A recent TikTok video has sparked a major discussion about hygiene after a shopper revealed she never thought to wash her reusable grocery bags. The TikTok video, which has gained over 526,000 views, shows creator @kaylenhailey questioning whether she was the only person who didn’t know that reusable bags should be regularly cleaned.
The conversation started when Kaylen visited Trader Joe’s and handed over her reusable bags to the cashier. The employee commented that the bags were great and added that “they wash so well too.” This innocent remark left Kaylen confused and wondering if everyone else was washing their grocery bags while she wasn’t.
Former grocery store workers quickly responded to share their experiences with customer bags. “As a former cashier. Some peoples bags reeked, were sticky and over disgusting. Wash or wipe them at least pls,” one person commented. Another former Trader Joe’s employee confirmed that cashiers often hint about cleaning when they encounter dirty bags, explaining “I used to work at Trader Joe’s and I’ve seen gross stuff in the bags. She was definitely hinting for you to wash it but trying to be nice!”
Health risks of unwashed reusable bags
Scientific studies have revealed concerning facts about unwashed reusable grocery bags. Research conducted by the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University found that bacteria was present in 99% of reusable bags tested. The study discovered that 51% of bags contained coliform bacteria, while 12% had E. coli contamination. Most concerning was that 97% of shoppers admitted they never wash their bags.
@kaylenhailey Sorry guys I didn’t realize this was such a hot topic
♬ originalljud – nia#traderjoes #reusablebag #groceries #laundry #sorry
The bags become contaminated when they come into contact with raw meat, produce, and other grocery items. Cross-contamination occurs when these bacteria-laden bags are used repeatedly without proper cleaning. Storing bags in car trunks, where temperatures can be high, creates ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply up to 10 times faster. TikTok has seen various health and safety discussions about everyday items we might not think to clean regularly.
Regular washing can reduce bacteria in reusable bags by over 99.9%, according to research findings. Cotton and canvas bags should be machine washed in hot water with regular detergent, then dried completely before storage. Plastic bags need to be hand-washed with hot soapy water and wiped down thoroughly. The key is ensuring bags are completely dry before storing them, as moisture encourages bacterial growth and mildew.
Experts recommend washing bags after each grocery trip, especially if they’ve carried raw meat or produce. Using separate bags for different types of food can help prevent cross-contamination. Despite the environmental benefits of reusable bags, viral trends on social media platforms continue to raise awareness about health and safety issues many people overlook. The simple act of regularly washing reusable bags can protect families from potential foodborne illnesses while maintaining the environmental benefits these bags provide.
