Tips From Health Canada On Cleaning Reusable Bags

All bags used to transport food items including single-use plastic bags, reusable grocery bins and reusable grocery bags can harbour bacteria if they are not taken care of properly. This means that they should be washed on occasion.

– Health Canada recommends ensuring that you always use reusable bags that are machine washable.

– Reusable bags should be washed after using them to carry meat, poultry, fish and fresh produce. Reusable cloth bags can also be hand-washed with soap and warm water.

– Dry your reusable bags thoroughly after washing them before they are stored or folded up to prevent mold and mildew growth.

– Keep your groceries separate to avoid having to wash all of your reusable bags. For example, place all your meat in one bag, produce in another bag and boxed, non-perishable items or ready-to-eat foods in a different bag.

– For super-fast and easy sanitization of reusable grocery bags, mix 1 tsp of bleach and three cups of water in a spray bottle. Keep the spray bottle labelled and easily accessible, and give your bags a quick spray every so often to kill any bacteria. They can then be rinsed and left to hang dry or rinsed and wiped dry with a towel.   Single-use plastic bags can also accumulate just as much bacteria from produce and meat juices, but are perceived to be less troublesome  to you, not so much for the environment because they can just be thrown away. If plastic bags are kept in your home and reused, they pose a much more serious problem because they are not machine washable and can’t be cleaned properly,  making them that much more dangerous to your health.

Looking for ways for your business to reduce, reuse and recycle?  If so, contact ICEGREEN today.  We can help.

About ICEGREEN: IceGreen is one of the largest manufacturers of lead-free and machine washable reusable bags, serving a wide variety of businesses and industries both large and small (Beverage Companies, Grocery Stores, Hotels, Pharmaceuticals and much more)  across North America and globally.  And, as the manufacturer, you’re dealing directly with us, saving you time and money.  Looking for the best in reusable bags and packaging?  Contact ICEGREEN today.