How to Clean Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable grocery bags are a great way to go green, and they're often your only option in states and cities that banned plastic bags. Yet many people neglect to properly wash them often enough, or at all! Here's everything you need to know about how to clean reusable grocery bags.



Why Clean Reusable Grocery Bags?
A University of Arizona study revealed that reusable grocery bags can harbor some pretty nasty stuff, like E. coli, which can lead to foodborne illness. Bacteria, viruses, yeast, and mold can attach themselves to reusable grocery bags. While cleaning washes all this away, you might consider sticking to disposable grocery bags if you're immunocompromised, sick, or especially worried about catching an illness. Here are 15 diseases you can prevent just by washing your hands.

How often to clean reusable grocery bags
t might sound like a lot, but experts recommend cleaning your reusable grocery bags after every use. Consider it a small price to pay for keeping you and your family healthy. See a few more cons to reusable grocery bags to keep in mind when going green.

How to clean cloth reusable grocery bags
The two most common cloth materials in reusable grocery bags are cotton and bamboo. Durable cotton bags can handle machine washing with hot water and laundry detergent. Bamboo bags should be hand- or machine-washed on the gentle cycle with mild laundry detergent. You can air dry or machine dry either fabric.

How to clean nylon reusable grocery bags
Petroleum-based nylon bags should be hand washed in warm soapy water. Skip the dryer and air dry these bags

How to clean recycled plastic reusable grocery bags
You have two choices with recycled plastic bags: handwashing with soap and water or machine washing on the gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Always air dry recycled plastic bags.

How to clean insulated reusable grocery bags
Insulated bags that keep your food warm or cold should never go in a washer or dryer. Instead, wash by hand with warm soapy water or wipe them down with an antibacterial wipe. Then air dry. Next, check out some other reusable versions of things you use every day.