Reusing plastic bags can be a practical way to cut household waste and stretch your grocery budget, provided you choose the right ones. Bags that held bread, crackers, vegetables, cheese, or other clean items can often be washed and used again. Clean them thoroughly with warm, soapy water, rinse away all soap, and leave them open to air-dry completely before putting anything inside. A bag that still feels damp is not ready to return to use.
The important limit is what the bag previously contained. Bags used for raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs should generally be discarded, as should those holding greasy or strongly scented foods. Bacteria and lingering residues can be difficult to remove thoroughly. Throw away any bag that is damaged, stained, hard to clean, or still smells after washing. Saving a little plastic is worthwhile—but never at the expense of keeping your household’s food safe.