Find out the shocking mistake you're probably making with your Coles and Woolworths bags!
- Replies 13
People are always looking for practical tips to make life easier and more sustainable.
However, one mum shared an often-overlooked tip that's eco-friendly and essential for maintaining hygiene.
It's a simple practice: regularly washing reusable shopping bags.
The mum has been leading by example, using the same four Coles shopping bags since 2006.
Her secret to keeping them in pristine condition? She washes them regularly.
This savvy shopper has managed to save hundreds of dollars by avoiding the purchase of new paper and plastic bags, all while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Just recently, she gave her bags a thorough clean.
'Such a lovely sunny day here I thought I’d wash my shopping bags,' she posted on Facebook, along with a photo of her bags drying on a rack.
Her method is simple yet effective: soaking the bags in hot water with detergent, giving them a light scrub, and then rinsing them with cold water.
A quick spin in the washing machine, and they're as good as new.
But why is this important? Checkout workers have shared some horror stories that might turn your stomach.
‘I remember my days on checkout, some bags smelt so revolting I had to hold my breath to prevent vomiting and scan as fast as possible,’ one comment said.
‘As someone who works at Cole’s in the checkouts—thank you,’ another comment read.
‘The amount of smelly bags we deal with, whether urine-soaked or the stench of cigarettes, it’s so gross.’
Other comments reveal shocking contents—from unwiped blood from produce, to seeing a dead rat inside a shopping bag.
Washing your grocery bags is not just about aesthetics; it's a health matter.
Keeping your bags free of bacteria and unpleasant smells is crucial, especially when you're transporting food.
It is also a cost-effective habit. While the 25-cent bags at the counter might not seem like much, the cost adds up over time.
Others also chimed in with their practices. Some have been using their parents' bags since the 1980s, proving that these bags can last a lifetime with proper care.
'No need to keep buying bags, keep them clean and they will last forever,' one member shared.
Others have adopted creative solutions, like spraying bags with vanilla to keep them smelling fresh or using canvas bags that fold up neatly and can be tossed into the washing machine.
So, don’t neglect washing your reusable shopping bags.
Not only does it save you money and help the environment, it also ensures that the food you bring into your home is as clean as possible.
Let's take a page out of this mum's book and make bag hygiene a regular part of our routine.
Whether you hand wash or machine wash, keeping your bags clean is a simple step with significant benefits.
Do you have any tips for keeping your shopping bags in tip-top shape? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.
However, one mum shared an often-overlooked tip that's eco-friendly and essential for maintaining hygiene.
It's a simple practice: regularly washing reusable shopping bags.
The mum has been leading by example, using the same four Coles shopping bags since 2006.
Her secret to keeping them in pristine condition? She washes them regularly.
This savvy shopper has managed to save hundreds of dollars by avoiding the purchase of new paper and plastic bags, all while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Keeping reusable shopping bags clean is a good practice, as it helps in keeping grocery items fresh and germ-free. Image Credit: Liliana Drew/Pexels
'Such a lovely sunny day here I thought I’d wash my shopping bags,' she posted on Facebook, along with a photo of her bags drying on a rack.
Her method is simple yet effective: soaking the bags in hot water with detergent, giving them a light scrub, and then rinsing them with cold water.
A quick spin in the washing machine, and they're as good as new.
But why is this important? Checkout workers have shared some horror stories that might turn your stomach.
‘I remember my days on checkout, some bags smelt so revolting I had to hold my breath to prevent vomiting and scan as fast as possible,’ one comment said.
‘As someone who works at Cole’s in the checkouts—thank you,’ another comment read.
‘The amount of smelly bags we deal with, whether urine-soaked or the stench of cigarettes, it’s so gross.’
Other comments reveal shocking contents—from unwiped blood from produce, to seeing a dead rat inside a shopping bag.
Washing your grocery bags is not just about aesthetics; it's a health matter.
Keeping your bags free of bacteria and unpleasant smells is crucial, especially when you're transporting food.
It is also a cost-effective habit. While the 25-cent bags at the counter might not seem like much, the cost adds up over time.
Others also chimed in with their practices. Some have been using their parents' bags since the 1980s, proving that these bags can last a lifetime with proper care.
'No need to keep buying bags, keep them clean and they will last forever,' one member shared.
Others have adopted creative solutions, like spraying bags with vanilla to keep them smelling fresh or using canvas bags that fold up neatly and can be tossed into the washing machine.
So, don’t neglect washing your reusable shopping bags.
Not only does it save you money and help the environment, it also ensures that the food you bring into your home is as clean as possible.
Let's take a page out of this mum's book and make bag hygiene a regular part of our routine.
Whether you hand wash or machine wash, keeping your bags clean is a simple step with significant benefits.
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