Bleach and water kills cooler mold.

Use one part bleach to ten parts water. Scrub the inside, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse like crazy.

Bleach is cheap, fast, and actually kills the spores. Vinegar or baking soda might deodorize, but they won’t stop the mold from coming back. You don’t need fancy cleaners—just don’t use full-strength bleach, which can damage the plastic or leave a residue that’s hard to rinse.

After cleaning, wipe it down with a water-and-baking-soda paste if the smell lingers. Then dry it completely with the lid open. Mold loves wet, dark and warm. Deny it all three.

Future you will thank past you when the cooler doesn’t smell like a gym bag.