If you are into ecology or prefer to keep our planet cleaner and safer, you probably have a bunch of reusable food storage bags in your kitchen drawer. These can be extremely practical, however, properly cleaning and drying them is of crucial importance. Sustainable items that store food can be a great addition to your green living but you need to learn how to use them safely and efficiently.
Reusable sandwich bags are usually made of silicone and require regular cleaning and maintenance. In this article, we will tell you how to wash and dry them in the best way possible. Bags like this should be cleaned after every use and never be put away when not completely dry. Mould and mildew may grow and food residue can cause bacteria. Of course, if your bags become sticky or stained, a more thorough cleaning will be needed. Keep reading to find out how to do that properly.
Daily cleaning of reusable food bags
Since cleaning is required after each use, it is best to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some silicone bags can be washed in the dishwasher. Make sure you check for that information before putting them inside in order to avoid damage.
- Hand Wash the reusable bags
Fill a sink or small tub halfway with hot water and add a few drops of a degreaser-containing dishwashing liquid. Allow the bags to soak for two or three minutes. Wipe off the interior and outside of the bags with a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth. Rinse well with hot water before inverting over a drying rack to air-dry. Turning the bags inside out to dry can damage the sealed edges. - Using the dishwasher
To remove loose food particles, rinse the bags with warm or cold water. Place the bags on the top rack of the dishwasher, upside down, so that the water from the spray arms may reach the interior surfaces. Cycle your dishwasher with your regular detergent. You can turn your bag inside out if its interior is extra greasy or dirty.
Deep cleaning a reusable food bag
- After using the bag for a while, you may feel that it is becoming sticky or stained. To get rid of that, deep clean your bags once in a while.
- Rinse with hot water
Begin by half-filling the bag with very hot water. Pinch the top of the bag together and whisk the water around to release any stuck-on food. If this does not remove food particles from the corners, clean them with a small, soft-bristled bottle brush. - Make a cleaning solution
In a bowl, mix 1 part white vinegar, 1 part lemon juice, and 2 parts baking soda. This should create a thin paste. Make sure you use a big enough bowl so that the mixture does not overflow while fizzing. - Apply the cleaning solution
Apply the paste to the interior of the food storage bag with your hand or a non-abrasive sponge. Allow the paste to work for about 15 minutes after laying the bag flat. Flip the bag and wait another 15 minutes. - Rinse and dry
Fill the bag halfway with hot water and swish it around to rinse. Fill a sink or tub with hot water for rinsing if you’re cleaning many bags. To avoid wet marks, wipe the interior and exterior of the bags with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
To finish air-drying, invert the reusable sandwich bags over a drying rack. It is important to store plastic sandwich bags correctly Never store moist bags – This may cause bad odours, mould, and mildew.
Extra tips for reusable food bag maintenance:
- Choose a matching-coloured storage bag for items that are susceptible to stain, such as tomato sauce or blueberries.
- To eliminate hard water spots, dab a tiny dot of vegetable oil on a paper towel and wipe down the silicone bag.
- Because of the sun’s UV rays, placing silicone bags in the sun can help eliminate stains.
- Deep cleaning with the baking soda paste on a regular basis will help to keep odours at bay.
- Never store filthy or moist bags. This promotes the growth of mould and mildew.
- To get rid of odours, fill a reusable bag with equal parts warm water and vinegar. Allow the mixture to settle in the bag for a few hours. Then thoroughly rinse. Also, try baking reusable bags on a baking sheet at 150 degrees Celsius for eight minutes to remove odours, but always check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations first.
- To get rid of mould and mildew, make a solution with one cup of warm water and one spoonful of liquid chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Never combine the two substances! Fill the bag halfway with the solution and set it aside for at least 15 minutes. Remove the bleach solution and wash the bag as directed.