With all the benefits they come with in terms of sustainability and style, you have to take care of your reusable bags. Since you’re using them time and time again, carrying food and often putting them down on dirty surfaces, it’s easy for reusable bags to pick up bacteria that can cross-contaminate your food. It’s important to keep reusable bags clean for your groceries!
Learn how to care for recyclable and reusable bags, to keep your Albury Enviro Bags clean at all times.
Cleaning Your Cotton Bags
Most cotton bags, including cotton tote bags and cotton shopping bags, can simply be washed by putting in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. Double-check the label first, to make sure, but when it comes to laundry there is no reason why cotton bags need to be washed separately to your cotton clothes.
Like any other cotton laundry, put your cotton tote bags and cotton shopping bags in the hottest setting suitable for the colours, and use an appropriate detergent. Avoid using the dryer if possible, as this can cause your cotton bags to shrink. Drying in freshly ventilated air is more than enough to protect your cotton bags from developing mildew or a smell.
Cleaning Heavy-Duty Canvas Bags
Canvas tote bags and canvas shopping bags are more heavy-duty, due to their stronger weave. However, they are fundamentally made of the same fibres as normal cotton fabric and, usually, their cleaning instructions are the same. Use the hottest water setting that won’t damage the fabric or cause the inks to run. Unless the bag specifically has oil-based food stains that may need a stronger cleaner with bleaching agents or enzymes, you’re ok to use a gentle detergent. Make sure to dry the bags completely, as using a damp canvas bag will encourage mould to grow.
Some canvas has other fibres woven in with the cotton, such as synthetic fibres to add to the fabric’s water-resistant properties. Carefully read the care instructions on the labels of canvas tote bags and canvas shopping bags in case they use any materials that need special care.
Cleaning Reusable Bags with Inserts
If your reusable bags have a bottom insert, this also needs to be washed for hygiene. Usually, it’s best to remove these and wash them separately. If the inserts have a semi-rigid structure that may be damaged by the motion of a washing machine, wash them by hand. If the insert is a layer of fabric over cardboard, wash it with a disinfecting spray rather than with water, then put it out in full-strength sun.
Turn Your Reusable Bags Inside-Out
With any reusable bag that needs to be cleaned, remember to turn them inside-out before you wash them. As with clothes, this helps to protect the outer surfaces of reusable bags.
Get a Free Quote
Are you ready to join the many Australians who have chosen to avoid plastic bags? Contact Albury Enviro Bags to order your reusable bags.