How to Properly Reuse Ziploc™ Bags
Today, we’re diving into the world of reusing plastic Ziploc™ bags. I think a huge part of prepping is reusing what we have. I can’t tell you how many different Ziploc™ bags I have thrown away. However, a few years ago, I started to reuse them! I want to talk about how to reuse Ziploc™ bags properly.
Plastic as a significant environmental hazard is getting a lot of attention, and rightfully so. The global economy on our planet seems to rely so much on plastic packaging, and especially plastic storage bags. Most people view these bags as single-use plastic bags. Not only are landfills inundated with plastic shopping bags and plastic packaging, but they are also adversely affecting our waterways, lakes, and oceans. They harm ecosystems ranging from coral reefs, to commercial fisheries, to spawning grounds for numerous species. We need to figure out other ways to use these bags, and Ziploc brand bags are a favorite we all tend to use.
Why Reuse Ziploc™ Bags?
First things first, why bother reusing Ziploc™ bags in the first place? Besides the obvious benefit of reducing waste, it’s also a fantastic way to save cash. Those bags can add cost and clutter, so why not get the most bang for your buck? There are many ways to reuse Ziploc™ bags properly. Bag Drying Rack
1. Cleaning and Maintenance
Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s talk about keeping those bags clean and in tip-top shape. After each use, please give them a good rinse with warm or hot, soapy water. Hot water with soap can help kill any bacteria, mildew, and mold that may be present in or on the bag’s surface. If they’re super greasy or sticky, you might need to break out the big guns and use some vinegar or baking soda squeaky clean. Be careful with greasy stuff. They rarely come out clean and leave a residue. I toss those. I never reuse bags where I have stored any raw meat; it’s not safe, in my opinion. 20 Easy Spring Cleaning Tasks You Can Do Today
You also need to consider people with allergies to things like peanuts. Allergy-triggering foods can be very dangerous, and it’s not worth trying to save money reusing the bag if it risks sickness. Also, make sure the bags are dry by using a dry rack to air dry the bag and to hold the bags open before any reuse.
If you smell any strange odors or if the bag still has stains, I’d be throwing that bag out!
2. Food Storage
One of the most obvious ways to reuse Ziploc™ bags is for food storage. Whether packing lunches, storing leftovers, or prepping ingredients for your next culinary masterpiece, these bags are kitchen essentials with lots of convenience built in. Just make sure to label them with the contents and date to avoid any mystery meals lurking in the back of your fridge or on your pantry shelf. Effective Ways To Prepare For Food Shortages
The sandwich bags can easily be used a number of times if used to hold dry foods. It may just take wiping them out with a cloth or paper towel to get any crumbs remaining.
Due to their strength, they make great freezer bags that aren’t prone to tear open easily. They are convenient to store things in your refrigerator for a few days. Just make sure they are tightly sealed and stored upright.
3. On-the-Go Essentials
Ziploc bags are also perfect for keeping your essentials organized when you’re on the go. Toss your phone, keys, and wallet into a baggie to keep them safe from spills or leaks in your purse or travel bag. Plus, they’re great for stashing snacks, hand sanitizer, or other adventure must-haves. What Are 20 Basic Items in an Emergency Kit?
4. Travel Companions
Speaking of adventures, Ziploc™ bags are a traveler’s best friend. Use them to separate your toiletries and prevent shampoo explosions in your suitcase. They’re also handy for packing snacks, storing dirty laundry, or keeping your passport and other important documents safe and dry. 35 Items Every Prepper Should Have When Traveling
If you have to travel with some prescription medications, you can use these bags to safely transport the meds. I’d plan to use small bags and keep the various prescriptions separate from each other. Their use makes drug administration during the day very easily accomplished. You could even do the same thing at home with the various bags kept safely in their child-safe container but stored in the bags in a convenient drawer.
5. DIY Projects
Get ready to flex those creative muscles because Ziploc™ bags are high-quality zip-top bags and are perfect for all DIY projects. Use them as piping bags for frosting cupcakes, make ice packs by filling them with water and popping them in the freezer, or get crafty and turn them into waterproof pouches for your phone on beach days. How to Reduce Waste as a Prepper
6. Gardening Expert
Believe it or not, Ziploc™ bags can be helpful in the garden. Use them to collect seeds, start seedlings, or protect delicate plants from frost. They’re a great way to store small tools or keep your gardening gloves clean and dry when not digging in the dirt. How To Improve The Soil In Raised Garden Beds
7. Arts and Crafts
Calling all crafters! Ziploc™ bags are a must-have for all your creative endeavors. Use them to organize beads, buttons, and other small supplies, or get messy and use them as paint palettes or small makeshift aprons for messy projects. The possibilities are endless! How to Use Chalk in Emergency Preparedness
8. Pet Palooza
Furry friends deserve some love, and Ziploc™ bags can help keep them happy and healthy. Use them to store pet treats, organize grooming supplies, or even make DIY ice packs for hot summer days. Just keep them out of curious paws’ reach to avoid accidental snacking. What to do With Your Pets in an Emergency
More Tips
- Forget Your 72-Hour Bug-Out Bag You Need More
- 30 Non-Food Survival Items To Stockpile
- How to Connect with Like-Minded Emergency Preppers
Final Word
With a little creativity and a whole lot of Ziploc™ bags, you can reduce waste, save money, and keep your life organized and tidy. So, the next time you reach for that plastic baggie, think twice about tossing it in the trash and give it a second life instead. May God Bless this World, Linda
I have a question. What do you mean when you say “make sure the bags are dry by using a dry rack to air dry the bag and to hold the bags open before any reuse.”? Dry rack???? What the heck is that? That is exactly the reason I gave up on plastic baggies a long time ago & started just tossing them. OR, just not use them at all & switch more to glass or hard plastic in ways to store stuff. I agree that they’re handy, but……
Hi Janet, thank you for the reminder, I just added this link that I use for my silicone bags as well: https://amzn.to/3QrKddx. If I just freeze slices of bread in them, I wash and rinse and let them dry. I freeze tortillas in the gallon ones, and I reuse them. It does save me money and I love the fact I can reuse them. Linda
In the days of old, before mechanical dishwashers ruled the kitchen, people used to clean dishes by hand. And in the interests of saving time and space people invented racks that can be used at the edge of the sink to hold dishes, silverware and even small pans upright so the water drains down onto the mat and into the sink. Search online for “kitchen drying rack” and I’m sure you’ll see a few examples.
