Reusable grocery bags accumulate bacteria, food residue, raw meat juices, and odours with regular use. Studies consistently show most people never wash them. Cleaning them weekly or after every few uses is a simple food safety practice.
Fabric Bags (Cotton, Canvas, Jute)
Most fabric bags are machine washable:
- Turn inside out
- Machine wash on a warm or hot cycle with regular laundry detergent
- Air dry or tumble dry on low — high heat can shrink cotton and damage printed graphics
For jute bags: hand wash only — machine washing breaks down the fibres. Scrub with a damp cloth and mild soap, rinse, and allow to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area to prevent mould.
Polypropylene Bags (The Stiff Woven Plastic Kind)
These are not machine washable — the heat and agitation break down the material:
- Fill a sink or tub with warm water and a small amount of dish soap
- Submerge and scrub the interior and exterior with a cloth or soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly
- Allow to air dry completely — open the bag and prop it upright so air circulates inside
Insulated Bags
- Wipe the exterior with a damp soapy cloth
- Wipe the interior lining the same way — do not submerge, as the insulation layer can hold water
- Leave open to air dry fully
Tips
- Dedicate separate bags for raw meat and produce — cross-contamination of bacteria is the main hygiene concern
- Store bags in a cool, dry place — not the trunk of a car where heat breeds bacteria faster
- Wash immediately after raw meat leaks — don't let it dry