Stinky Lunch Box

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!

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

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..

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

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

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!!!

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.

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

You could try this:

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/strategies/how-to-clean-in...

Good luck!

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.

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