And for folks serious about prepping it’s a good idea to keep such an item in storage for when the dishwasher isn’t an option for whatever reason (you do have a way to heat water even when the power is out, right?)
Hi DMWalsh, great comment, those were the days we would all wash and dry dishes and put them away and laugh and talk to each other! Great idea to have a dishrack with drain like the good old days! Love it! Linda
But that still doesn’t tell me what you meant by those words, especially if I don’t want to or can’t afford to buy the silicone bags. There must be others on this blog who are in that situation. Do you mean that one has to buy silicone bags to get a “dry rack”?
Oh, for pete’s sake. I just put my bag over a vase and it is dry the next morning.
BUY THIS….BUY THAT!!! Always buy something which totally defeats the purpose of reusing ziploks.
Or put a egg turner in a small vase(you know, those that cost $1) and stick the ziplok over the egg turner—works for me.
Hi JayJay, no one is suggesting you HAVE to buy anything. I used to hang mine on clean bottles. Then I discovered reusable silicone bags, and they are heavier, but they are awesome as well. Life is good when we save money in the long run! Linda
dmwalsh: I am very familiar with all those types of drying methods of old. That doesn’t give me an answer to a “dry rack” for flexible, plastic baggies.
Linda’s link is for a purpose made drying rack. I prefer the generic ones since they are more flexible when things go sideways. I find it easy to flip the top inch or so (the part with the seal or zipper) of the freezer bag inside out, then put the bags upside down on the rack over a few prongs or whatever is used to hold dishes/pans upright. Never tried that with a silicone bag, so those might need the purpose built drying racks.
My husband made a drying rack for me. It has a “post”, affixed to a base with “arms” sticking out of it.
I don’t believe you “have to buy bags” – I think Linda is just making a wonderful suggestion- one I’ve used for over 20 years.
Hi Beth, I love hearing your husband made a drying rack for you!! Use and reuse, love it! Linda
Ok Linda. I just found your addition of the storage racks to your original post. Thanks; that answers my question.
Hi Janet, there are so many options, you will find the one you like. Linda
I guess I am not as squeamish about germs as the rest of you. I do my dishes by hand and have a dish rack with silverware holder. I wash my bags like Linda suggested and use a long handle ladle or slotted spoon I stick in the silverware holder and let drip dry. I have also placed them over any tall bottle like a wine bottle or vinegar bottle. If I am in a hurry I also take two clean towels and place one inside the bag and one outside and simply hand dry. It’s not rocket science. I haven’t ever made anyone ill and I have been doing that since ziplock bags first came out. They are too expensive to simply toss in the garbage. Greasy ones or raw meat storage go in the garbage no questions asked.
Hi Carolyn, you nailed it! I totally agree! I worry about raw meat and grease is too hard to clean it out! Yes, you can hang a bag on anything to dry. Great comment! Linda
Thank you for clarifying what I was trying to suggest. Yep—an egg turner in a small vase,
Works every time.
Oh, put on the porch; dries faster. I like your post–it ain’t rocket science…good one.
Hi JayJay, no it isn’t rocket science, use what you have to dry the size of baggie you want to wash and dry. Life is good! Linda
I have several bags that I reuse for specific food items. I label them so that I don’t have any issues with cross-contamination even after washing. For example, I have bags marked specifically for bread items; dry snack items; certain vegetable items, etc. I feel this is my “safest” way to deal with reusing the bags. Sort of like having different cutting boards for different food items!!!
HI Leanne, that’s a great idea! It seems silly to throw out a bag that was in the freezer with 2 slices of bread, when I can wash and dry it and reuse it. Great comment! Linda
I’ve never washed a bag; if it needs washing, it goes in the trash. Only clean ziploks get reused here…..moisture from refrigeration sometimes needs drying.
Have a great day everyone.
HI JayJay, you have a great day too! Linda
I LOVE this article so much! I can’t get over how easy it is to reuse them and I’ve been missing out! I’ll def start using your advice!!!
Hi Jessica, isn’t it funny we go years and then one day we think wait, i can reuse this bag! Wash, dry and reuse! Thank you, Linda