Reusable bags can be used for a variety of things, including groceries, vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat meals, and even raw meat! But how should reusable bags be washed? Does it require a specific cleaning solution or just a hand wash? Take a look at our guide below.
Can Reusable Bags Be Washed?
Most reusable bags may be washed, although the process and materials used will differ based on the material and construction of the bag.
Reusable bags can be washed in the washing machine, by hand, or with extra care.
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What Type of Reusable Bags Can be Washed?
Below is a summary of the various kinds and how to wash them:
Types that can be easily washed
- Cotton and canvas: The workhorses of reusable bags, these fabrics can withstand a standard wash cycle with hot water and soap. They can also be dried on low heat or by air drying.
- Ripstop Nylon: This long-lasting, water-resistant fabric may be machine-washed on a moderate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
Hand-washable Types:
- Nylon and Poly-Nylon: Hand wash in warm, soapy water, and use a gentler touch on these bags. Hang them to dry and stay away from strong detergents.
- Mesh: It's advised to put them in a delicate bag even though they can be machine-washed on the gentle cycle. Best to let the flat air dry.
- Non-woven: Hand wash these bags in warm, soapy water and let them air dry because they are prone to tearing.
Types that Require Special Care:
- Insulated: These bags, which are composed of thicker materials like nylon or PEVA, should be hand-washed in warm, soapy water or cleaned with a cleaning cloth, paying special attention to the seams. Let them air dry on a line.
- Laminated: To clean these, just use a moist cloth and a little soap. Do not immerse them in water.
What Type of Reusable Can’t Washed?
Here are the types of paper that can’t be washed:
- Insulated lunch bags with glued seams: Avoid insulated lunch bags with glued seams, even though some of them can be cleaned. Water can erode the glue's strength, resulting in the bag falling apart and the seams coming apart.
- Bags made of delicate fabrics: Silk, linen, and wool are common examples of delicate fabrics that need extra caution. If you wash them, the cloth may get ruined and lose its color or shape.
- Bags featuring glued-on decorations: Sequins and glitter are examples of decorations that can come off after washing, making a mess and damaging the bag.
- Bags made of straw or bamboo: When laundered, these organic fabrics may swell or distort and are vulnerable to water damage.
- Handbags decorated with suede or leather: Although the primary fabric may be machine-washed, suede and leather need extra attention and are susceptible to water damage.
- Bags labeled "dry clean only": You shouldn't wash these bags at home because doing so could sully the fabric or dye.
Why Need to Wash Reusable Bags?
There are several major reasons why you should wash your reusable bags on a regular basis:
- Hygiene and Food Safety
- Preventing Cross-Contamination: Raw meat, poultry, and vegetables are among the things that reusable bags come into touch with. These products may include pathogens such as salmonella and E. Coli, which, if not thoroughly cleaned, may spread to other food items in the bag. This may result in infections caused by food.
- Eliminating Germs and Bacteria: Due to spills, crumbs, and wetness, reusable bags can also serve as breeding grounds for bacteria and other microbes. Washing frequently aids in getting rid of harmful bacteria and safeguarding your health.
- Avoiding Odors: Remaining food, spills, and even the organic components' natural degradation can leave unwashed bags with unpleasant smells. Your bags will smell better after washing because unpleasant smells are eliminated.
- Maintaining the Life of Your Bags:
- Preventing Stains: Spills and food residues can create unattractive stains on your bags if they are not laundered. Washing your bags regularly helps to avoid stains and keeps them looking their best.
- Mold and Mildew Prevention: Moisture trapped within dirty bags can contribute to the formation of mold and mildew. As a result, the bag may degrade and smell musty. Washing removes moisture and inhibits the growth of this dangerous fungus.
- Preserving the Material: Regular cleaning helps to protect the material of your bags, making them robust and durable for a longer time.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Reducing the Need for Disposable Bags: By washing and reusing your bags, you can significantly decrease the amount of disposable plastic bags you use, thereby conserving resources and reducing landfill waste.
- Reusable Bags' Eco-Friendliness: Using reusable bags is already an enormous advance toward sustainability, but cleaning them guarantees they're truly hygienic and suitable for reuse, maximizing their environmental impact.
What Are the Right Way to Wash Your Reusable Bags?
The particular procedure for cleaning your reusable bags is determined by the material they are made of. Here's a guideline step-by-step to wash for most bags:
For Most Bags:
Completely empty the bags. Remove any leftover food, crumbs, or other debris.
Turn the plastic bags inside out. This ensures that all surfaces are thoroughly cleansed.
Examine the care label. This will provide you with detailed instructions for washing and drying your bags.
Wash the bags according to the material:
- Cotton and canvas: Wash in hot water with a gentle detergent. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry.
- Hand-wash nylon and polyester in warm soapy water. Thoroughly rinse and hang to dry.
- Mesh: Machine-wash in cold water on a moderate cycle. To avoid snagging, place in a delicate bag. Allow to air dry flat.
- Hand-wash in warm soapy water if insulated. Take careful care of the seams. Thoroughly rinse and line dry fully.
- Non-woven: Wash by hand in warm soapy water. Avoid twisting or wringing. Allow to air dry.
If required, disinfect the bags. This is especially critical if the bags were used to transport raw meat, poultry, or shellfish. A solution of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water can be used.
Allow the bags to fully dry before storing them.
Additional Tips:
- Use a gentle detergent. Harsh detergents can cause fabric damage and color fading.
- Avoid using fabric softener. Fabric softener might reduce the absorbency of the bags.
- Only use bleach when absolutely required. Bleach can cause fabric damage and make the bags smell like chlorine.
- Contact the manufacturer if you are unclear how to wash your bags.
You can keep your reusable bags clean and safe for future use by following these suggestions.
Tips To Know When Wash Reusable Bags
Here are some helpful tips to know when to wash your reusable bags:
Frequency
- Wash after every use: This is the best practice, especially for bags containing raw meat, poultry, shellfish, or other potentially contaminated foods.
- Wash your clothes at least once a week: If you use your bags on a regular basis but not for potentially dangerous products, washing them once a week should suffice.
- If unclean or stained, wash immediately: Allow spills, food residues, and other filth to accumulate inside your bags. Clean them as soon as possible to avoid odors, stains, and potential bacteria growth.
Signs it's time to wash
- Visible dirt or stains: This is an instant indicator that your bags need to be cleaned.
- Unpleasant odor: If your bags begin to smell musty or bad, they require a thorough wash.
- Sticky or slimy sensation: This may suggest the presence of bacteria or food residue that must be eliminated.
- Texture change: If your bags are stiff or brittle, this could be due to dirt or detergent accumulation. They can be restored to their original texture by washing them.
- Contaminant exposure: If your bags have come into touch with anything potentially toxic, such as raw meat or cleaning chemicals, wash them right away.
In conclusion, wash reusable bags in the right way help to maintain the quality, extend lifespan and offers environmental and hygiene benefits for customers.
As a wholesale reusable bag provider in the North American market, Kimecopak hopes that this guide will assist your supermarket and grocery stores in clarifying more and providing the correct guidance for customers. For further information, please email halo@kimecopak.ca or visit our Facebook Fanpage
