Easy cleaning tips for your Stashi, a reusable shopping bag

Cleaning your reusable shopping bag is fast and simple. Stashi bags are strong and easy to clean. They fit well with your busy life.

• Almost 97% of shoppers do not wash their bags. Cleaning your bags often lowers bacteria by 99.9%.

• Looking after each bag stops plastic pollution, increases the longevity of the bag and keeps your home safe from germs. It also saves resources.
  
  Keep your bags clean to stay safe and look good.

Key Takeaways

• Clean your Stashi reusable shopping bag at least once a week to reduce bacteria by 99.9%.

• Use different bags for raw meat and other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

• Always check care labels for the best cleaning methods to extend the life of your bags.

Cleaning your reusable shopping bag

Hand-washing steps

Hand-washing keeps your reusable shopping bag fresh and safe. You can clean most bags easily at home. Here is a simple way to wash your Stashi tote or similar bags:

1. Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap or gentle detergent.

2. Turn your bag inside out. This helps you reach all seams and corners.

3. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the inside and outside. Pay extra attention to folds and seams where dirt hides.

4. Rinse the bag well with clean water.

5. Hang the bag up or lay it flat to air dry. Make sure it dries completely, both inside and out.

Tip: For laminated or synthetic bags, wipe them down with a damp cloth or disinfectant spray instead of soaking.

Here is a quick guide for different bag materials:

Do’s:

• Wash your reusable shopping bag at least once a week if you use it often.

• Use warm water and mild soap.

• Clean all seams and folds.

• Dry the bag thoroughly.

Don’ts:

• Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals.

• Do not leave the bag damp or folded while wet.

• Avoid putting sharp objects inside to prevent damage.

Machine washing tips

Some reusable shopping bags, like cotton or canvas, are safe for machine washing. Always check the care label first. If your bag is machine washable, follow these steps:

• Place the bag inside out in the washing machine.

• Use cold water and a gentle cycle.

• Add mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners.

• Remove the bag promptly after washing and hang it to dry.

Note: Insulated bags should not go in the washing machine. Spray and wipe them with disinfectant, then air dry.

Wiping after use

Wiping your reusable shopping bag after each use helps reduce bacteria and keeps it looking stylish. Use a damp cloth or disinfectant wipe to clean the inside and outside surfaces. Focus on areas that touch food, especially if you carry raw meat or produce.

• Bacteria can survive on bags and transfer to hands and food.

• Regular wiping lowers the risk of cross-contamination.

• Storing bags in a hot car can increase bacteria growth.

Quick tip: Always wipe down insulated bags with hot, soapy water or a disinfectant spray. Pay attention to zippers and seams.

Practical do’s and don’ts for maintaining your bag:

• Do wipe your bag after every shopping trip.

• Do store your bag in a cool, dry place.

• Do check for holes or rips regularly.

• Don’t use the same bag for raw meat and other foods without cleaning.

• Don’t ignore care labels or recommended cleaning methods.

A reusable shopping bag is easy to keep clean with regular care. You protect your health and keep your bag looking fresh and stylish. Make cleaning part of your routine for peace of mind.

Drying and storing bags

Air drying

You keep your reusable shopping bag fresh by drying it thoroughly after each wash. Air drying works best for all bag types. Hang your bag outdoors in the shade or in a well-ventilated room. Never use a tumble dryer, as heat can shrink or warp the fibres. Make sure every part of the bag, including the seams and corners, dries completely before you put it away. For natural fibre bags, such as cotton or jute, you can add a silica gel pack inside to help absorb any leftover moisture.

Recommended air drying tips:

• Hang bags upright or lay them flat.

• Dry outdoors in shade or indoors with good airflow.

• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Preventing mould

Mould grows quickly in damp conditions. Studies show that up to 40% of reusable bags contain yeast or mould, often because of moisture left after cleaning or from carrying wet produce. You can prevent mould by washing your bag regularly and letting it dry fully. Do not store your bag in a car or other humid places, as this encourages bacteria and mould growth. Always check your bag for any signs of dampness before storing.

Tip: Designate separate bags for raw meat, vegetables, and household items. This reduces the risk of bacteria and mould spreading.

