How to Care for Crochet Market & Produce Bags

To keep your crochet bags looking great and lasting for many trips to come, a little care goes a long way. Here are my top tips for keeping them clean, fresh, and ready for whatever your next shopping adventure brings.

WASHING

From onions and apples, mesh produce bags are great for storing and carrying a variety of items. But depending on what you place in the bag, sometimes the mesh collects stains, sticky residue, odors, and dirt. Bags left in damp conditions or carrying spoiled ingredients also pick up mold. The solution is typically a simple wash. Here are some laundry methods you might try to keep your produce bags looking and smelling fresh:

It’s best to remove wooden or ceramic beads from drawstring bags before washing.

Pre-Treating. Pre-treat visible stains or stubborn residues by wetting the stained fabric and hitting the stain with a squirt of lemon juice. Then let the bag sit in the sun for a few hours before washing it. Lemon juice and sunlight can be an effective natural stain remover because lemon juice’s citric acid reacts with sunlight to bleach stains.

Soaking. A thorough soak is often all that is needed to break down residues and remove odors. Try soaking your bag in plain hot water. If that isn’t strong enough, try a mix of hot water and dish soap. If you have trouble removing stains from produce bags, try soaking them in 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1-2 cups of warm water. Whatever soaking solution you choose, soak them for an hour or more to ensure that the residues have time to break down. After the soak, make sure to give your bag a thorough rinse, especially if you use a mix other than plain water, then lay flat on a towel or hang to dry.

Hand Washing. Hand washing is the safest and most effective cleaning method. It gives you more control over the washing process, minimizing the risk of damage and missed spots. This is the method I tend to use when I just need to give the bags a regular wash (once a month). Fill the sink with warm water and dish soap or a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Then add the bags and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. Finally, give them a gentle scrub while in the water. Rinse them well, then lay flat on a towel or hang to dry.

Rinsing in the Dishwasher. Using the top rack of your dishwasher to wash and rinse your mesh produce bags is another great option. Unlike washing machines, dishwashers operate on a more gentle cycle and won’t toss the bags around. This method is as gentle as hand washing but with less effort from you!

Machine Washing. For a more thorough clean, machine wash your produce bags on a gentle cycle with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave residue on the bags and affect their breathability. To prevent tangling or potential damage to the bags, wash them with similar items, such as towels or other delicate fabrics. Before washing, be sure to remove the wooden bead used to hold the drawstring closed. Removing these beads for machine washing will ensure that they don’t get damaged or get tangled in your bag’s mesh.

Spot Cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth between washes. To remove any dirt or debris left behind from produce (such as onion skins and loose leaves), run a wet cloth or sponge over the mesh. Be sure to wipe away any sticky juices as well to refresh your bags and get them ready for your next trip to the market.

DRYING

Once you’ve washed your reusable produce bags, be sure to dry them thoroughly to ensure they remain clean, odor-free, and in good condition. Air drying is the best method. Simply lay them flat on a towel on the counter, or hang them on a clothesline or drying rack. Do not tumble dry. Make sure the bags are completely dry before storing them to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.

PRECAUTIONS

  • When using cleaning agents, be sure to consult the bottle’s label for a list of ingredients, directions for use, safety warnings, and storage and disposal instructions.

  • Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the bag before applying it to the entire surface.

  • Use a gentle touch when scrubbing or treating stains to avoid damaging the fabric.

  • Rinse the bags thoroughly after using any cleaning solution to ensure that no residue remains.

PREVENTATIVE CARE

  • Avoid carrying and storing spiky, rough-textured produce.

  • Avoid overloading the bags with heavy produce.

  • Wash or refresh the bag regularly using mild, fragrance-free soaps/detergents.

  • Remove stains immediately to avoid long-term discoloration.

  • Avoid exposure to high heat or humidity.

With just a little care and attention, your handmade crochet bags can stay in great shape for years to come. Regular cleaning, gentle handling, and smart storage go a long way in keeping them fresh, functional, and beautiful — trip after trip.