Made a mess in your bag? Don't worry - we've all been there.

Maybe your lunch container leaked or your snack got squished - whatever it is, I'm here to help!

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know if there's food spilled in bags - about cleaning it up and saving your bag from disaster.

#1 Empty The Bag

Get everything out of that bag right now. 

Put all your stuff on a clean surface and look at each item to see what got food on it. Keep an eye out for electronics or anything valuable that might have gotten messy. 

The faster you deal with this, the better chance you have of keeping everything nice. 

It helps to put down some paper towels or a clean cloth where you're setting everything - this keeps things from getting messier. 

Don't forget to check all those little pockets and corners where food might be hiding.

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#2 Scrape Off Any Remaining Food

Grab a plastic scraper or spoon and start getting rid of as much food as you can. 

Start from the outside and work your way in - this keeps the mess from spreading around. Be extra careful with any delicate fabric inside your bag so you don't tear it. 

For the sticky stuff, try using a butter knife or an old credit card to lift it off carefully.

Keep in mind that different types of food need different approaches - you might need to add a tiny bit of water to dried food to get it unstuck.

#3 Clean With Soap And Water

Mix some mild dish soap with warm water. 

Take a clean cloth and start dabbing the messy spots - don't rub them, or you'll just push the stain deeper into the fabric. Work on one area at a time, and be careful but thorough. 

When your cleaning water starts looking dirty, get fresh water. 

Use a different damp cloth for rinsing to get all the soap out. If you're cleaning a leather bag, go easy on the water - leather and water don't mix well.

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#4 Disinfect

After you've gotten all the food out, you'll want to kill any bacteria to avoid bad smells. 

Grab a disinfectant spray or wipe that's safe for your bag's material. 

If you've got a leather bag, make sure to use a special leather cleaner instead. Really focus on the seams and corners - bacteria love to hang out there. 

Want to go natural? Try mixing white vinegar with water, but test it on a small spot first to make sure it won't damage anything.

#5 Dry Thoroughly

Now let your bag dry in a spot with good airflow. 

Keep it away from direct sun or heat - these can mess up the fabric or make it shrink. 

A fan can help speed things up if you're in a hurry. Put some paper towels inside to soak up extra water and help your bag keep its shape. Switch them out if they get wet. 

Want it to dry faster? Pat it with a clean, dry towel, but don't rub - that could damage the fabric.

#6 Check For Odors

Once everything's dry, give it a sniff test. Still smells?

Pour some baking soda inside and leave it overnight. Just vacuum it out in the morning. If that doesn't work, try throwing in some activated charcoal packets or special deodorizers made for bags.

Want to keep things natural? Tea bags or coffee grounds can help get rid of bad smells too.

Some people get good results from leaving their bag outside for a few hours or using fabric freshener sprays.

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#7 Machine Wash Removable Parts

Got parts of your bag you can take out and wash? Check the care instructions and throw them in the washing machine by themselves. Use cold water, gentle cycle, and mild detergent. 

Let everything air dry before putting your bag back together. 

A mesh laundry bag works great for protecting smaller pieces. But skip the fabric softener though - it can leave stuff behind on your bag. 

For things you can't put in the machine but can get wet, washing them in the sink works just as well!

What If The Food Has Left A Stain?

Are you still seeing spots and stains after doing all that? 

Mix baking soda and water into a paste and put it on the stain. Let it stay there for about 15-20 minutes, then clean it again with soap and water. This should remove it.

For really tough stains, you might need to get a special stain remover that works with your bag's material.

But always test cleaning stuff on a hidden spot first.

How To Prevent Food Spills In The Future

Nobody wants to deal with this mess again, right? 

Here are some tips to avoid spilling food in your bags again:

• Always use leak-proof containers with secure lids

• Double-bag liquids or potentially messy items

• Transport food containers upright and separate from other items

• Use insulated bags or containers for food that needs to stay hot or cold

• Take a look at your container seals now and then to make sure they're still good

• Pack heavier items at the bottom of your bag

You might also want to consider using silicone or waterproof bag liners. Oh and always pack some napkins or paper towels just in case food gets spilled on your bag again.

Bottom Line

Getting food all over your bag isn't fun, but you can handle it if you move fast and clean everything properly. While it's better to prevent spills in the first place, knowing how to clean them up makes them less of a headache.

Just remember to check what your bag is made of and follow the care instructions. 

If you're dealing with something really valuable or a stain that won't budge, don't be afraid to ask a professional cleaner for help.