Washing, Drying, and Organizing Food Storage Bags

By Debi Treleaven

Though we try to avoid plastic food storage bags by using alternatives (e.g. glass containers, fabric produce bags, beeswax, etc.), we still usually end up with some. Sometimes, one must buy nuts or trail mix in ziptop plastic bags. Buying nuts and dried fruits in the bulk section is an excellent way to reduce this type of packaging. However, for people with allergies or immunocompromised individuals, bulk sections aren’t always an option. If you’re not an avid home baker, it’s likely you purchase loaves of bread in plastic bags. Plastic food storage bags sneak into our homes one way or another. So, what can we do?

Plastic food storage bags are typically treated as single-use packaging, but they can be reused! 

To reuse your plastic food storage bag, you must first wash it. Follow these steps to safely and easily clean your bags:

1. Turn your bag inside out.
2. Hand wash gently with lukewarm water and a mild soap
3. Prop open the bag using kitchen utensils or another rod-like object to ensure airflow circulates on all surfaces of the bag

Never use a scouring pad or rough sponge to clean your plastic bags. These abrasive cleaners degrade the bag and can result in the release of microplastic particles.
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You can also make or buy drying racks designed especially for plastic bags. Here’s a link to one on Etsy. You can also make your own using this easy DIY from Pinterest! By making your own plastic bag drying rack, you can avoid the packaging and shipping associated with ordering online. 
 
You’ll also have to store your plastic bags once they are clean and dry. Roll up each plastic bag and store them in an open box, organized according to size. If you stick them on their end, you’ll be able to see what you have without having to rifle around.

Ideally, you should avoid purchasing plastic bags whenever possible. You can buy silicone bags from Stasher; these are dishwasher safe and hold up a lot longer than plastic. Pursue options like bringing your own produce bags, and filling up reusable containers in the bulk section whenever possible. No matter what you use, it is important to keep your food storage containers clean!

Plastic bags drying on a plastic bag drying rack.

A well-organized plastic bag drawer

​Debi is a member of the Plastic Reduction Task Force. "Before Plastics pollution became evident I watched my parents (depression survivors) find multiple uses for items they already had. Mom washed and reused bread bags and that got me started. I have expanded it to include most bags I get. I buy in bulk whenever I can using my own containers, with glass or stainless steel as my first choice. Today these options are more important than ever. I have used the same 4 canvas shopping bags for 20+ years and I keep pre-used produce/bulk bags with them. I never go into the grocery without them."

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