Key takeaways
How to Clean a Smelly Diaper Bag?
The best way to clean a smelly diaper bag depends on its material, but in most cases, regular wipe-downs, prompt stain removal, and an occasional deep clean will keep it fresh, hygienic, and ready for everyday adventures.
In this guide, you'll learn how to clean your diaper bag inside and out, tackle stubborn stains and odors, and care for different materials so it stays looking its best for years to come.
Know Your Bag Before You Clean It
Before you reach for a cleaner, check what your diaper bag is made of. Different materials need different care, and using the wrong cleaning method can damage the fabric or wear away protective finishes.
- Organic cotton and canvas bags, like Pehr's, are durable but should be cleaned with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent to help preserve the fabric.
- Coated nylon or water-resistant exteriors are usually easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth, but shouldn't be submerged unless the care label says it's safe.
- Vegan leather or faux leather trims only need a soft, damp cloth. Skip harsh soaps or abrasive cleaners, which can dry out or damage the finish.
When in doubt, always check the care label first. It offers the best guidance for keeping your diaper bag looking its best.
Each product on Pehr comes with care instructions.
"At Pehr, we design products to be loved every day, so we also think about how they'll be cared for. That's why every diaper bag includes clear care instructions - to help parents clean it with confidence and keep it looking beautiful through every adventure."
Jen Kelly, Co-Founder & Co-CEO at Pehr
How to deep clean a smelly diaper bag: step by step
A deep clean takes about 20 minutes and is the best way to remove lingering odors, stains, and everyday buildup. The right method depends on your diaper bag's material, so always check the care label before you begin.
Remove everything, unzip every pocket, and shake the bag over a trash can to clear out crumbs, lint, and debris. Check seams and hidden corners, where dried formula, snack crumbs, and other residue can trap odors.
Before cleaning, read the care label inside your bag. It will tell you whether the bag should be spot cleaned, hand washed, or machine washed. Pehr bags include care instructions on the label, so follow those recommendations first.
Use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment to remove fine crumbs, dust, and pet hair. No vacuum? A lint roller can help lift smaller debris from the lining before you start washing.
Apply a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free detergent to visible stains and any areas affected by milk spills, food, or diaper leaks. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing too hard, which can damage the fabric.
Mix cool water with a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free detergent and wipe the lining with a soft cloth. Pay extra attention to pockets, seams, and the base of the bag, where odors tend to linger. Finish with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
Clean the outside with a soft, damp cloth. Organic cotton bags usually need only a gentle wipe, while coated nylon can handle a little more pressure to remove marks. Avoid soaking the bag, as excess moisture may affect its shape or finish.
Leave every pocket open and let the bag air dry in a well-ventilated space. Never use a dryer or place it near direct heat, which can damage the fabric and hardware. Only pack the bag again once it's completely dry, since trapped moisture can cause musty odors to return.
How Often Should You Clean a Diaper Bag?
As a general rule, wipe down your diaper bag every 2-3 days, give it a deeper clean every 4-6 weeks, and wash it right away after any leak or spill.
However, it's good practice to adopt a daily and weekly cleaning habit, especially if you are using the diaper bag every day.
The best schedule depends on how frequently it's used, not the calendar.
The Quick Wipe-Down: Daily and Weekly Habits
A few minutes of regular care can help prevent stains, lingering odors, and bigger cleanups later. These simple habits are an easy way to keep your diaper bag fresh between deep cleans.
Daily (30 seconds)
After a day out - or after a diaper change or snack break - empty out any trash and give the main compartment a quick wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Taking care of small spills right away helps prevent stains and keeps odors from settling into the fabric.
Weekly (2-3 minutes)
Once a week, wipe down all pockets, the base of the bag, and the exterior to remove dirt and everyday marks. While you're at it, check for forgotten snacks, used wipes, or damp clothing hiding in the pockets. A quick once-over each week goes a long way toward keeping your diaper bag clean, fresh, and ready for your next adventure.
