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

A thermal bag is an indispensable attribute for travelers, fishermen and just lovers of outdoor recreation. But is it possible to wash the thermal bag in the washing machine? It is used to carry food and therefore quickly gets dirty. A machine wash would save a lot of time. Unfortunately, manufacturers prohibit it, which is what they write in the instructions.

The ban applies to all thermobags:

• polyethylene
• cloth
• with foil inside
• with foam rubber
• charged from the network.

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

Why not?

An isothermal bag (thermal bag, cooler bag) can be of several types:

• Plain. As a temperature-preserving material, foam, polyurethane foam or foil is used. Valid from 1 to 3 hours.
• With batteries. It has a thick insulating layer, a waterproof base and removable batteries that can be frozen. Able to keep cold for up to 15 hours.
• Connected to the network. When connected to the network, it works like an auto-refrigerator, without it, like an ordinary thermo bag.

None of the bags are recommended to be washed in a washing machine for three reasons:

1. Deformation. Cardboard is sewn into the bottom of the bag to maintain shape. When washing, it may crumble. The insulation may also twist. It is strictly forbidden to wring out the thermal bag even with hand washing.
2. Lining spraying. Foil fabric helps maintain temperature. After washing in the machine, the spraying may crack or even peel off, and then the bag will cease to be functional.
3. Damage to the moisture repellent layer. Many types of thermobags have rubber (polyvinyl chloride) spraying, which slazes in the drum of the machine.

If you really need to wash in a typewriter ...

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 you take such a step, it is important to evaluate the material of the bag on the fortress inside and out. In the presence of a cardboard bottom, it is worth carefully tearing the matter along the seam and pulling out the cardboard.

Then follow the instructions:

1. Unfasten extra straps and other removable parts from the bag. Fasten all locks.
2. Place the thermal bag in a delicate wash bag or an old pillowcase so that it does not get damaged on the drum.
3. Use liquid detergent.
4. Select the “Delicate” or “Hand wash” mode.
5. Dry the thermal bag naturally without the use of heaters. It will be correct to fill it with paper to maintain its shape, and then place it on a hard surface upside down (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 spin.

How to wash the thermal bag correctly?

Hand wash is the preferred cleaning option for a thermal bag. It requires much less time and energy than machine wash.

Instruction:

1. Type warm water (30 degrees) into the basin containing the bag.
2. Dilute shampoo or washing gel (non-concentrated) at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water.
3. Place the bag in soapy water and leave for 5-15 minutes.
4. Rub the dirt with a cloth or soft brush.
5. Rinse with clean water.
6. Dry on the balcony by placing the bag upside down. To prevent the bag from deforming, fill it with paper.

If a few spots appear on the cooler bag or it smells bad inside, you can resort to the following cleaning methods:

• To remove traces of juice and fruit, use a solution of vinegar (1: 1 with water). Put it on a stain and after 5 minutes rinse with warm water.
• Grease stains can be easily removed with a household soap or dishwashing detergent. You need to moisten the bag with warm water, soap and leave for 10 minutes. Then you need to rub the cloth with a brush and rinse.
• To eliminate the unpleasant odor from a thermobag, put 5-6 dry tea bags inside. Over the night the stink will go away.

So, manufacturers do not recommend washing thermobags in a washing machine. From this they lose their functionality. If you really need to use the machine, you should first disconnect all parts that may deteriorate. You need to choose the most gentle washing program - no spin and with minimal heating of the water.