Reusing shopping bags is great for the environment. However, you do have to disinfect them from time to time because germs tend to stick to any surface. You need to properly care for them just like you care for your furniture and other things around your house. If you shop for food, as an example, the bag could cross-contaminate other foods with pathogens like E. Coli.
“How come?” you might ask. It’s simple, really. All those foods you’re carrying around inevitably rub all over the bag and spread germs. Plus, if you’re also using a particular bag to carry books, clothes, toys, and basically any other thing you can think of, their germs also get tossed around in your beloved eco-friendly bag.
Humans have been used to carrying single-use plastic bags for so long because of pure convenience. However, this convenience came with a hefty price, as people who later down the line opt for reusable totes will treat these bags the same way but without the inconvenience of having to throw them out and buying another one.
Fortunately, combatting this mentality is fairly easy, especially if you like being organized. Follow the tips in this article and you’ll never have to worry about bacteria, viruses, or the unnerving feeling of having to switch back to the dreaded plastic bags that have done so much damage to our oceans and our planet in general.
Rotate between several reusable bags
This might sound counterintuitive at first, but it’s actually a fantastic method of preventing germs. Once you’re done carrying groceries in your canvas tote bag, toss that bag in your washing machine and then let it air-dry. If you need to carry stuff around in the meantime, you can use a spare clean bag. Two birds with one stone, as they say.
Use quality disinfectant
Most people use disinfectant hand-wipes to wash their tote bags. That’s not a good solution, because the disinfectant needs to be in contact with the fabric at least two full minutes. Buy qualitative disinfecting spray and use it all over the interior of your tote bag. Leave it sit for a couple of minutes and only afterward wipe it away with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Use separate bags for different purposes
Keeping meat and dairy or vegetables together increases the number of bacteria that is commonly found in each food category. By using the same bag to carry different types of foods, you’re unconsciously turning the bag into a veritable petri dish. To avoid this, simply use different bags for each food category. Also keep different bags for books, clothes, and other non-food items.
Using insulated bags
Insulated bags can’t be washed for disinfected easily. So if you really need to use them, line their interior with a canvas or cotton tote bag. That way, you’ll prevent bacteria from getting into the insulated bag and you’ll save yourself precious time trying to disinfect them. Once done, take the tote bag out of the insulated bag and toss into in the washing machine like you’d normally do.
Storing reusable bags
Make sure to dry your reusable bags completely before storing them. Also, don’t store them in damp places. Water carries numerous pathogens, so you’ll want to avoid it. By keeping your bags dry and dust-free after cleaning, you’ll protect them from germs and expand the fabric’s lifespan.
Avoid spilling liquids on or inside the bag
We know accidents can happen. But you should also be aware that dampness attracts germs. Because of this, it is best to avoid spilling liquids as much as possible. Make sure the water bottles you put in the bag are sealed tight. Look for cracked areas on the bottle from which droplets can come out. If liquids do spill, wash the bag as soon as you can and let it air-dry.
Check out our reusable high-quality tote bags
Tote bag factory has a lineup of top-quality tote bags that you can reuse numerous times. We use eco-friendly materials and we build our bags in pristine conditions to ensure years of reusability. On top of that, we also offer some of the best prices on the market, with many wholesale options.
Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote Bag
With its reinforced stress points, this tote bag will last you for years. And since it’s recycled from organic cotton, you can rest assured that it’s as eco-friendly as it can get.
Canvas Tote Bag with Poly Contrast Handles
The heavy canvas and durable fabric in this tote bag will last you for years and can be personalized to your heart’s content. The polyester web handles offer even more support so you will be able to carry heavy groceries without any worries whatsoever.
Budget Convention Tote Bag
This large-sized tote bag is perfect for carrying around a lot of stuff. Whether you have sporting equipment, groceries, or mostly any other item, you’ll have no problems carrying them all with this cheap tote bag.
Large Reusable Jute Blend Tote Bag
The reinforced stitching and stress points in this tote bag make it one of the best choices for heavy-duty use. It’s ideal for an outstanding number of things to carry as well as for promotional purposes. The thick rope handles are comfortable to hold and they can withstand a lot of pounds of gravitational force.
Heavy Cotton Denim Convention Tote Bag
Where would we be without good old denim? You’re probably already familiar with this fabric, and chances are you already know how easy it is to clean and maintain. This tote bag comes in heavy 10-ounce denim, 100% cotton twill fabric that offers a unique and cool look. You can use it for a variety of goods, not just groceries.
Polyester Grocery Shopping Tote Bag With Large Outside Pocket
Finally, this polyester tote bag is yet another ideal option for grocery shopping. The contrasting colors give this bag a vibrant and timeless look. As for practical reasons, comes with PVC backing for support and durability.
Final thoughts
Reusable shopping bags are the future. People are starting to dispose of plastic bags, and many countries worldwide have already started banning or heavily regulating them. A reusable bag might be slightly more expensive, but it will probably last you a lifetime, so it’s a worthy investment.