How to get Smell Out of a Diaper Bag
Diaper bags can start to smell when moisture, food crumbs, milk spills, or diaper leaks get trapped in pockets and seams. Even after cleaning, lingering dampness can leave behind a musty odor. These simple, fragrance-free methods can help freshen your bag without using harsh chemicals.
1. Use baking soda
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the empty, dry bag and leave it overnight. Shake or vacuum it out the next morning. Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and is an easy first step for tackling lingering smells.
2. Let it air out
After cleaning, leave your diaper bag open in a dry, well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours. Trapped moisture is one of the most common causes of musty odors, so giving the bag plenty of time to dry is just as important as washing it.
3. Add an activated charcoal sachet
Place an activated charcoal sachet inside the main compartment between uses. It helps absorb moisture and odors over time without adding fragrance, making it a simple way to keep your diaper bag smelling fresh.
Pro tip: Avoid masking odors with fabric sprays or heavily scented inserts. Strong fragrances can linger around baby essentials without addressing the source of the smell. Instead, focus on removing the cause and keeping the bag clean and completely dry.
What to Use - And What to Keep Away from Your Diaper Bag
Anything you use to clean your diaper bag can leave behind residue. Since the bag regularly comes into contact with your baby's bottles, clothes, pacifiers, and snacks, it's worth choosing cleaners that are gentle on both the fabric and your family's everyday essentials.
| Avoid | Reach for |
|---|---|
| Bleach or bleach-based cleaners. They can weaken fabric, damage finishes, and leave behind chemical residue. | Fragrance-free, gentle laundry detergent. It's effective on everyday dirt while being kinder to fabrics. |
| Strongly scented detergents or fabric sprays. Fragrances can linger without removing the source of odors. | Warm water and a soft microfiber cloth. That's all you need for most wipe-downs. |
| Multi-surface disinfectant sprays. They are designed for hard surfaces, not fabrics that hold baby essentials. | Baking soda - it helps absorb lingering odors when used in a clean, dry bag. |
| Abrasive scrub brushes or scouring pads. They can wear down fabric and water-resistant coatings. | Diluted white vinegar (if suitable for the fabric). It's useful for occasional odor removal; always spot-test first and wipe away any residue. |
| Dryer sheets inside the bag; they leave fragrance and chemical coatings on fabrics. | Free & clear laundry detergent. That's a good choice when a deeper clean is needed, following the care label. |
A simple rule of thumb: if you wouldn't want the cleaner lingering on your baby's clothes or bottles, it's probably not the best choice for your diaper bag either.
The Bags Worth Looking After
Pehr Denim Convertible Diaper Bag
Designed to grow with your family, it's a bag you'll reach for long after the diaper days are over.
Pehr Weekender Bag
Made to go wherever family life takes you, it's a timeless carryall you'll keep reaching for well beyond the baby years.
Pehr Gingham Stroller Bag
Whether you're heading out for a quick stroll or a full day of adventures, it's a beautifully designed everyday companion you'll reach for long after the newborn stage.
Restock Smarter, Not Fuller
Once your diaper bag is clean and dry, take a few minutes to pack it with intention. Keeping similar items together makes it easier to find what you need when you're juggling a baby, a stroller, and everything in between.
A simple system works best:
Before you zip it up, do a quick reset. Toss expired snacks, empty wrappers, old receipts, and anything else that's found its way into the bottom of the bag. Starting fresh means you're ready for whatever the next outing brings with a little less digging and a lot less clutter.
Find a Diaper Bag You'll Love at Pehr
A well-made diaper bag is easier to keep clean and built to handle everyday adventures. Discover Pehr's collection of thoughtfully designed diaper bags, made with premium materials that are as practical as they are beautiful.
Shop Diaper BagsDiaper Bag Cleaning: Common Questions
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Can you remove odors from a diaper bag without using harsh chemicals?+
How do you keep a diaper bag from smelling?+
Emily Blyan
Marketing Manager
Emily Blyan is a seasoned marketing professional and a dedicated mom. Holding a master's degree in fashion, she has developed deep personal connections and commercial expertise with various Canadian retailers and forward-thinking organizations. Her graduate research focused on digital narratives, which has gained renewed relevance through her role at Pehr, where she currently serves as Director of Marketing.