Your Reusable Grocery Bags Are Disgusting — Here’s How to Clean Them

There’s never been a better time to clean your reusable grocery bags. For starters, they’re probably overdue and we’re all on high-alert over germs, bacteria, and whatnot. And because lots of stores aren’t allowing them right now, you can clean your entire collection thoroughly and get them ready for the day when they can get put back into circulation. 

Now, I confess: I haven’t been cleaning mine as I should have been. But the risks of not cleaning them are dangerous at worst and gross at best. Coronavirus concerns aside, spills and contamination from raw meat can cause cross-contamination problems that can lead to illness. On top of that, leaving them unwashed, in a hot car (again, I sheepishly hang my head and raise my hand) can cause bacteria to proliferate. 

As you get your bags nice and clean and usable again, be sure to implement new habits around their use: Store them inside, wash or clean your most-used ones as often as you would wash kitchen towels, never set them on things like a car seat or kitchen counter, and always make sure the bags are totally dry before you store them. (Let’s not add mold to the mix.)

Cleaning reusable grocery bags isn’t difficult, and it’s a practice we should all incorporate into our grocery shopping routines. Many bags are washable and require nothing more than being tossed into the washer and dryer. Others could benefit from a less rough air-drying. And insulated bags just need to be hand-washed or wiped down with a disinfecting wipe. (Note: If you’re not sure if your bag can hold up in the washing machine, it’s best to hand-wash it with the steps at the end of this post.)

Here’s how to clean your reusable grocery bag stash, step by step.

• Disinfecting spray or wipes
• Laundry detergent

1. Remove any inserts at the bottom of the bag. 
2. Shake out visible crumbs and dirt into the trash can.
3. Wipe down inserts with a disinfecting wipe. 
4. Turn the bag inside out and be sure to press the seams all the way out with your hands to ensure they get clean. 
5. Wash in the washing machine with hot water. (Ideally with other grocery bags and not clothing.)
6. Dry in the dryer or line dry if you’re worried about shrinkage. 

• Disinfecting spray or wipes
• Laundry detergent

1. Remove any inserts at the bottom of the bag. 
2. Shake out visible crumbs and dirt into the trash can.
3. Wipe down inserts with a disinfecting wipe. 
4. Turn the bag inside out and be sure to press the seams all the way out with your hands to ensure they get clean. 
5. Wash in the washing machine with warm water and use a gentle cycle. (Ideally with other grocery bags and not clothing.)
6. Line dry. 

What You Need

• Damp rag
• Disinfecting wipes
• Dish towel

1. Turn the bag inside out (as much as possible) and shake out any crumbs. 
2. Use a damp rag to clean any visible grime. 
3. Wipe down with a disinfecting wipe or spray with disinfecting spray. 
4. Towel dry. 

• Laundry detergent

1. Fill a basin or sink with warm water, and a bit of laundry detergent. 
2. Place your bags in the water and swish them around. 
3. Let soak for 15 minutes. 
4. Rinse the bags under the faucet.
5. Wring dry and hang them up to finish drying.