12 Frequently Used Items You Probably Forget to Clean During Back-to-School

The start of the school year brings new routines, supply lists, and busy, fast-paced days. During the final days of summer, we focus on getting everything ready for the first day of school, but as the term progresses, several everyday items begin to accumulate buildup, dust, and grease without us noticing at first glance.

To maintain a consistent and balanced cleaning routine at home without relying on harsh chemicals and cleaners, we have prepared this practical guide featuring the ideal ECOS products and the best tips for each item.

Easy Cleaning for 12 Essential Back-to-School Items

1. Backpacks

School backpacks transition from the school bus floor to the classroom floor, the cafeteria, and ultimately, can end up on the dining room table.

• Recommended Product: ECOS Laundry Detergent with Enzymes

• How to easily clean them: Completely empty the backpack and shake out any crumbs. If the care label permits, spot-treat stains with the new ECOS Oxo Brite® Stain Remover Spray and then wash it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle using a dose of ECOS Laundry Detergent with Enzymes, powered by plant-derived cleaning agents.
• Pro Tip: If the backpack is not machine washable, spray stains with the new ECOS Oxo Brite® Stain Remover Spray and mix a few drops of ECOS Laundry Detergent with Enzymes into a bowl of warm water. Dampen a soft-bristle brush and gently scrub areas subject to high friction (handles, straps, and bottom). Rinse with water and air dry.

2. Lunchboxes and Containers

Leftover food grease and moisture trapped in silicone seals can cause unwanted musty  odors.

• Recommended Product: ECOS Dish Soap
• How to easily clean them: Remove any removable parts or rubber lid seals. Wash with warm water and ECOS Dish Soap, whose formula effectively dissolves stuck-on grease without leaving behind synthetic residues or flavors.
• Pro Tip: For hard-to-reach corners on the lid, use a clean toothbrush dipped in ECOS Dish Soap to scrub away any accumulated buildup before rinsing with water.

• Bonus Tip: To get rid of lingering harsh odors (like when kids forget their lunch boxes at school!), soak it in a 2:1 water-and-vinegar solution before washing it normally.

3. Reusable Water Bottles

Even when they only hold water, spouts continuously accumulate moisture and residue from lip contact.

• Recommended Product: ECOS Foaming Dish Soap
• How to easily clean them: Apply one pump of ECOS Foaming Dish Soap directly inside the bottle and onto the spout. Its concentrated foam reaches crevices more quickly.
• Pro Tip: Use a slim bottle brush with the foam to scrub the lid threads. Allow all parts to dry separately in an upright position before reassembling.

4. Insulated Lunch Bags

Unlike rigid containers, these bags often go unnoticed until spills leave visible stains inside.

• Recommended Product: ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner
• How to easily clean them: Spray ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner directly onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire waterproof interior of the bag to remove stains, fingerprints, and grease.
• Pro Tip: Avoid spraying liquid excessively onto internal seams to prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the insulation. Wipe with a dry cloth afterward and leave the bag open overnight to dry completely.
• Bonus tip: Heavily soiled exterior? Toss the bag in the washing machine on a cold cycle with laundry detergent.  
  
  

5. Phone and Tablet Cases

They constantly move from hands to desks, backpacks, and the meal table.

• Recommended Product: ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner
• How to easily clean them: Remove the case from the device. Apply ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner to a microfiber cloth and thoroughly wipe both the interior and exterior.
• Pro Tip: If the case is made of silicone or hard plastic, you can wash it directly in the sink using a little ECOS Dish Soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly before putting the device back in.

6. Pencil Cases and Pouches

Graphite residue, pencil shavings, and ink or marker stains accumulate inside.

• Recommended Product: ECOS Stain & Odor Remover
• How to easily clean them: Empty the case and shake out solid debris. If it is made of fabric, apply ECOS Stain & Odor Remover. Spray over ink or pencil marks before scrubbing with a damp brush or placing it in the washing machine. You can also add Oxo Brite Multi-Purpose Stain Remover Powder to the wash.
• Pro Tip: For plastic or metal cases, simply wipe down with a damp cloth sprayed with ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner to lift graphite dust instantly.

