Stinky Lunch Box

Updated on March 25, 2010
C.D. asks from Columbia, MD
18 answers

My son left his lunch box at school for 5 days. Unfortnately, he didn't close his thermos all the way and the orange juice in it spilled into the lunch box. It is an insulated cloth LLBean lunchbox. Well, now it reaks something awful. Does anyone know how I can remove the smell? I really can't afford a new one right now as I only bought this one about 4 weeks ago. I've tried baking soda all over the outside and soaking on the inside and its removed the smell a good bit to where its just a slight light odor but I can still smell it and I'm sure that if I put food in it that it will smell weird too by lunchtime. Thanks for your ideas.

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So What Happened?

I totally forgot I created this post til I saw it today on the "You Might Also Like" posts :-) . Anyway, tossed this baby in the washing machine and it smelled brand new. My son used it for 3 more years after this and my daughter is now using it for her lunches in Pre-K. It's been washed many times since this and it still holds up beautifully and looks nice. I so have gotten my money's worth out of this lunchbox. Thank you all for your ideas.

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K.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I second the other folks-try the clothes washer or the dishwasher-should take the odor away. If not, LL Bean has world class customer service & will help you. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

I spray on my special spot remover and put it in with the laundry and they come out looking and smelling new each time. HTH

1 mom found this helpful

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J.M.

answers from Houston on

Wash it and add 1/2 C vinegar and 2 T baking soda to the machine. Let it air dry and then spray the inside lightly with vinegar, stuff it with wadded newspaper and let it sit for a day. That should get the residual smell out..

1 mom found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from Washington DC on

I've washed our lunch boxes in the washing machine. Also, LL Bean should replace it.

1 mom found this helpful
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W.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Fill it with loosely balled up newspaper and shut it up and leave it sit.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Have you considered calling LLBean or going to their store at Tyson's Corner to speak with them about the issue and their recommendations?

We had a diaper bag from them (got it right after Christmas) that had an issue, a backpack for our son that was getting a fray in the strap. Their Customer Service is phenomenal and worked with us to get resolution.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Washington DC on

is this something you can wash? (in the machine)

a strange but very effective smell remover is white vinegar. If you can spray it or soak it with it- then as it is almost dry, wash it with something that smells better, it usually works. White vinegar is what you should wash your laundry in that you left in the wash too long an it is stinky and mildewy smelling- the vinegar takes away the smell!!

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

We had the same issue when my kids had lunch boxes. You can get rid of the smell by cleaning really well, then put a papertowel or rag in and zip it up. Leave it for a day or so. Then clean again. The vinegar smell will go away.

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

Just a thought... have you contacted L.L. Bean? They may have some ideas... but also.. they may just offer to replace it for you for free. I know that Land's End is AMAZING with any returns or exchanges if there is a problem with anything, and I am pretty sure that L.L. Bean is the same. It might be worth it... I know (from having bought Land's End lunchboxes myself) that they aren't cheap.

If they aren't able to do anything, maybe you could try soaking it in a 50/50 vinegar/water. It will smell vinegarry (sp?) while it is going on, but the vinegar smell should dissipate as soon as it is dry.

Good luck.

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A.K.

answers from Norfolk on

I open all of the pouches on ours then run them on hot through the washer with laundry detergent, then let them air dry. It says not to on the label, but after several washings they are holding up great, and always smell fresh and new. HTH

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B.J.

answers from Kansas City on

I would try cleaning it with some lemon juice, and letting it sit outside for a day or so. Good luck.

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S.D.

answers from Topeka on

wash it let it soak let air dry then spray some vinegar let air dry

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N.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Do you have any friends who shop with Melaleuca? Ask if you can use some of their Sol-U-Mel. It gets rid of ANY odor!!!

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I wash lunch boxes in the washing machine after using a stain killer spray like shout. Eventually they fall apart but one or two washes seem fine. They won't look as crisp. I let them air dry. We have this problem often. One thing that has worked for me is buying a thinner, noninsulated bag at The Container Store. It washes better. He doesn't like it as much and that helps him remember the fancier lunch box.

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A.G.

answers from Norfolk on

I'd toss it in the clothes washing machine with some oxyclean.

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S.B.

answers from Washington DC on

According to the Vinegar Institute (http://www.versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html) you can dampen a piece of bread with vinegar and leave it in the lunchbox overnight and it should absorb any smells.

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I would suggest running it through the dishwasher, like on the top rack. Then let it air dry.

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