How to Clean a Beer Cooler (Or Any Cooler with Stains)

Coolers are the unsung heroes of summer—keeping your drinks cold, your snacks safe, and your road trip sandwiches fresh. But once the party’s over, they’re also notorious for harboring melted ice sludge, mystery smells, and stains that won’t quit. Whether you’ve just pulled your cooler out of storage or are returning from a weekend getaway, learning how to clean a cooler the right way keeps it ready for the next adventure.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from deodorizing funky odors to tackling tough stains and even how to clean fabric-lined cooler bags. Because let’s be honest—nobody wants their fresh food mingling with last month’s barbecue leftovers.

Why It’s Important to Clean a Cooler Regularly

Your cooler doesn’t just store food—it also traps bacteria, mildew, mold, and smells. If not cleaned properly, it could turn into a breeding ground for germs or start transferring unwanted odors to your items. Whether it’s plastic, metal, or soft-sided, every cooler deserves a little maintenance love. Plus, regular cleaning can extend the life of your cooler and prevent unsightly stains from becoming permanent.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Cooler

Ready to give your cooler a spa day? Follow these easy steps to get it back in shape:

1. Empty and rinse. Start by removing any leftover ice, water, or crumbs. Then, rinse the cooler with a hose or wash it in the tub, depending on the size.
2. Use a mild cleaning solution. Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Using a soft sponge or cloth, scrub the inside and outside of the cooler. Don’t forget to clean the lid, hinges, and drain plug if it has one.
3. Rinse again thoroughly. Make sure all soap residue is rinsed away, as it can leave a film that traps dirt and odors.
4. Dry completely. Leave the cooler open and allow it to air dry fully before storing it. Trapped moisture leads to mildew, which brings its own unwelcome smells.

Looking for more home and gear-cleaning hacks? Check more expert cleaning tips from Molly Maid®.

Funky Odors? Here’s How to Get the Smell Out of a Cooler

Even after washing, some coolers hang on to unpleasant odors, especially if meat, fish, or dairy were stored inside. Here’s how to kick that stink to the curb:

• Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda generously inside the cooler and let it sit overnight. Wipe it down the next morning and rinse.
• White vinegar soak: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and fill the cooler halfway. Let it sit for an hour, then scrub and rinse.
• Lemon wipe-down: Wipe down the interior with lemon juice and let it air dry in the sun. The acid helps neutralize odors naturally.

Repeat if necessary—sometimes strong smells take a few rounds to fully disappear.

Tough Spots? Here’s How to Clean a Stained Cooler

If your cooler has discoloration, moldy patches, or mysterious sticky spots, elbow grease alone may not be enough. Here’s how to clean a stained cooler:

• Hydrogen peroxide paste: Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide until it forms a paste. Apply to stains and let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse clean.
• Magic Eraser: These handy sponges work wonders on scuffs and surface stains.

Always test a small area first to ensure the cleaner doesn’t discolor or damage the plastic.

Planning a summer road trip or a tailgating weekend? Make sure your gear (and your house) is ready. Here’s a handy guide on how to pack and stay organized for a road trip!

How to Clean a Cooler Bag (Yes, They Get Gross Too)

Soft-sided cooler bags are convenient, but they can get just as dirty as their hard-shell cousins. Knowing how to clean a cooler bag helps ensure your on-the-go meals stay fresh.

1. Check the label. If the bag is machine washable, follow those instructions. Most, however, are spot-clean only.
2. Empty and shake out crumbs. Turn it inside out and give it a good shake over the sink or trash bin.
3. Wipe down the interior. Use warm water and mild dish soap to wipe down the lining. For sticky or greasy messes, use a bit of white vinegar on a clean cloth.
4. Tackle odors. Sprinkle baking soda inside the bag, zip it up, and let it sit overnight. Shake out the powder the next day and wipe clean.
5. Air dry thoroughly. Leave the bag open and hang upside down to dry. A dry bag is a happy bag—no mildew here!

Need help keeping your kitchen, garage, or camping gear organized for your next adventure? Request a free estimate today.

When the Mess Is Bigger Than the Cooler…

Coolers may be easy enough to tackle solo, but when it comes to deep cleaning your home, why not leave it to the pros? At Molly Maid, we offer flexible and reliable cleaning services to help you stay focused on what matters most. All of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to ensure your satisfaction with every cleaning, every time. Explore our cleaning services or reach out to your local Molly Maid team to schedule your next cleaning today. Your future self will thank you.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Molly Maid is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Molly Maid services may vary by location. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Molly Maid nearest you for more information and a professional on-site assessment.

FAQs About How To Clean Coolers

Since 1984, Molly Maid has proudly provided a reliable, professional, and affordable solution to a messy, dirty home. Providing the house cleaning services that busy homeowners need also includes using our years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to clean coolers.

How do I remove stains from a cooler without scratching it?

Deep stains may need extra work, but you also want to protect the integrity of your cooler’s surface. Here’s how to remove stains from a cooler safely:

• Avoid steel wool or abrasive scouring pads that can leave scratches.
• Use non-abrasive scrub brushes or soft microfiber cloths.
• For colored coolers, avoid bleach—it can fade or damage the plastic.

Can I use bleach to clean a cooler?

We do not recommend cleaning your cooler with bleach unless it's absolutely necessary. Bleach can be dangerous to use in any setting that may expose it to food stored in your cooler if it’s not completely rinsed away.

If all other cleaning methods fail to remove stains or mold, a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) can be effective, but only as a last resort on hard-shell coolers. Never use bleach on fabric cooler bags.

What’s the best way to keep a cooler clean between uses?

To save yourself the headache later and ensure it’s ready for action when you are, clean your cooler after every use. Here are a few maintenance tips:

• Fill with freezer packs instead of loose ice during use to reduce water buildup.
• Dry thoroughly before storing.
• Leave the lid cracked open to prevent musty smells.
• Store with a small bowl of baking soda inside to absorb lingering odors.