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How to sanitize shopping cart handles: Step-by-Step

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 16, 2025

Easily sanitize shopping cart handles with E-Cloth—no chemicals needed. Simple, effective cleaning for safer shopping every time.

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How to sanitize shopping cart handles: Step-by-Step

Tools:

E-Cloth
EPA-approved disinfectant spray or disinfecting wipes (with at least 70% alcohol)
Paper towels
Disposable gloves

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Wash your hands or put on disposable gloves to avoid spreading germs.
Give the handle a quick look over and wipe off any large debris with a clean paper towel if needed.

Step 2: Apply the Sanitizer

Spray an EPA-approved disinfectant (or use disinfecting wipes with at least 70% alcohol) directly onto the handle.
Ensure the surface stays wet for at least 30 seconds, as instructed on the product label for effective sanitization.

Step 3: Let It Air Dry

Allow the handle to air dry completely to let the disinfectant work its magic.
If necessary, gently wipe away any lingering residue with a clean paper towel after drying.

Precautions:

Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants

Ensure that the cleaning agent used is approved for sanitizing surfaces that come into contact with skin and food.

Wear Protective Gloves

Prevent skin irritation and chemical exposure by always wearing disposable gloves during the process.

Check Manufacturer Guidelines

Review the shopping cart's care instructions to avoid using any disinfectants that could damage the material.

Test on a Small Area First

Minimize potential damage by trying the disinfectant on a less visible section before full application.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling potentially harmful fumes from chemical agents.

Avoid Mixing Different Chemicals

Prevent dangerous chemical reactions by using only one type of disinfectant at a time on the cart handles.

Keep Disinfectants Out of Reach

Store all cleaning agents safely, ensuring they are inaccessible to children and pets when not in use.

How to Correctly Sanitize The Shopping cart handles: Extra Tips

Wipe the Handles with an Approved Disinfectant

Spray the shopping cart handles with a disinfectant that meets CDC guidelines. Look for products labeled effective against viruses.
Ensure the disinfectant stays wet on the surface for the recommended dwell time according to the product instructions.

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Use Disposable Gloves for Safety

Wear disposable gloves before touching any surfaces to avoid contaminating your hands.
After cleaning, discard the gloves safely and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

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Focus on High-Touch Areas

Pay extra attention to parts of the handles where multiple shoppers commonly grip.
If possible, clean additional high-touch areas such as cart wheels or payment buttons on attached devices.

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Let the Surface Air-Dry Completely

Allow the disinfectant to sit and air-dry on the handles to maximize its effectiveness.
Avoid wiping off the product too quickly, as this can reduce its ability to kill germs.

Common Mistakes When Sanitizing Shopping cart handles

Using the Wrong Cleaning Solutions

Mixing household chemicals or using overly harsh cleaners can damage the cart handle’s finish.
Not checking manufacturer instructions might lead to residue buildup or corrosion.
Failing to use appropriate disinfectants reduces the effectiveness against germs.

Neglecting Personal Protection

Skipping gloves or masks exposes you to potentially harmful chemicals and germs.
Not ventilating the area or reading safety labels can result in accidental injuries.
Ignoring personal care might lead to skin irritation or respiratory issues during cleanup.

Applying Too Much Abrasion

Using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool can scratch and degrade the handle surface.
Excessive force when cleaning may loosen parts, making handles less durable.
Over-scrubbing not only wears out the finish but may also leave micro-scratches that trap more grime.

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How Often to Sanitize Shopping cart handles

Recommended Frequency for Sanitizing Shopping Cart Handles

Ideally, shopping cart handles should be sanitized after each use. Since these are high-touch surfaces used by multiple customers, disinfecting between users minimizes the transfer of germs and viruses.
When it’s not feasible to sanitize after every individual use—such as in extremely busy retail environments—a good rule of thumb is to sanitize every 60 minutes. This frequency helps to reduce the build-up of contaminants during peak hours.
If the shopping area experiences lower traffic or during off-peak hours, sanitizing every 90 to 120 minutes can be acceptable, as the overall risk of cross-contamination is lower. However, erring on the side of caution is always beneficial, particularly during cold and flu seasons or in times of heightened public health concerns.
Regularly scheduled sanitation not only protects customers’ health but also builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a safe shopping environment.

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