I use the insulated bags that Whole Foods sells. They are probably $5 a bag but well worth the cost, as they hold their shape, fully zip, and keep my food cold. I toss them in the wash every month or so and even the dryer and they come out just fine.

I use envirosax which are washable. I also have a nice flat bottomed bag from ukonserve. http://store.kidskonserve.com/Go-to-Market-Tote-Slate-p/uk002.htm

I love that bag but hadn't thought about how to wash it until just now. I probably won't, to be honest. I wash my envirosax when I think they need it though. Also, you can buy or make reusable produce bags. The ukonserve site sells them but you can probably get them cheaper on etsy, or make them yourself for a couple bucks w/ some muslin and a sewing machine. You wouldn't even really need to put a drawstring in it.

Um, now I'm supposed to worry about this too? I just can't. I don't have room for one more thing in my life to worry about.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like the canvas ones from trader joes, they wash very well

Do you just wipe them with a towel ands a little bleach or do you put them in the machine? I usually just wipe mine down.

Toss them in the wash with dish towels.

^boxes.

I'm old school and rely on the cardboard bodes covering the sealed plastic containers. And for produce, I break out the elbow grease and clean it.

I think there are some books about this in the library.

Oops, forgot the link! http://www.urbanmarketbags.com

I use the predecessor to these bags (same bags, the company had a different name then). They look brand new, and I've had them at least six years. I throw them in the washing machine every few uses, line dry and they're great.

Not the cheapest bags, but being able to wash them, and how easily they fit on my purse so I always carry them and they actually get used have made them well worth the money.

Anonymous wrote:I like the canvas ones from trader joes, they wash very well

Do you just wipe them with a towel ands a little bleach or do you put them in the machine? I usually just wipe mine down.

Anonymous wrote:You are way overthinking this. I have been using reuse able bags for a decade. I wipe with wet paper towel or a Clorox wipe when I seexsomething has spilled. I've never put them through the laundry. Using the same bags I got when I started doing this and nobody gets food poisoning.

Growing up I didn't wear a helmet riding my bike, we stopped using car seats by 2 and we attempted hitch-hiking once as teens. I am fine; therefore, it must be safe right?!

I like the canvas ones from trader joes, they wash very well

There have been a bunch of news stories and articles suggesting you need to clean those bags. Here's one.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Reusable-Grocery-Bags-May-Present-Health-Risk-Study-Says-208978051.html

You are way overthinking this. I have been using reuse able bags for a decade. I wipe with wet paper towel or a Clorox wipe when I seexsomething has spilled. I've never put them through the laundry. Using the same bags I got when I started doing this and nobody gets food poisoning.

You wash your grocery bags? Huh?

I have been using those bags they sell at Whole Foods. TJs and Giant until they fall apart, but they are really hard to wash. I read that they are not ideal because of all the bacteria that can accumulate.

It is safe to use those machine washable Vera Bradley totes? Is there any issue with the dyes or cotton? I was thinking of buying some second and having those be my grocery bags and then I would just wash them every week in the machine.

Also, is it OK to use those VB or whatever brand machine washable bags at the Farmer's market so you don't have to use any plastic? Can you just throw fruits and vegetables in there or would the dye from the bag be an issue? TIA.