How to wash a thermal bag - can it be done in a washing machine or only by hand?

A thermal bag is an indispensable attribute for travelers, fishermen and simply those who like to relax in nature. But is it possible to wash a thermal bag in a washing machine? It is used to carry food and therefore gets dirty quickly. Washing in a machine would save a lot of time. Unfortunately, manufacturers prohibit it, as they write in the instructions.

The ban applies to all thermal bags:

• polyethylene,
• fabric,
• with foil inside,
• with foam rubber,
• rechargeable from the network.

However, in practice, many people neglect the rules and resort to machine washing in a delicate mode.

Why not?

An insulated bag (thermal bag, cooler bag) comes in several types:

• Regular. Polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam or foil are used as a temperature-preserving material. Valid from 1 to 3 hours.
• With batteries. It has a thick insulating layer, a waterproof base and removable batteries that can be frozen. Capable of maintaining cold for up to 15 hours.
• Network connected. When connected to the network it works like a car refrigerator, without it it works like a regular thermal bag.

It is not recommended to wash any of the bags in a washing machine for three reasons:

1. Deformation. Cardboard is sewn into the bottom of the bag to maintain its shape. It may crumble when washed. The insulation may also become twisted. It is strictly forbidden to wring out the thermal bag, even when washing by hand.
2. Detachment of the coating on the lining. Foil fabric helps maintain temperature. After washing in a machine, the coating may crack or even peel off, and then the bag will no longer be functional.
3. Damage to the moisture-repellent layer. Many types of thermal bags have a rubber (polyvinyl chloride) coating that peels off in the drum of the machine.

If you really need to machine wash...

Some housewives, despite the ban, wash the thermal bag in the washing machine. Of course, they do this at their own peril and risk.

Before taking such a step, it is important to evaluate the material of the bag for strength inside and outside. If there is a cardboard bottom, you should carefully rip the material along the seam and pull out the cardboard.

Then follow the instructions:

1. Remove additional straps and other removable parts from the bag. Fasten all the locks.
2. Place the thermal bag in a delicate wash bag or an old pillowcase to prevent it from getting damaged on the drum.
3. Use liquid laundry detergent.
4. Select the "Delicate" or "Hand Wash" mode.
5. Dry the thermal bag naturally without using heating devices. It would be correct to stuff it with paper to maintain its shape, and then place it upside down on a hard surface (on the balcony, in another well-ventilated room).

The cooler bag should be washed in the most gentle mode - at a temperature of 30 degrees and without spinning.

How to wash a thermal bag correctly?

Hand washing is the preferred cleaning option for thermal bags. It requires much less time and energy consumption than machine washing.

Instructions:

1. Fill a basin containing the bag with warm (30 degrees) water.
2. Dilute shampoo or washing gel (non-concentrated) at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water.
3. Place the bag in the soapy solution and leave for 5-15 minutes.
4. Rub the stained areas with a rag or soft brush.
5. Rinse with clean water.
6. Dry on the balcony with the bag upside down. To prevent the bag from becoming deformed, stuff it with paper.

If there are several stains on your cooler bag or the inside of it smells bad, you can resort to the following cleaning methods:

• To remove traces of juice and fruit, use a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water). Apply it to the stain and rinse off with warm water after 5 minutes.
• Grease stains can be easily removed with laundry soap or dishwashing detergent. You need to wet the bag with warm water, soap it and leave for 10 minutes. Then you need to rub the fabric with a brush and rinse.
• To eliminate the unpleasant odor from the thermal bag, you need to put 5-6 dry tea bags inside. The stench will go away overnight.

So, manufacturers do not recommend washing thermal bags in a washing machine. As a result, they lose their functionality. If you really need to use the machine, you should first disconnect all parts that could become damaged. You need to choose the most gentle washing program - without spinning and with minimal water heating.