Are you wondering how to clean mold out of a diaper bag? As you may know, diaper bags are one of the must-have items to have for new parents.
They are made of various materials, such as cotton, leather, vinyl, polyester, and nylon. You can also get them in all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Whatever the brand, what you pay for, or what the bag is made of, diaper bags are exposed to all kinds of stains, including mold stains.
Mold or mildew are fungi that will leave messy stains or nasty smells inside your bag.
Yet, you don’t always have to toss your diaper bag in the trash when you discover it has mold or become soiled. You can employ any natural method of removing mold from diaper bags to get your bag back to looking its best.
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How To Clean Mold Out Of A Diaper Bag
As earlier stated, mold is a type of fungus that can be found almost anywhere. It comes in various colors, including white, black, green, orange, and purple, and it can grow indoors and outdoors.
It usually produces spores that can be spread by air. These spores grow quickly if they find an ideal habitat, such as warm and moist fabric.
Some people are allergic to mold, which can lead to health problems if they inhale mold spores.
Because newborns have weakened immune systems and lungs, it is best to inspect all their items regularly to ensure they are clean and mold-free.
Here are 3 easy methods to get mold out of your diaper bag clean and free from mold.
Method 1: Wipe Down & Disinfect
Things You’ll Need
- Baking Soda
- Mild Detergent
- Soft Brush or Toothbrush
- Clean Cloth or Rag
- White Vinegar
- Spray Bottle
- Vacuum
- Bowl or Sink
Step 1
Remove everything (including stiff partitions, straps, or handles) from the inside of your diaper bag before you start.
Remove all the items in your diaper bag and ensure all the compartments are open. Also, open all pockets, compartments, zippers, snaps, clasps, etc.
Step 2
Hold your diaper bag upside down and remove any loose garbage and dirt. Once this is done, vacuum remove any remaining debris, dust, or dirt from inside the bag.
We recommend you use a wand-like attachment on your vacuum to ensure you get into all the edges and creases inside the diaper bag.
Step 3
You can sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda inside the bag’s compartments or pour a small amount inside smaller, open containers that can fit in each compartment.
Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 24hrs for it to absorb the odors. However, if you sprinkle baking soda inside your diaper bag, shake out and vacuum the bag after 24 hours.
Step 4
Use a clean cloth or rag to spot-clean the inside and outside of your diaper bag. Mix 1 gallon of warm water and 1–2 tsp of mild detergent in a bowl or sink. Scrub stains in a circular motion if need be.
Even if there are no visible stains, wipe the inside and outside of the bag with a soapy, damp cloth. Using the same method you can use the same method to clean any straps, handles, and compartments.
Step 5
Use a baking soda paste for stubborn stains that is difficult to remove using soap and water.
Make a thick paste by pouring 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of baking soda into a small bowl and adding warm water. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the stains with the baking soda paste in a circular motion.
If the stains refuse to go away, you may need to use a commercial stain remover. But be sure to test an inconspicuous area on the bag first to ensure the stain remover won’t damage the bag.
Step 6
Clean the soap and baking soda paste using a clean, damp rag or cloth. Use warm water to dampen the rag or cloth. Ensure you rinse the rag or cloth several times, as it may absorb soap or baking soda paste.
Avoid submerging the diaper bag under a tap or faucet to remove the soap or baking soda.
Step 7
You can hang the bag, place it on a dry towel, or put it on a drying rack to air dry completely.
Keep all the diaper bag compartments, zippers, clasps, etc., open while your bag air dries or dries under the sun if you’re weather allows it.
Step 8
Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the diaper bag inside. Don’t worry; the vinegar smell will disappear as the vinegar dries.
Alternatively, dampen a cloth or towel with white vinegar and wipe the bag surfaces. Don’t rinse or wipe the vinegar away after it dries.
Method 2: Deep Clean Using Mild Soap and Water
Things You’ll Need
- Soft Brush
- Mild Soap
- Bucket or Sink
- Clean Cloth or Rag
- Warm Water
Step 1
Remove everything from your diaper bag and open all compartments before you begin. Hold your diaper bag upside down and shake vigorously, to remove any crumbs, dirt, and other loose debris.
Use a vacuum to remove any tricky or hidden debris in the creases and corners. Also, if your bag contains any removable stiff partitions, bottom panels, straps, or handles, you must remove them too.
Step 2
Fill your bucket or sink with warm water and 1–2 tsp (4.9–9.9 mL) containing a mild soapy detergent. Ensure the bucket or the sink you use is large enough to submerge the diaper bag in the water.
