How dangerouse are multi-use shopping bags for customers and checkout clerks?

[Anon1970]

I just washed mine for the first time today. They are probably more than a year old and have attracted lots of germs in that time.

 

[LCarlson]

Most germs will not last more than a few days or a week at the outside, but it is definitely a smart idea to wash them in hot, soapy water, on a regular basis - kudos to you for taking this measure!
~LC

 

[Barbaraok]

Most germs will not last more than a few days or a week at the outside, but it is definitely a smart idea to wash them in hot, soapy water, on a regular basis - kudos to you for taking this measure!
~LC

Doesn't have to be hot water, it is the soap that disrupts the fat layer around the virus.

 

[DrRJP]

Doesn't have to be hot water, it is the soap that disrupts the fat layer around the virus.

And people should have been washing them anyway after every trip to the store.

 

[RubyLee]

All of this is good to know and things we've probably not been thinking about because we didn't have to. The bags I use for groceries are recycled something or other and can be "wiped clean". I've been taking that for granted. Now I come home and spray then with alcohol which is what I use on my hands, nitrile gloves and handles of carts. I let the alcohol dry rather than wipe. Excuse me, I have to go fold up my dried bags and wash my hands again.