I have about 10 Walmart reusable shopping bags that I take with me everywhere I go. I also have two very shed-dy dogs. My three yo was playing with the bags and now they look pretty gross. Certainly hairy enough so that I don't want to put food purchases in them.
I have the black (not the blue) ones, if it matters, and my question to you is, "Can I wash/dry these bags without comprimising their strength?"
I have washed mine and they are fine (I also have the black ones). You aren't using them now, so take a chance. I don't think the strength was compromised, maybe after several washings they may be.
If these are those canvas type bags (more like material than plastic) you can wash them. I wash mine all the time but they are from another store. I usually hang them to dry though and put in the dryer when almost done to get any lint off. Never had a problem with them falling apart. Also, the lead that was found in some bags is actually such a small amount that it is not harmful and does not rub off when you put the food in. You would have to put raw food in the bag for a while to have any effect. I totally check that one out when I saw the article.
I would try it sounds worth it. But if I were you I would also consider switching to cotton net bags. Many of the shopping reusable bags have been found to have LEAD in them.
i wash mine - the strength is unchanged but they're not as "crisp"
I, too, have heard that you can wash them a time or two. The comment about the lead is also one I've heard; apparently some people are worried about lead being in the paint on the bags.
I haven't tried washing the bags because I have such a large collection of them! I have been known to put nasty ones in a recycle bin, since they're recyclable. And if I worry about the paint, I have the checkout clerk put the food in plastic bags and then into the reusable bag; this compromises their ecological value, but the reusable bags are so much easier to haul to the car and to the house! I reuse the plastic bags as well, because they serve as liners in our trash baskets.
Yes, they can be washed. If they don't seem strong enough to tote a bunch of groceries afterwards (or after several washes), consider using them for other things: diaper bag, beach bag, toy bag, recycle bag, etc. I have lots of these bags and when they get to the point where I don't want to take them "out in public" anymore, I find lots of uses for them! PS it is recommended that they be washed regularly anyways to help prevent the spread of germs and contamination of your food.
I have bags from many different places and I wash mine on a regular basis. If you don't wash them they can harbor bacteria. I just take the hard bottoms out and toss in the washer and then the drier on low.