If your diaper bag is made of a natural material such as cotton and the fabric contains multiple colors, you may want to use cold water instead (to prevent the colors from running).
Do not follow these steps if you’re diaper bag is made of leather. We recommend you don’t submerge leather bags in the water.
Step 3
Allow the diaper bag to sink under the soapy water for 10-20 minutes. Ensure the entire body of the bag is fully submerged in water for 10-20 minutes.
Place a heavier object (like a glass bowl or bottle of water) on the bag to submerge it. By soaking the bag, stains will be lifted and loosened without soaking through the fabric thoroughly.
Step 4
After removing the bag from the water, inspect the inside and outside of the bag, looking for stains that may not have been completely removed.
Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub in a circular motion any leftover stains. You can even use a clean rag to scrub the stains if you don’t have a brush.
Step 5
Rinse off all the soapy residue on the diaper bag under the tap of a large sink. Turn the bag inside out to rinse the inside of the diaper bag. Ensure all the soap residue is completely rinsed inside and outside the bag.
Use the bathroom faucet or showerhead to rinse the diaper bag if you don’t have a large enough sink at home.
Step 6
Please do not put your diaper bag in a dryer to avoid damaging it. Rather, hang the diaper bag in a well-ventilated space to air dry. You can hang the bag on a clothesline, towel bag, or shower rod.
Always ensure your diaper bag is completely dry before using it. A towel is also an effective way of drying your bag. Please ensure you turn it over several times so each side dries.
Method 3: Using the Washer
Things You’ll Need
- Mild Soap
- Washer
- Mesh Laundry Bag or Pillowcase
Step 1
Some diaper bags, such as leather diaper bags or ones with leather trim, cannot be washed in a washing machine. Ensure you read the manufacturer’s product care label and cleaning instructions thoroughly.
If unsure, it’s best to avoid using the washing machine and use the traditional way of cleaning or hand washing the bag.
Step 2
Before putting the diaper bag in the washer, remove any items from the bag.
You may damage straps and handles if they get caught on something while inside the washer. You may not wash removable parts properly if they’re inside the bag.
Instead, you should hand-wash the bag’s removable handles, straps, or partitions.
You may damage the removable partitions if you submerge them in water since their interiors may be cardboard (to keep them stiff).
Step 3
Put your diaper bag inside a large mesh bag or a pillowcase before putting it in the washing machine.
Using a mesh bag or pillowcase will prevent the diaper bag from being damaged inside the washing machine and prevent it from stretching.
This particular step is crucial if you have a washer with an agitator. The agitator can damage the diaper bag, or straps could get stuck on the agitator during the spinning cycle.
Step 4
Always use the gentle or delicate cycle on your washer when cleaning a diaper bag.
Use gentle or mild laundry detergent and a warm water setting (or cold water setting if you’re concerned about colors running).
Always use mild detergent when cleaning your baby’s clothing. Do not use bleach on any bags that aren’t entirely white.
Step 5
Remove the diaper bag from the mesh bag or pillowcase and place it where it can air dry.
As mentioned earlier, you either hang the bag to dry, lay it on a towel, put it on top of a drying rack, or leave it in the sun to dry.
Like the diaper bag, you can dry the mesh laundry bag or pillowcase in the dryer with another load.
If you notice your diaper bag has mold in it or there’s a nasty smell coming from the inside of the bag, you seek the help of a professional dry cleaner to have it cleaned up.
If your diaper bag is made of leather, you can use a commercial leather cleaner and moisturizer at least twice a year. Using a leather cleaner and moisturizer will keep the leather of your bag protected and clean and prevent it from flaking.
Pro Tip
Don’t get entangled with mold. You must keep it away from your baby or any baby items or gear. It’s crucial to eliminate mold from your diaper bag because of the risks it could pose for you and your baby.
- If your bag is moldy or smells foul, you may have to bring a cleaner to clean it professionally.
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines for cleaning and washing the diaper bag.
- Always spray the inside of your diaper bag with white vinegar regularly, every couple of days, to keep it regularly disinfected.
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Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you in-depth knowledge on how to clean mold out of a diaper bag. After you’ve freshened up your diaper bag and made sure that it smells like flowers (or at least not like old juice and wet diapers), it’s time to organize everything in whatever way feels most comfortable.
Remember, spending a few minutes tidying and wiping up every few weeks can save you a lot of trouble in the future. If you treat your bag well, it will serve you well for many years to come.