- You can reuse Ziploc bags, but there are instances when it’s best not to.
- Cleaning is as easy as washing them in warm, soapy water and then rinsing and air-drying.
- There are many great alternatives to plastic bags and ways to recycle them.
Whether you use them to store leftovers, freeze portions of broth or simplify meal prep, plastic bags are one of the kitchen’s most versatile products. But there is no denying the serious issues of overusing and improperly disposing of plastics. More Americans than ever believe plastic pollution is a serious problem, and while there are a number of good-quality plastic-free storage options, many of us rely on our zip-top plastic bags as an affordable, readily available option in the kitchen.
One easy solution to reduce plastic waste is to reuse your existing plastic bags. But is it actually safe to reuse zip-top plastic bags, and if so, what’s the best way to clean them properly to extend their lifespan? We put these questions and more to the folks at Ziploc, and the good news is that, yes, you can absolutely reuse their plastic bags. “Because Ziploc brand bags are made with high-quality materials that are strong enough to be used again, our bags can be reused several times,” a spokesperson told us.
I use zip-top plastic bags to seal specialty grains and whole nuts before storing them in the freezer, which helps extend their shelf life. The bags also help organize rarely used kitchen utensils and gadgets, such as cookie cutters or popsicle molds, and they keep my pie weights (I reuse dried beans) in one place. Perhaps you, too, use zip-top plastic bags throughout your kitchen to portion snacks for your kids’ lunches or to store that big batch of homemade maple granola. Yet despite our best efforts, sometimes we dispose of those plastic bags when there is plenty of life left in them. Read on for the best methods to clean them, maintain their excellent condition for longer and explore alternatives to plastic bags.
How to Clean a Plastic Bag
While it’s safe to reuse plastic bags, you’ll want to clean them between uses for sanitary purposes and to reduce any lingering odors. Cleaning a zip-top bag is as simple as adding warm water and dish soap, sealing the zipper and gently swishing the soapy water around inside, the Ziploc representative said.
You will want to be careful not to be too aggressive with this process. Avoid turning the bag inside out, as this could damage the seams. Breaking the seams would, of course, make the bag less effective and will shorten its life.
“Rinse thoroughly, shake out excess water and prop the bag open to dry completely before reusing,” Ziploc told us. You don’t need to buy anything extra to dry your bags; simply use your dish rack or even chopsticks to keep the bags open and allow for some air flow. I like to use magnetic bag clips and dry them on the side of my refrigerator.
How to Extend the Life of a Plastic Bag
Properly cleaning and drying your plastic bags is one of the best ways to extend their life. Be sure to handle the bags carefully to avoid tears or punctures. Depending on what you store inside the bags, you can reuse them several times. However, there are times you’ll want to dispose of a plastic bag after one use.
“We do not recommend reusing any bags that have held raw meat, fish, eggs or potentially allergy-triggering foods, etc., as that may become a food safety issue,” the Ziploc spokesperson said. They added that once the bag goes into the freezer, there should be no impact on the life of that bag.
Aside from ditching bags used for raw meats and common food allergens, very acidic ingredients like tomato sauce can cause stains and shorten the life of any plastic product, including bags.
Plastic Bag Alternatives
If you are ready to say goodbye to plastic bags altogether, there are quite a few affordable options. Silicone pouches and bags have gained popularity in recent years. Ziploc Endurable is a line of silicone pouches and containers that are designed to go from freezer to oven (up to 425°F) to table. You can even clean them in the dishwasher. Other similar reusable bag options include (re)zip, Stasher and Ello. You can also use Bee’s Wrap, which is not only reusable but also compostable.
All of these products are great alternatives to plastic bags, but they do come with a higher price tag. Consider other washable storage vessels, such as Mason jars or glass storage containers. Mason jars and many glass storage containers are safe in the freezer, but you should always be careful with strong fluctuations in temperature with these types of containers, as they could break.
Whatever product you use for storage, whether it’s a common plastic bag or a specialty silicone container, it’s always important to properly dispose of these materials. For starters, check your state’s waste and recycling regulations and note that you will typically need to recycle plastic bags separately from your curbside blue box. RecycleNation also provides a wealth of information on disposing of plastic bags.
Many grocery stores will accept all sorts of plastic recycling, including shopping bags and zip-top bags. Be sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before bringing them to the store to recycle. I personally like to look for signs labeled NexTrex, which collects recyclable materials like plastic bags and turns them into decking. Just think that the plastic bag used to store frozen fruit for smoothies can skip the landfill and instead be used as material for your backyard deck.
The Bottom Line
Plastic food storage bags offer great convenience; however, the growing issue of plastic waste is a concern. Ziploc says that we can safely reuse zip-top bags by cleaning them with warm, soapy water and letting them dry properly. However, it’s important to dispose of bags that have held raw meat, fish, eggs or allergenic foods after one use for safety reasons. If you’re looking for alternatives to plastic bags, many companies now provide eco-friendly options for storing food, and you can always use glass containers. Proper recycling practices are also essential; be sure to check local regulations, as plastic bags typically need to be recycled separately from curbside bins. Additionally, many grocery stores now offer recycling programs for plastic bags.
