Reusable shopping bags are something that your elderly family member might have been relying on for a long time now. But are they still something that she can safely use during the coronavirus pandemic? There aren’t any restrictions from the CDC regarding reusable shopping bags at this time but keeping them clean and disinfected is very important.
The Short Answer Is Yes
Reusable bags are definitely still something that your elderly family member can use as she shops or as other people shop for her. The big thing to remember about reusable bags is that, like cloth face masks, they do come in contact with people and germs as the bags do their jobs containing items. They need to be cleaned and disinfected.
Cleaning Cloth Bags
Cleaning and disinfecting reusable cloth bags is really easy. Throw them in the washing machine with laundry detergent and run a full wash cycle. Put them in the dryer on the hottest setting that the bag manufacturer recommends. This is usually enough to both clean and disinfect cloth bags in one simple process that the machines handle for the most part.
Cleaning Nylon or Plastic Bags
Nylon or plastic bags are a little sturdier to shop with, but they require different cleaning and disinfecting processes. Use soap and water to clean the outside and the inside of each bag and then make sure to remove any remaining soap. Use a bleach solution or some other disinfecting solution to wipe down the inside and outside of each bag. Make sure that the bags are completely dry again before storing them.
Disinfecting Solutions
Disinfecting solutions are harder to come by than they once were. If your senior still has commercial disinfecting spray or wipes, those are fast and easy to use. Homemade solutions are also popular, but you must be careful not to mix chemicals. Diluted bleach solutions and alcohol-based solutions are among the easiest and most effective ones to use. These cleaning and disinfecting habits are good ones to have when there isn’t a pandemic, too.
This can be a lot more effort for your senior, especially if she wants to use reusable bags but feels more comfortable staying at home as much as possible. Elder care providers can help. They can use your senior’s own bags to help her to run errands and then help with disinfecting them afterward. That way they’re always clean and ready to go.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN HENDERSON, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.