Home | Getting Rid of Smells | How to Get Rid of Smell in Reusable Grocery Bags: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Rid of Smell in Reusable Grocery Bags: Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate odors from reusable grocery bags easily with E-Cloth. Follow our simple, effective step-by-step cleaning guide.

Title

How to Get Rid of Smell in Reusable Grocery Bags

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- Dish soap
- Distilled white vinegar
- Soft brush
- Clean towel

Empty and Shake Out the Bag

Remove all items from the bag and give it a good shake to dislodge any loose crumbs.

Pre-Rinse with Cold Water

Rinse the bag with cold water to remove surface dirt and residues before applying any cleaning agents.

Prepare a Soapy Wash

Fill a basin with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Stir to create suds.
Submerge the bag and gently scrub it inside and out, using your hands or a soft brush to reach all the nooks.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the bag under running water until no soap remains, ensuring all residues are washed away.

Deodorize with Vinegar

Mix one part distilled white vinegar to four parts water. Swish this solution around inside the bag to neutralize odors.
Let it sit for 5 minutes before giving it one final rinse with clean water.

Dry Completely

Hang the bag in a well-ventilated area or lay it flat on a clean towel. Ensure it is fully dry to prevent any lingering smells or mildew.

Safety Precautions

Check care labels before cleaning—some bags may not be machine washable or may require gentle handling.
Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin or are using vinegar, as it can cause irritation.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage bag materials and leave harmful residues.
Ensure thorough rinsing to remove all soap and vinegar, preventing skin irritation or accidental ingestion of residues.
Dry bags completely before storing to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Clean in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes from cleaning agents.

How to Maintain Cleanliness How to Get Rid of Smell in Reusable Grocery Bags: Extra Tips

Rinse and Shake Out Debris

Immediately after use, give your reusable bag a good shake to remove loose crumbs and dirt.
If spills occur, rinse the bag with warm water to prevent stains and odor buildup.
Inspect the bag for any visible food waste and spot clean as necessary.

Title

Hand or Machine Wash Regularly

Periodically wash your bags with mild detergent and warm water to keep them fresh.
You can either hand wash or toss them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Always rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue which can attract dirt.

Title

Use Natural Odor Fighters

To tackle persistent odors, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the bag and let it sit for a few hours before shaking out the powder.
Alternatively, wipe the inside with a mixture of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) to neutralize smells.
For extra stubborn smells, consider leaving the bag open in the sun for a few hours to air out.

Title

Proper Drying and Storage Techniques

After washing, make sure your bags are completely dry to prevent mildew—squeeze out excess water and hang them up.
Avoid storing damp bags in confined spaces; ample airflow helps maintain their freshness.
Keep bags in a dedicated storage area in your kitchen or pantry where they can breathe and are ready for your next trip.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Reusable Grocery Bags

Neglecting High-Touch Areas

Focus on the spots you miss: Doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls collect more than just dust—they harbor germs too.
Regular wipe-downs: Make it a habit to clean these surfaces at least once a week to keep nasty build-up at bay.
Easy routine: Keeping disinfectant wipes in your cleaning kit can save you time and effort.

Overusing Cleaning Products

Less is more: Using too much cleaning solution can leave residue and even damage surfaces.
Proper dilution: Always follow manufacturer instructions to mix the right amount of product with water.
Stick to one product: Avoid mixing different chemicals and save money by choosing multipurpose cleaners.

Skipping Routine Maintenance

Stay on schedule: A little daily upkeep goes a long way in preventing overwhelming weekend cleanups.
Set a timer: Dedicate 10–15 minutes to a specific area each day—like kitchen counters or bathroom sinks.
Consistency wins: Regular cleaning not only keeps your space looking good but also reduces stress over time.

Title

How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Reusable Grocery Bags

How Often to Clean Your Reusable Grocery Bags

If you use your bags every day or several times a week, aim to give them a quick rinse and thorough dry at least once a week. This prevents build-up from leftovers and keeps odors at bay.
If usage is moderate—say, a few times each week—cleaning them weekly ensures any food residues or spills don’t have time to develop into stubborn smells.
For those who only use them occasionally, consider a monthly clean. However, always clean them after transporting perishable or particularly aromatic foods.

Why This Frequency?

Regular cleaning minimizes bacteria and residue build-up, which are the primary drivers of unpleasant odors.
Keeping a routine cleaning schedule takes the stress out of dealing with persistent smells and ensures your bags remain hygienic for food storage.
Frequent washing not only combats smells, but it also extends the lifespan of your bags, keeping them in better condition for longer.

E-Cloth

Other Brands

Precision-engineered, uniform microfibers

Often crushed/less consistent fibers

No streaks with just water

May need chemicals for same results

Lasts ~300 washes

Many break down faster

Traps and locks in particles

Can smear dirt around

Reduces chemicals & waste, reusable

Less eco, more waste/chemicals

Shop Now

A Clean You Can See

Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.

Shop Now