Why, why why are all lunch bags for primary age children impossible to clean?

[noid]

I have DS1 in reception, DS2 starting next year. They have to have packed lunches and all I can buy are these soft bags which can't be immersed in water, can't go in the washing machine and get manky crumbs trapped inside the cracks next to the seams.

I don't care that the fabric is antibacterial. I don't want my child to have to eat lunch out of something that smells and has bits of last weeks chocolate brownie and tuna sandwich fused inside it.

We have bought two of the bloody things this year and they both stink. In the olden days, we used to have these plastic boxes with plastic handles, with barbie or the thundercats on. They could be cleaned. All I can find in the shops and online is either the bags or a tin with a handle - which at least I can wash, but will no doubt go rusty round the edges after a while.

AIBU to think that what's on offer fails dismally to cater for the needs of young children?

[blackeyedsusan]

we have smart price plastic box for a pound, and smaller smart price plastic boxes to go inside for grapes/raisins.

[cunexttuesonline]

cgi.ebay.co.uk/Personalised-Kids-Plastic-Lunch-Box-Red-Football-Goal-/160590434166?pt=UK_Kitchen_Accessories&var=&hash=item6b1b82bbdf

[rollerskateskinny]

Another vote for the washing machine.

this is what you're looking for I think.

[bruffin]

Always bought the soft ones and put them in the washing machine. Many lasted for years especially the ones from the Disney store.