Before the rush of back-to-school schedules, new shoes, and supply lists kicks in, there's one prep step that matters just as much as notebooks and lunchboxes: cleaning. And we’re not talking about a full house deep-clean—we mean the specific areas and items your kids touch every day that can easily become a hotspot for germs, allergens, and mess.
The good news? A few wipes and a few minutes can make a big difference. Here are five must-clean areas to tackle before that first school bell rings.
1. Backpacks (Inside and Out)
Yes, backpacks make the list—but not just because they get dragged through who-knows-what. They’re handled constantly, sit on the floor in public places, and collect crumbs, dirt, and bacteria daily.
Quick clean:
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Empty everything out
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Wipe the outside, straps, and zipper pulls with an alcohol-free disinfecting wipe
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Wipe down the inside pocket (especially if snacks or water bottles have spilled)
Tip: Repeat this wipe-down weekly during the school year. It takes 60 seconds and helps cut down on bacteria and odor.
2. Lunch Containers and Water Bottles
Lunchboxes and reusable containers are meant to make life easier—but only if they’re kept clean. Food residue plus heat from backpacks = the perfect storm for bacteria and odors.
What to clean:
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Water bottle spouts, lids, and threads
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Interior walls of lunch containers
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The outer surfaces that touch desks, lunch tables, and hands
SONO Wipes are alcohol-free and food-contact safe once dry, making them perfect for quick post-lunch cleanups or pre-packing sanitizing.
3. Entryway Touchpoints
Your mudroom or entryway is where backpacks, shoes, and jackets land after a day out in the world—and where germs settle in too.
Clean these areas regularly:
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Doorknobs and light switches
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Shoe storage surfaces
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Coat hooks and locker-style cubbies
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Benches or shelves where bags are dropped
Keeping a pack of SONO Wipes right by the door makes it easy to create a post-school wipe-down routine your kids can help with.
4. Desks and Homework Stations
Whether it’s the kitchen table or a dedicated desk, this area sees a lot of traffic—and often gets forgotten. Sticky fingers, shared supplies, and daily use make this one of the most important spots to clean.
Wipe down:
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Tabletops, drawer handles, and chair backs
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Shared devices like tablets or computers
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Pencil sharpeners, organizers, and even lamps
Add a quick wipe-down to the end of homework time to keep things cleaner with zero effort.
5. Electronics and Accessories
Kids’ tablets, headphones, calculators, and even phone cases go everywhere with them—often into classrooms, cafeterias, and back home again.
Clean these items with care:
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Use a non-abrasive, alcohol-free wipe
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Avoid soaking ports or screens—wipe gently and let dry
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Don’t forget the cords, charging blocks, and styluses
These electronics are handled multiple times a day, so safe and regular cleaning is key to keeping germs at bay and devices working longer.
Why SONO Wipes Work for Back-to-School
We designed SONO Wipes for families who care about health but don’t want to mess around with harsh chemicals. Our wipes are:
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Alcohol-free and safe on skin
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Fragrance-free and allergy-conscious
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Tough on bacteria, gentle on surfaces
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Perfect for backpacks, lunch kits, and electronics
They’re compact enough to stash in a school bag, glove box, or drawer—so you’re always ready for a quick cleanup.
Bottom line:
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to mess and germs. With a little preparation (and the right wipes), you can build healthier habits now that will last all year long. And hey—when the cold season rolls around, you’ll be glad you started early.
Grab your wipes. Wipe it down. Start fresh.