7. Headphones and Earbuds

Whether used for studying or listening to music during commutes, these devices gather sweat and natural skin oils.

• Recommended Product: ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner
• How to easily clean them: Lightly spray ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner onto the corner of a soft microfiber cloth (never directly onto electronic hardware) and wipe down ear cushions and cables.
• Pro Tip: Use a cotton swab lightly dampened with the solution to lift buildup from smaller grooves. Ensure no moisture enters the speaker grilles.

8. Keyboards and Tech Accessories

Laptops, tablets, and keyboards used at school and home for homework experience heavy, daily hand contact.

• Recommended Product: ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner
• How to easily clean them: Power off and unplug the equipment. Turn the keyboard upside down to shake out loose particles. Apply ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner to a damp microfiber cloth and wipe across keys to dissolve surface grease.
• Pro Tip: Wrap the tip of a ruler or plastic card in a cloth dampened with ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner to slide between rows of keys and lift trapped dust quickly and safely.

💡 ECOS Tip: Technology and study stations are prime daily contact spots. Check out our recent Instagram series on high-touch surfaces for more step-by-step recommendations on caring for these areas.

9. School Lockers and Desk Organizers

These enclosed spaces hold books, worn gym clothes, lunch remnants, and dust for weeks at a time.

• Recommended Product: ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner
• How to easily clean them: Empty the organizer or locker completely. Spray ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner onto shelves and wipe down with a damp cloth to clear away grease and accumulated dust.

• Pro Tip: Leave the door or drawers open for a couple of hours after cleaning to ensure moisture fully evaporates before placing books or folders back inside.

10. Rulers, Scissors, and Plastic Stationery

Scissors collect craft glue, while plastic rulers pick up finger oils and pen ink.

• Recommended Product: ECOS Foaming Dish Soap
• How to easily clean them: Fill a bowl with warm water and a few pumps of ECOS Foaming Dishsoap. Submerge or wipe down plastic items and scissor blades with a sponge to dissolve glue residue. Make sure to dry the blades thoroughly to avoid rust. 
• Pro Tip: For stubborn adhesive buildup, allow undiluted soap to sit for two minutes before gently wiping clean with a cloth.

11. Athletic Gear and Gym Bags
    
    

Workout clothes and shoes quickly absorb moisture following physical education or extracurricular activities.

• Recommended Product: ECOS Laundry Detergent with Enzymes + ECOS Stain & Odor Pre-Wash Spray
• How to easily clean them: Wash sportswear with ECOS Laundry Detergent with Enzymes. For fabric gym bags or sneakers, spray tough stains with ECOS Stain & Odor Pre-Wash Spray prior to washing.
• Pro Tip: If the gym bag cannot be machine washed, spray the interior with ECOS Stain & Odor Pre-Wash Spray, wipe with a damp cloth, and allow it to air dry completely.

12. Jackets, Coats, and School Sweatshirts

These are often hung on shared coat racks, left on playground floors, or swapped between classmates.

• Recommended Product: ECOS Laundry Detergent + ECOS Multi-Purpose Stain Remover
• How to easily clean them: Wash regularly at the end of the week with ECOS Laundry Detergent and add a dose of ECOS Multi-Purpose Stain Remover to help lift exterior dirt and damp or sweaty odors.
• Pro Tip: Pre-treat cuffs and collars (where skin oils accumulate most) by applying ECOS Stain & Odor Pre-Wash Spray directly to the fabric before placing the garment into the washing machine.

Everyday, Responsible Cleaning for the Whole Family

Keeping your children’s school items clean does not require complex formulations or ingredients that compromise your home environment. The key lies in selecting products formulated with a base of plant-derived ingredients that are gentle on everyday surfaces.

Incorporate this routine with the ECOS product line to help ensure the back-to-school season is as clean as it is organized.