Storage tips

Proper storage keeps your reusable shopping bag clean and ready for use. Store your bags in a cool, dry place, such as a closet or drawer. Avoid tight spaces where air cannot circulate. Make sure bags are clean and dry before folding or stacking them. If you use your bags often, keep them upright and ventilated. This helps prevent odours and mould.

Quick storage checklist:

• Store bags away from sunlight and moisture.

• Use a drawer or closet for protection.

• Add silica gel packs for natural fibre bags.

Safe use and food safety

Separate bags for foods

You can keep your groceries safe by using different bags. Use one bag for raw meat. Use another bag for fresh fruit and vegetables. Use a third bag for ready-to-eat foods. This stops juices from meat mixing with other foods. Put meat, seafood, and poultry in clear plastic bags first. This stops leaks and keeps other food clean. Many people use colour-coded or labelled bags. This makes sorting food easier. Keep meat, poultry, and fish away from fruit and ready-to-eat foods. This works well when shopping, storing, and cooking.

• Use different bags for meat, seafood, poultry, ready-to-eat foods, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

• Put meat, seafood, and poultry in plastic bags before reusable bags.

• Use clear plastic bags for meat, poultry, or fish to stop leaks.

• Keep meat, poultry, and fish in separate bags from fruit and ready-to-eat foods.

Tip: Colour-coded bags help you remember which bag is for each food. This makes shopping and unpacking easier.

Avoiding cross-contamination

Cross-contamination happens when germs from raw foods touch other groceries. Meat often has germs that can spread to fruit or ready-to-eat foods. You lower this risk by packing raw foods in separate bags. Always wash your reusable shopping bag after you unpack groceries. Cleaning removes germs, yeast, and mould that can build up inside bags. Washing and storing bags safely protects your health and keeps bags lasting longer.

• Pack raw foods in separate bags from ready-to-eat foods.

• Use colour-coded or labelled bags to avoid mistakes.

• Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from other foods.

• Keep foods separate when shopping, storing, preparing, and cooking.

• Wash and store bags safely to stop germs growing.

Note: Cleaning your bag often is important for hygiene. It keeps your reusable shopping bag fresh and safe every time you shop.

Cleaning frequency

After each use

You keep your reusable shopping bags safe and stylish by cleaning them regularly. Experts recommend washing your bags every three to four uses. If you carry raw meat or messy items, clean your bag straight away. Spot cleaning between washes helps remove stains and keeps your bag looking fresh.

Did you know?
A study found that 97% of people do not wash their reusable bags. Over half of the bags tested contained coliform bacteria, and 12% had E. coli. Washing your bags often lowers the risk of germs and keeps your groceries safe.

You can follow these simple steps to maintain your bags:

• Wipe the inside and outside after each shopping trip.

• Wash bags immediately after carrying raw meat or seafood.

• Rotate your bags so each one gets cleaned and aired out.

• Store bags in a clean, dry place to prevent mould.

If you postpone washing, spot-clean stains with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid overloading your bags with heavy or sharp items to prevent damage.

Following care labels

Care labels give you the best advice for cleaning and drying your bags. Always check the label before washing. Each material needs a different method to stay in top condition.

You extend the life of your bags by following care instructions. Use cold water and gentle detergent. Air-dry your bags to protect the fabric and prevent fading. Store them neatly and avoid direct sunlight. You keep your bags looking stylish and ready for every shopping trip.

You keep your reusable shopping bags fresh and stylish with regular care. Simple cleaning routines help you:

• Remove germs and odours for better hygiene

• Extend the life of your bags and save money

• Support a cleaner environment

Quick checks and spot cleaning make your bags last longer. Make cleaning part of your routine for peace of mind.

FAQ

How often should you clean your reusable shopping bag?

You should clean your reusable shopping bag every three to four uses. If you carry raw meat or messy items, wash it straight away for best hygiene.

Can you put a reusable shopping bag in the washing machine?

You can machine wash cotton or canvas bags. Always check the care label first. Use cold water and a gentle cycle to protect the fabric.

What is the best way to store a reusable shopping bag?

Store your reusable shopping bag in a cool, dry place. Keep it upright or folded neatly. Make sure it is completely dry before putting it away.