To wash a Sarah-Jane Collection wet bag, empty it promptly, remove loose debris and cold machine wash when needed. Line dry it with the opening accessible so the inside dries too. For light use, a wipe clean may be enough between washes; follow the care instructions supplied with your particular bag.
For SJC wet bags: the current Blue Whale product instructions allow wiping clean or cold machine washing, then line drying or low tumble drying. Air drying is a straightforward default. Do not copy another brand’s hot nappy-wash routine without checking your own care label.
Decide whether it needs a wipe or a wash
An empty bag that carried a clean, damp swimsuit needs a different reset from one that brought home soiled daycare clothes. Look inside rather than judging only by the outer fabric.
- Light damp use: empty the bag, wipe the inside if needed and allow it to dry fully.
- Visible dirt or residue: remove loose material, then wash according to the label.
- Soiled clothing: follow the childcare service’s handling instructions and wash the bag as needed. Wiping is not a sanitising process.
If you are still deciding what belongs inside, our wet bag uses guide explains the difference between carrying damp gear and keeping clean items organised.
A simple washing sequence
- Empty every item, including small socks or a swim nappy caught in the bottom corner.
- Check the zip, seams and lining for sand, loose debris or visible damage. Remove loose grit gently before operating a stiff zip.
- Read the bag’s care label. For the checked SJC Blue Whale bag, use a cold machine wash when needed.
- Avoid adding an unverified stain treatment or hot soak. The detailed wet-bag instructions supplied with the checked Pink Koala bundle also advise gentle detergent and avoiding bleach, fabric softeners, fragranced products and enzymatic cleaners.
- After washing, open the bag and allow the inside and outer fabric to dry fully. Follow your label if using a dryer; the checked Blue Whale instructions specify low heat.
- Check that it is dry and empty before returning it to the daycare backpack or swim kit.
Can it go in with the swim nappies?
Only if the care instructions for every item agree with the wash you are running. A bag being safe for a cold machine wash does not make it suitable for every cloth-nappy cycle. Separate items if their washing or hygiene requirements differ.
For example, a wet bag holding damp swimmers can be emptied into the relevant laundry routine at home. Clothing returned after a toileting accident may need different handling. Do not change a required hygiene process simply to keep everything in one load.
Dry the inside, not just the outside
Before packing the bag away, feel the corners and check around the zip. A dry-looking outer print can hide moisture inside a closed bag. Leave the opening accessible during drying and avoid storing damp items in it for long periods.
If you use a bag on consecutive daycare days, a second dry bag can make the rotation easier. Trial your routine first; you do not need to buy a set number just because you attend care regularly.
If the bag still smells or the lining looks damaged
Check for forgotten clothing, residue in corners and a bag that never fully dried. Wash again only within the label instructions. Do not increase the heat or add strong chemicals in an attempt to fix it.
If the lining is peeling, the seams are damaged or the zip no longer closes, contact us before relying on the bag to separate damp gear. Washing cannot repair a damaged coating or fastening.
Make the next swim easier
Wring excess water from swimmers before putting them in the bag and empty it when you get home. Wet bags are for damp items in transit, not free-standing water or submersion. Our swimming wet bag size guide helps you avoid overfilling.
The Blue Whale wet bag currently offers small 25 × 20 cm and large 40 × 30 cm variants. Browse the SJC wet bag collection and choose by the actual clothes or swimmers you need to carry.