Last Updated on April 3, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN
Learn how to sanitize lunchboxes naturally. Covers my daily after school cleaning routine using isopropyl alcohol and essential oils.
When the school season kicks off, lunchboxes come home with more than just empty containers and crumbs. They carry germs, sticky messes, and sometimes a smell you can’t quite figure out the origin for. If you’ve ever opened your kid’s (or husband’s) lunchbox and just sighed, you know exactly what I mean.
I’ve also seen things on social media before that went something like, “here’s your seasonal reminder to wipe out those lunchboxes”. I actually felt a sense of sadness from it, which led me to write this blog post.
Sanitizing lunchboxes doesn’t have to involve bleach or harsh chemicals. I keep things clean and fresh with a few simple, natural ingredients that are safe, non-toxic, and work very well.
Whether you use fabric lunch bags, plastic bento boxes, or metal containers, this routine will help you deep clean and refresh everything brought to and from school or work.
A Vote for Sanitizing Lunchboxes Naturally
Most commercial disinfectant sprays and wipes contain chemicals that can leave residue behind. These residues especially irk me when they’re in my family’s lunchboxes where fruit and utensils sit in direct contact with the surface liners.
Conventional sanitizing products include ingredients that I’m not particularly a fan of. At least not when it comes to contact with kids or food. These are the most common:
Quaternary ammonium compounds (also called “quats”) – linked to skin irritation and respiratory issues.
Fragrance additives – usually made from undisclosed chemicals and endocrine disruptors.
Bleach – not the worst thing ever and I do use it from time to time. Bleach is on the list because it can damage fabric lunch bags and leaves behind a strong, lingering smell.
My personal opinion is that when you’re packing food 5 days a week, it’s worth taking the extra step to make sure the containers are truly clean and free from anything that might interfere with your family’s health.
Daily Lunchbox Quick Cleaning Routine
This is the quick routine I go through every afternoon – once when school gets out and once more when my husband gets home. It takes about 90 seconds of active time per lunchbox and makes a huge difference.
1. Empty and Shake Out the Crumbs
Remove everything from the lunchbox. This usually includes containers, utensils, leftover napkins, and ice packs. Turn the bag or box upside down over the sink or trash to shake out crumbs and any bits of food.
2. Wipe Out With Dish Soap
Using a sponge or soft cloth, wipe down the inside and outside of the lunchbox. For hard containers, wash them just like dishes. For fabric bags, give them a good surface scrub.
Be sure to clean zippers, corners, and seams – those are spots where moisture and crud like to hide.
3. Disinfect With Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is one of the most effective ways to sanitize lunchboxes. It kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi, evaporates quickly, and won’t damage granite countertops (like mine) or wood surfaces.
I buy 70% alcohol by the gallon for around $30 at the time of writing and just refill a normal spray bottle that stays in the kitchen. I do not dilute the alcohol with water.
Lightly mist the inside and outside of the lunchbox. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes. Wipe the inside clean with a rag or paper towel. There’s no need to rinse the outside; just allow it to air dry.
4. Let Them Air Dry Completely
One of the best ways to prevent lingering odors and bacterial growth is to let everything dry thoroughly. Prop the lunchbox open on a drying rack or dish cloth upside down. For hard containers, dry them by hand with a towel.
Extra Tips for Odor Control and Freshness
Use Baking Soda Overnight
If a lunchbox has developed a strong smell, generously sprinkle baking soda inside, close it, and leave it that way overnight. In the morning, shake it out, wipe with a sponge, and spray with alcohol before drying.
Add a Natural Freshener
A small cotton ball with a drop of lavender or some type of citrus essential oil tucked into the lunchbox when not in use keeps it smelling fresh. Just make sure you remove it before packing the next day’s lunch.
Best Lunchboxes for Easy Cleaning
Not all lunchboxes are created equal. If you’re still searching for the right one, these are a few materials I’ve found easiest to clean and keep fresh naturally.
Stainless steel containers: durable, non-porous, and dishwasher safe
Silicone lids and inserts: easy to wash and don’t hold odors
Fabric bags with a wipeable interior: look for BPA free linings that resist staining
Try to avoid anything with too many crevices, porous materials, or heavy plastic zippers that trap food and moisture.
