Back to school shopping often focuses on notebooks, pencils and new clothes, but there are a few everyday essentials that deserve just as much attention once the school year begins.

Your child’s backpack, lunch box and water bottle travel back and forth between home and school every day. Along the way, they can collect crumbs, spills, moisture, dirt and odors. Without regular cleaning, those items can become harder to keep fresh.

Pediatric infectious disease specialists say a consistent cleaning routine can help keep these frequently used belongings in better condition while reducing the buildup that can come from food residue and moisture.

Here are three school day essentials to put on your cleaning schedule.

1. Clean your child’s backpack regularly

A backpack can collect dirt, crumbs and sweat, particularly when children carry it around all day and place it on different surfaces.

Before cleaning, check the manufacturer’s care instructions. Some backpacks can be washed in a machine, while others require hand washing because of materials such as leather, felt or specialized backing.

For routine maintenance, empty every compartment at least every two weeks. Shake out crumbs and debris, then use a vacuum or crevice attachment to reach the corners and bottom of the bag.

Every four to six weeks, inspect the backpack for stains. A soft brush, an old toothbrush and mild dish soap can help with spot cleaning. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that could affect protective coatings.

A deeper cleaning is recommended at least twice a year, such as during school breaks. During periods when respiratory illnesses are circulating more widely, families may choose to clean backpacks more frequently.

For a washable backpack, hand wash it in lukewarm water with gentle detergent. If the care label allows machine washing, place the empty bag inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase and use a delicate, cold water cycle.

After washing, remove excess water and hang the backpack upside down in a dry, shaded, well ventilated area. Leave all pockets and zippers open so the interior can dry completely.

Replace a backpack when its straps, buckles or zippers no longer function properly, the lining begins to deteriorate, or persistent odors and stains cannot be removed.

2. Give lunch boxes daily attention

Lunch boxes can collect food crumbs, spills and moisture, making regular cleaning especially important.

Empty your child’s lunch box completely each day. Shake out crumbs, then wipe the interior with mild soap or a food safe cleaning wipe, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Afterward, leave the lunch box fully open and unzipped while it dries overnight. Storing it while damp can encourage unwanted growth and lingering odors.

Once a week, give the lunch box a more thorough cleaning. Wash all surfaces with warm water and a small amount of dish soap, paying close attention to corners, seams, zippers and latches.

Rinse away soap residue with a clean, damp cloth and leave the bag open until it is completely dry. If the fabric is machine washable, use the recommended gentle cycle and allow it to air dry.

For lingering odors, an open container of baking soda placed inside the closed lunch box overnight may help freshen it.

Consider replacing a lunch box when its insulated lining is torn or peeling, persistent odors remain after cleaning, visible mold cannot be removed or the zipper no longer works properly.

3. Wash water bottles every day

A water bottle should be cleaned daily, especially when a child uses it throughout the school day.

Take the bottle apart as much as the design allows, removing the lid, straw, mouthpiece and seals. Rinse each component with warm water, then wash the bottle with a bottle brush and mild dish soap.

Clean the lid, straw, mouthpiece and seals separately. These smaller pieces can collect moisture and residue, so they should not be overlooked.

Allow every component to dry completely before putting the bottle back together. If the bottle is labeled dishwasher safe, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding placement and settings.

Replacement timing depends on the material and condition. Plastic bottles may need more frequent replacement because scratches can develop over time. Stainless steel bottles generally last longer, while glass bottles can remain useful for years when they stay intact.

Regardless of material, replace a bottle if it develops cracks, persistent odors, damaged components or other signs that make it difficult to clean thoroughly.

A simple cleaning routine can make school essentials last longer and help keep them fresher throughout the year. For busy families, the key is consistency: a quick daily cleanup for food and drinking items, regular backpack maintenance and a deeper cleaning schedule when needed.