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Standard Zipper Soft Cooler Care Instructions

How to clean, store, and maintain your Standard Zipper Soft Cooler after every trip.

Standard Zipper Soft Coolers and Backpacks feature easy-glide fabric zippers designed for daily convenience. Because they are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, proper care and drying are essential to prevent damage, leaks, and fabric wear over time. Following a few simple care steps will keep your gear clean, protected, and performing its best.

Snowflake icon representing: always pre-chill.
Always Pre-Chill

Pre-chill your food and drinks for a few hours or overnight before packing your cooler.

Ice pack icon.
Use Ice Packs

For best performance, only use ice packs or gel ice packs with standard zippered soft coolers.

Cleaning cloth with bubbles icon representing: clean after every trip.
Clean After Every Trip

Thoroughly wipe the interior and exterior clean with a damp cloth.

Open cooler icon with air flowing into it.
Store It Dry

Air dry completely with the lid open before storing. Store in a cool, dry place.

How to Clean a Standard Zipper Soft Cooler or Backpack?

For a soft cooler with welded seams, clean the interior with a solution of mild soap and warm water. For a soft cooler without welded seams, wipe the interior clean with a cloth. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth or rag. For tougher stains, spot clean with mild soap and warm water to scrub them out. To prevent discoloration, spot test your detergent in a less noticeable place first.

Do not machine wash or place in the dishwasher (this can damage heat-sealed seams); water may be forced between the body and liner, causing deterioration and potentially diminishing the cooler's performance.

How to Dry a Soft Cooler with Standard Zippers?

Always let your standard zipper soft cooler or backpack air dry with the lid or zipper open. Never machine dry or use any heat to dry your cooler.

Never store a cooler with the lid closed while it’s still damp inside.

Pack It Perfect

Keep your RTIC Cooler ice cold with our reusable ice pack. These come in packs of two and are available in five sizes.


X-Small Ice Pack (7.4" x 3.9" x 0.7")

  • Day Packer Lunch Box
  • Road Trip Personal Cooler
  • 16 QT Road Trip Cooler
  • 6 Can Everyday Cooler

Small Ice Pack (6.9" x 5.5" x 1.18")

  • 6 Can Everyday Cooler
  • 8 Can Everyday Cooler
  • 15 Can Everyday Cooler
  • RTIC Ice Lunch Bag
  • 2-in-1 Chillout Backpack

Medium Ice Pack (8.66" x 6.2" x 1.18")

  • 12 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler
  • 20 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler
  • 20 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro
  • 15 Can Everyday Cooler
  • 28 Can Everyday Cooler
  • 2-in-1 Chillout Bag
  • 2-in-1 Chillout Backpack
  • 15 Can Lightweight Backpack Cooler
  • 24 Can Ultra-Tough Backpack Cooler

Large Ice Pack (9.4" x 7.9" x 1.18")

  • 30 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler
  • 30 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro
  • 15 Can Everyday Cooler
  • 28 Can Everyday Cooler
  • Everyday Wheeled Cooler
  • Everyday Insulated Slim Tote
  • Kids' 2-in-1 Day Pack
  • 24 Can Backpack Cooler
  • 36 Can Backpack Cooler
  • 48 Can Ultra-Tough Backpack Cooler

X-Large Ice Pack (15.7" x 9.4" x 1.18")

  • Everyday Insulated Tote
  • 2-in-1 Chillout Tote Bag
  • 50 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler

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