The Germs That Lurk in Trick-or-Treat Bags (and How to Clean Them Out)

Every Halloween, kids fill their buckets, bags, and pillowcases with candy—but have you ever thought about how dirty those containers get? From being dragged across sidewalks to tossed on the floor, they pick up germs you don’t want spreading through your home.

Why Trick-or-Treat Bags Get So Dirty

• Outdoor exposure: Bags touch sidewalks, streets, and doorsteps.

• Candy wrappers: Sugary residue and sticky wrappers leak into the bottom.

• Shared handling: Kids often trade candy and pass bags back and forth.

How to Clean Them

• Plastic buckets: Wash with warm, soapy water and let air dry.

• Fabric bags/pillowcases: Toss in the washing machine with hot water.

• Reusable totes: Wipe down with disinfectant wipes if not machine washable.

Prevention Tips

• Use liners: Slip a plastic grocery bag inside to catch candy messes.

• Wash before storing: Don’t leave bags dirty until next year—clean them right away.

• Choose easy-clean options: Buckets and washable totes beat glitter-covered baskets that can’t be cleaned.

Trick-or-treat bags may be spooky, but the germs inside are scarier. A quick clean keeps your kids healthier and makes the tradition safer year after year!