rinse out the 1/4 cup cleaner.
*Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is an EPA Safer Choice product. You can learn more about how each ingredient has been reviewed by EPA toxicologists for health, safety, and environmental compliance here.