How to Clean and Maintain Your Baby Changing Bag

A baby changing bag goes through a lot — leaky bottles, crumbs, wipes, accidental spills, and daily wear. Whether you're carrying it to the park, nursery, or commuting with your baby gear each day, this essential item requires regular cleaning and maintenance.

More than just appearance, maintaining a clean baby bag helps protect your baby from bacteria and keeps things organised and fresh.

This guide shows step-by-step how to clean, freshen, and maintain your baby changing bag, whether it's made of polyester, canvas, faux leather, or more specialised fabrics.

Why You Need to Clean Your Baby Bag Regularly

1. Hygiene & Safety

Spilt milk, food residue, or moisture buildup can lead to germs, mould, or odours — none of which are ideal around baby items like bottles, teething toys, or muslins.

2. Extended Durability

Proper maintenance keeps zips working, fabric strong, and linings intact, helping your bag last well beyond the baby years.

3. Better Organisation

A clean interior helps you identify what’s inside and reduces the chance of misplacing essentials like wipes or medications.

Before You Start: Know Your Bag’s Material

Always check the care label or product description. Bags like the ones from Kidyra.Store are typically made from:

• Oxford-coated polyester or nylon (most common + easy to clean)

• Vegan leather/faux leather trim (use a damp cloth)

• Waterproof interiors & wipeable linings

• Padded inserts that may be removable

If your bag has a USB port or charging system, be extra careful not to expose that area to excess water.

Cleaning Checklist

You Will Need:

• Clean microfibre cloth or sponge

• Soft brush (or old toothbrush for zips)

• Mild, non-toxic detergent

• Warm water

• Baby-safe disinfectant wipes or spray

• Optional: white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda (for odour removal)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Baby Changing Bag

Step 1: Empty the Bag Completely

• Remove everything — bottles, nappies, creams, pens, snacks, etc.

• Shake the bag upside down to release debris or crumbs.

• Turn pockets inside out where possible.

Step 2: Pre-Clean the Surface

• Use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove loose dust and debris.

• Focus on seams, corners, zips — the forgotten mess tends to hide there.

Step 3: Mix Your Cleaning Solution

In a bowl or small bucket, mix:

• 1 part baby-safe detergent or mild washing-up liquid

• 3 parts warm (not hot) water

Avoid bleach or strong chemicals. Harsh ingredients can damage waterproof coatings and irritate baby skin.

Step 4: Wipe the Outer Fabric

Using a microfibre cloth soaked (not dripping) in your solution:

• Wipe in gentle circular motions

• Pay attention to the bottom, handles, and frequently-touched areas

• For tougher stains, dampen again and let sit for 5–10 mins before wiping

Step 5: Clean the Interior Lining

• Use baby wipes or a damp sponge to wipe the inner compartments

• If the interior is stickier (e.g. due to snacks, creams, etc.), gently scrub with the cleaning cloth

• Don’t soak the lining — just lightly dampen and wipe

Use a mild antibacterial spray or wipe for added sanitation.

Step 6: Clean the Zips, Snaps & Hardware

Use an old toothbrush or cleaning brush:

• Brush gently along the zip teeth

• Use a damp cloth to clean snap buttons or stroller clips

• Lightly apply a zip lubricant spray if zips start feeling stiff

Step 7: Remove Odours (Optional)

If your bag smells (spoiled milk, wet clothes, snacks), try one of the following:

Option 1: Bicarbonate of Soda

• Sprinkle inside compartments

• Let sit overnight, then vacuum or shake clean

Option 2: White Vinegar Spray

• Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water

• Lightly spritz affected areas

• Let air-dry thoroughly

Step 8: Let the Bag Air Dry Naturally

DO NOT Tumble Dry or Heat Dry.

• Hang the bag on a drying rack in a ventilated space

• Leave all compartments open to ensure full drying

• Leave out overnight or until completely moisture-free

Can You Machine Wash a Baby Changing Bag?

Usually not recommended. Most modern nappy bags have:

• TPU coating

• Foam-padding

• USB hardware

• Stiffened base

Washing machines can warp the structure, damage internal linings, and void your warranty.

Machine wash only if:

• Manufacturer clearly states it's machine-washable

• Bag has no insulation/hardware

• You use a delicate, cold-water setting inside a laundry bag

Better option? Manual spot cleaning as outlined above.

How Often Should You Clean Your Changing Bag?

Also, do a weekly content audit: throw away expired snacks, dried wipes, and re-pack essentials.

Maintenance Tips: Extending the Life of Your Baby Bag

✅ Rotate Bags if Possible

Have a smaller backup for short trips, and reserve the main bag for full-day travel. It reduces wear.

✅ Store It Properly

When not in use, stuff the compartments with cloth to retain shape. Avoid storing in damp or enclosed places.

✅ Reinforce Zips Early

Loose zip? Don’t wait — apply zipper lubricant or visit a local tailor for a cheap fix.

✅ Buy a Waterproof Insert

Using inner bag organisers protects the core lining from messes and keeps things easier to clean.

Cleaning Tips Based on Specific Materials

Conclusion

Your baby changing bag is an essential parenting tool — it deserves proper care, just like any other item in your daily routine. A few minutes every few weeks can keep your bag hygienic, odour-free, and in like-new condition.

Whether it's made of waterproof Oxford polyester, vegan leather, or canvas, following the right cleaning process will extend its usefulness and keep it looking professional and well-kept — especially if you're using it as a multi-use work + baby bag.

The key takeaway: clean smart, not hard, and your bag will serve you reliably through every nappy change, bottle crisis, and busy Monday morning.

Looking for an easy-to-maintain baby changing bag with waterproof linings, built-in mat, and organiser pockets?

Shop Our UK-Favourite Baby Changing Bags — Designed for daily parenting, travel, and smart cleaning.

FAQs

1. How do I clean baby formula spills inside the bag?

Use a damp cloth with warm water and a drop of detergent. For sticky residue, repeat wiping and let air-dry thoroughly. Avoid leaving spilt milk unattended as bacteria can quickly grow.

2. Can I sanitise a baby bag?

Yes. Use baby-safe sanitising wipes or sprays. Focus on high-touch areas like handles, zips, outer pockets, and changing mats.

3. How do I clean the included changing mat?

Most removable mats are wipe-clean and can be sprayed with sanitiser. If fabric-covered, check the care label. Wash separately if needed.

4. My bag smells musty. What do I do?

Empty and wipe clean. Use baking soda or a mild vinegar-water spray inside. Let it sit open outdoors or in an airy room for 24 hours.

5. Can I put my baby bag in the washing machine?

Only if labelled as machine-safe. Otherwise, wipe down outer fabric and spot-clean the inside to avoid damage to the structure and components.