Reusable shopping bags have really caught on in recent years. Cleaning these bags isn’t difficult, and it’s a practice you should incorporate into your shopping routines to protect the environment. Here are things about how to clean reusable grocery bags that you need to know.
How Dirty Are The Reusable Shopping Bags?
Your reusable bags are carrying more than just your groceries. A study by the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University found that 51 percent of all reusable bags contained coliform bacteria. Another 12 percent contained E. coli, something that is commonly found in fecal matter.
Coronavirus concerns aside, spills and contamination from raw meat can cause cross-contamination problems that can lead to illness.
How Often Should You Wash Reusable Grocery Bags?
Experts recommend cleaning your reusable shopping bags after every use. This is especially true for bags that you use for meats, produce, and precooked foods. Essentially, anything that might touch raw meat, your kitchen counter, shopping bags, or your hands, should be washed afterward.
Consider cleaning these bags every day is a small price to pay for keeping you and your family healthy.
Best Hacks To Clean Your Reusable Shopping Bag
How To Clean Canvas Or Cotton Grocery Bags In The Washer
What You Need:
- Disinfecting spray or wipes
- Laundry detergent
Instructions:
- Remove any inserts at the bottom of the bag.
- Shake out visible crumbs and dirt into the trash can.
- Wipe down inserts with a disinfecting wipe.
- Turn the bag inside out and be sure to press the seams all the way out with your hands to ensure they get clean.
- Wash in the washing machine with hot water. (Ideally with other grocery bags and not clothing.)
- Dry in the dryer or line dry if you’re worried about shrinkage.
How to Clean Nylon Grocery Bags in the Washing Machine
What You Need:
- Disinfecting spray or wipes
- Laundry detergent
Instructions:
- Remove any inserts at the bottom of the bag.
- Shake out visible crumbs and dirt into the trash can.
- Wipe down inserts with a disinfecting wipe.
- Turn the bag inside out and be sure to press the seams all the way out with your hands to ensure they get clean.
- Wash in the washing machine with warm water and use a gentle cycle. (Ideally with other grocery bags and not clothing.)
- Line dry.
How to Clean Insulated Grocery Bags by Hand
What You Need:
- Damp rag
- Disinfecting wipes
- Dishtowel
Instructions:
- Turn the bag inside out (as much as possible) and shake out any crumbs.
- Use a damp rag to clean any visible grime.
- Wipe down with a disinfecting wipe or spray with disinfecting spray.
- Towel dry.
How to Clean Reusable Grocery Bags by Hand
What You Need:
- Laundry detergent
Instructions:
- Fill a basin or sink with warm water, and a bit of laundry detergent.
- Place your bags in the water and swish them around.
- Let soak for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the bags under the faucet.
- Wring dry and hang them up to finish drying.
If you have your own hacks to clean reusable shopping bags, please share them in the below comment section!