How to wash a toiletry bag?

You are not traveling at the moment and you want to clean your toiletry bag? Would you like to wash it like new, but have no idea where to start?

Rest assured, we know exactly how to help you.

Washing and caring for a toiletry bag means ensuring that it is ready for use at all times and allows you to increase its longevity. If you're between trips or planning the next one, now is the perfect time to empty, organize and clean your toiletry bag.

In this article, we will show you:

• How to declutter your toiletry bag
• How to clean your toiletry bag
• How to store and organize your toiletry bag

Discover right away the advice of our experts to display a new toiletry bag as on the first day. 

I - Empty the toilet bag

Keeping your toiletry bag clean is a real challenge. It looks pristine when new, but over time spills and stains build up and can't be ignored. Admit it: your toiletry bag needs a good cleaning!

1. Take the products out of your toiletry bag

Before you start giving it a makeover, the first thing to do is to empty everything in your toiletry bag.

You might be surprised at what you find - or won't find. Take everything out and put it on the table.

Now that the pencil case is empty, take it out and shake out all the compartments and pockets, turning it inside out if that's the kind of pencil case that can do this. Remove any bits of paper, lotion or dried cream or soap that may be stuck in a corner or on the bag.

2. Declutter your toiletry bag

If you travel often or don't have time, you may have kept empty bottles and expired toiletries in your toiletry bag. Well, it's time to put them in the trash or recycle them!

Decluttering will save you time when getting ready in the morning. You won't have to pull your essentials out of a pile.

All care products have an expiration date, that is to say the date on which, after opening, you must use them or throw them away. There are some variations depending on the climate and storage conditions, which is why we recommend that you carefully read the indications on the back of your tubes and other boxes of cream.

To do this :

• Check expiration dates - discard or recycle expired ones.
• Throw away or recycle empty containers, used razors, broken lids and anything you can no longer use.
• Throw away items you haven't used in months. Why do you still keep them?
• Examine the smell and appearance of the products. (We will think in particular of creams) If they look and smell bad, it is time to throw them away.

II - Clean the toilet bag

Now that you've sorted through your toiletry bag, it's time to clean the toiletry bag itself. How to clean the toiletry bag mainly depends on the material.

1. Clean a cloth or plastic toiletry bag

If it is a fabric, it is possible to wash it entirely, inside and out. In most cases, the safest way is to wash your toiletry bag with a mild detergent like dishwashing liquid.

If your toiletry bag is a bit more durable, put it in a mesh bag (to protect the zippers or Velcro) and put it in your washing machine, on the delicate wash cycle.

If your toiletry bag is made of plastic or a similar material, such as clear toiletry bags, it's best to wipe it clean. To remove stubborn stains, use a cotton ball or a soft cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide.

To ensure that your toiletry bag is completely disinfected, use an alcohol-based cleaning wipe or a disinfectant spray, and make sure it is completely dry before putting your products in it.

We also advise you to air dry it to avoid the potentially damaging high heat of a dryer.

2. Clean a leather toiletry bag

As it is a more delicate material, it goes without saying that machine washing is not even an option.

First, buy a good leather soap. Add a few drops to warm water, then soak a clean, soft white cloth (avoid using colored cloths, as they can cause color transfer to your toiletry bag).

Wring out excess moisture and wipe down the exterior of your kit. For the interior, a dry cloth should be used to remove any product residue.

After wiping it, polish your toiletry bag with another dry cloth. The leather should start to feel softer and shine.

Finally, finish cleaning your leather toiletry bag by applying a leather conditioner to help the bag stay supple and stain resistant.

III - Store and organize your toilet bag

Cleaning your toiletry bag is good, but it's also important to make sure that the products you store in it are clean and still good to use!

1. Clean your beauty products

Sort all vials or containers and dry them well, paying particular attention to any deposits under the screw cap that may prevent it from closing properly.

You can also wash them under running water with cleaning products suitable for their material. Dry them carefully.

Finally, you can also wipe down razors, nail clippers, combs, etc. To do this, use a clean cloth and a safe all-purpose cleaner.

2. Restock your toiletry bag

Once your toiletry bag is dry (or your new toiletry bag has arrived!), and your products are clean, it's time to refill it. But first, take a look at the stack of products you've emptied.

If a bottle is half empty, like a shampoo bottle, fill it up. If you have hard plastic containers, consider replacing them now with soft, leak-proof silicone bottles so you can see the contents. Moreover, soft bottles will adapt better to the size and shape of the kit.

Sort out first aid medications that need to be refilled, refilled or updated. Remember to pack your essential medicines separately, using a plastic bag.

Carefully examine all instruments, such as nail clippers or tweezers, to make sure they are still working properly.

Finally, put everything in the bag, compartment by compartment, then close it and keep it ready for your next trip.

IV- Choose your toiletry bag

There you go, now you know how to wash your toiletry bag when you get home from a trip and are now able to keep it clean, fresh and looking like new for your next destination.

With the holidays fast approaching and all those exciting travel dates drawing closer, now is the perfect time to empty and wash your toiletry bag with all these tips.

And if washing is no longer a solution to recover your worn-out toiletry bag, you can always change your toiletry bag by discovering our superb collection. We're sure you'll find the perfect kit.