Reusable grocery bags harbour bacteria from raw meat, produce, and leaky packages. Studies have found E. coli and other bacteria in unwashed reusable bags. Regular washing keeps them hygienic.
How Often to Wash
After every use where you carried raw meat, seafood, or produce. At minimum, weekly if you use them regularly. Bags that carry dry goods can go longer between washes.
Canvas and Cotton Bags
Machine wash: Warm water, gentle cycle, regular detergent. Turn inside out before washing. Tumble dry on low or hang to dry — high heat can shrink cotton bags.
Hand wash: Fill the sink with warm soapy water, submerge and agitate, leave to soak for 5 minutes, rinse well, and hang to dry.
Polypropylene (Non-Woven Plastic) Bags
These are the stiff woven plastic bags. Do not machine wash — the agitation damages the material and they may fall apart.
Hand wash: Wipe inside and out with a sponge and soapy water, paying attention to seams and corners where bacteria collect. Rinse with a damp cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing.
Insulated Bags
Do not machine wash insulated bags — water can get trapped in the insulation and cause mould.
Hand wash: Open fully and wipe the inside with a cloth dampened with warm water and dish soap. For odours, spray lightly with a 50/50 vinegar-water solution and leave open to air dry. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
Removing Odours
- Leave the bag open and in sunlight for a few hours — UV and fresh air are natural deodorizers
- Place a crumpled newspaper inside overnight to absorb odours
- Sprinkle baking soda inside, leave overnight, shake out
Tips
- Keep separate bags for meat/produce and dry goods — reduces how often the whole set needs washing
- Store bags in a clean, dry place — not in the trunk of a car where heat breeds bacteria
- Replace bags that are visibly stained, torn, or permanently odorous — they're inexpensive