How to Label School Supplies So You Can Still Clean Them
Find the best washable labels for water bottles, lunch boxes, clothing, and more, plus tips to keep names from smudging.
Grubby hands creating sticky problems?
If you’re a teacher or have kids in school, chances are you have tons of school supplies. Between sharing toys, playing in groups at recess, and not-so-proficient nose wiping, we all know little hands are really great at spreading germs. To say nothing of the seemingly magical way that little kids can make anything they touch sticky. Older kids and teenagers may leave fewer sticky fingerprints, but their school supplies still get plenty of everyday wear and need regular cleaning.
The key to labels that survive everyday cleaning is choosing the right material for what you’re labeling. Some labels are designed for water bottles and lunch boxes that go through the dishwasher, while others are made for clothing, backpacks, or supplies that need to be wiped down regularly.
Start here
If you’re labeling hard school supplies like water bottles, lunch boxes, notebooks, or pencil cases, start with Durable ID Labels.
If you’re labeling clothing or other fabric items, choose No-Iron Clothing Labels.
Need a little more detail? The comparison below explains which labels work best for different school supplies and how to choose the right option for your needs.
Which washable labels are best for school supplies?
The best washable label depends on the item you’re labeling and how you’ll clean it. Use the comparison below to find the right option.
| No-Iron Fabric Labels | Fabric Transfers | Durable Labels | Industrial ID | Waterproof Blank Labels | Self-Laminating Labels | |
| Fabric | X | X | ||||
| Hard Surfaces | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Dishwasher | X | X | ||||
| Handwashing | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Microwave | X | X | ||||
| Washing Machine | X | X | ||||
| Printable | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Write-On | X | X | X | X | ||
| Alcohol Cleaners | X | X | ||||
| Bleach Cleaners | X | X | X | X | X |
Most washable school supply labels are made from durable synthetic materials that resist water and everyday wear better than standard paper labels. Combined with a strong adhesive, they’re a great choice for hard surfaces like water bottles, lunch boxes, notebooks, pencil cases, and backpacks that may be wiped down regularly or cleaned.
If you’re printing labels, the type of printer and ink you use also affects how well names and designs hold up over time. Pigment-based inks are generally more water-resistant than dye-based inks. If you’re writing on labels by hand, permanent marker is usually the best choice because it resists smudging better than most pens. Later in this article, we’ll share more tips for preventing smears and keeping labels looking their best.
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What exactly are you trying to label?
Clothing and fabric items
For clothing, reusable lunch bags, backpacks, and other fabric items, use fabric transfers or no-iron clothing labels. Both are machine washable and make it easy to identify everything from jackets and gloves to scarves, lunch bags, and other personal belongings. Choose fabric transfers if you want to print custom names or designs, or no-iron clothing labels if you’d rather write on them with a permanent marker for quick labeling.
Water bottles and lunch boxes
Water bottles and lunch boxes need labels that can handle frequent washing. Durable dishwasher-safe labels are designed for hard surfaces and stand up to the dishwasher, while also being microwave safe. Write on them with a permanent marker for fast, easy labeling that stays put through everyday use.
Pencil cases, notebooks, and classroom supplies
For notebooks, pencil cases, folders, storage bins, and other hard school supplies, durable printable labels are a great choice. They hold up well to everyday handling and regular cleaning while letting you personalize names, icons, or colorful designs using Avery Design & Print Online. If you need to label supplies quickly, durable write-on labels offer the same long-lasting performance without printing—just grab a permanent marker and you’re ready to go.
How do you keep school supply labels from smudging?
Whether you’re printing labels or writing on them by hand, a few simple steps can help names and designs stay clear through everyday use and cleaning.
How to avoid smudging printed labels
The best way to avoid smudged labels is to use ones meant to work with your printer. It’s really that simple.
For example, inkjet labels absorb ink from inkjet printers, while laser label materials withstand the heat of a laser printer. Using the wrong type can cause ink or toner to smear, fade, or fail to bond properly.
What if I’m writing on my labels?
For labels on things that you want to wash or wipe clean, use a permanent marker. Unlike most pens or pencils, permanent marker resists moisture and everyday handling much better. But keep in mind that some alcohol-based cleaners can remove permanent marker entirely, while others may cause it to fade over time with repeated cleaning. If you need to clean labeled items, use soap and water or a household cleaner that doesn’t contain alcohol whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions about washable school supply labels
Yes, if you’re using dishwasher-safe durable labels, generally they can withstand repeated washing. Always follow the product instructions for the best results.
No-iron clothing labels and printable fabric transfers are the best choice for clothing and other fabric items that go through the washing machine.
Waterproof film labels are generally a better choice for items that will be washed or wiped down regularly because they resist moisture better than standard paper labels.
Many washable labels can be written on with a permanent marker. If you’ll be cleaning the labeled item regularly, let the ink dry completely before use.
For the best adhesion, let labels bond to a clean, dry surface before exposing them to water or repeated cleaning. Follow the instructions for your specific Avery product, since recommended application times may vary.
Most durable labels are designed to withstand everyday cleaning, but some alcohol-based cleaners can remove permanent marker entirely, while others may cause it to fade over time with repeated cleaning. If you’ve written on labels by hand, choose a cleaner that doesn’t contain alcohol whenever possible.
Find the right washable school supply labels for every item
The best washable school supply labels depend on what you’re labeling and how you’ll clean it. Whether you’re labeling clothing, water bottles, lunch boxes, notebooks, or classroom supplies, choosing the right label helps names stay put and stay readable through everyday use.
If you’re still deciding, revisit the comparison table above to find the best option for everything kids carry around.
