Yes, shopping bags should also be washed, but be careful with the detergent: this is what the experts recommend

We are using more and more reusable shopping bags. Do we give them the attention they deserve when it comes to cleaning them?

Until recently, most people used the plastic bags that were given away at the supermarket. But they stopped being free and their use was limited, so many people opted for the reusable shopping bags.

These bags stain easily because they are left on the floor or in the trunk of the car, filled with foods that can stain, or have been on the floor or on shelves in the store.

The experts of American Cleaning Institute (yes, it exists), recommend wash shopping bags after each use, because you can bring home germs from abroad, or even coronavirus. Or at least once a week, depending on usage.

The problem is that There are many types of reusable shopping bags., made of many different materials.

there are of fabric, bamboo, plastic… You can’t just put them in the washing machine, many could be destroyed or lose color.

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) explains on your website how to clean the different shopping bags that exist.

First of all, it is necessary to identify the material with which they are made.

Woven or non-woven polypropylene

They are the bags that have a plastic touch, but are still moldable, and that is why they are used for shopping.

They can be put in the washing machine on a delicate cycle and with cold water, but they must use soap, not detergent. They can also be hand washed with bar or hand soap and water, not detergent.

Air dry, no dryer.

nylon or polyester

The nylon or polyester bags They should be hand washed with warm soapy water. Then they are turned inside out and left to dry in the open air.

They hold up well to hand washing, but not machine washing.

bamboo or hemp

This material can be washed by hand, but also with washing machine, using gentle cycle, with a mild detergent.

It can also be machine dried and, of course, hang the bags in the dryer.

cotton bags

These models must be machine wash with warm water and laundry detergent.

Machine or air dry possible.

Insulated bags for frozen

There is no other remedy than wash them by hand with hot water and soap.

Another option is use disinfectant or antibacterial wipes, especially along the seams. Air dry.

as we see each type of shopping bag has its wash, but they are all simple processes that do not take much time. Your health will thank you!