BEST Practices for Cleaning REUSABLE Food Storage Bags
The pros at America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) recently asked America if we knew the very best ways to clean our reusable food storage bags.
The feedback they received indicated we need a little tutorial on the topic. So ATK food editor, Lisa McManus, put one together for us. Here’s what she says is good to know:
THEY SHOULD BE WASHED AND THOROUGHLY DRIED AFTER EVERY USE. First, check to see if it’s dishwasher safe. If the manufacturer says it’s dishwasher-safe, your troubles may be over. Many brands of reusable bags can simply be propped open and run through the dishwasher—on the top or bottom rack, depending on the brand. Use a normal, not overly hot cycle for washing to keep bags in better shape long-term.
But if there’s any doubt, then hand-wash the bags. And if you know for sure your reusable bag isn’t dishwasher-safe, then hand-washing will be the standard routine. Add a drop or two of dish soap, fill it about halfway with hot tap water, seal the bag and slosh it around, then rinse well. If you need to get in there and scrub the inside, use the scrubby side of a kitchen sponge or a bottle brush, which is soft enough to not damage the bag. Be sure to fully clean and rinse the closure seal as well as the bottom corners of the bag (a bottle brush is best for this!).
NEVER TURN THE BAGS INSIDE OUT (ask me how I know NOT to do this…). No matter how you clean it, remember that most reusable bags shouldn’t be turned inside-out for washing and drying. This will rip the seams and damage the seal.
FINISH WITH A THOROUGH DRYING (inside and out). This is vital for preventing mold and bacterial growth. Never store a damp bag. You can wipe away most of the moisture with a dish towel, but then let it air dry fully. ATK testers recommend a bag-drying rack; it keeps bags propped open for good air circulation and keeps them confined to a smaller area in your kitchen.
LIVE WITH EVENTUAL STAINING. The testers suggest this because after all the attempts they made at stain removal (using dish soap, a baking soda + water paste, and Dawn Powerwash® spray, and laying them in the sun for several hours), they found nothing actually worked. They concluded that because stains are persistent, they may never fully come out, though they lighten gradually as you wash and use the bag a few more times.
They suggest our best bet is to choose bags with a color or pattern that hides mild staining and learn to live with it.
Finally, KNOW HOW TO ERASE ODORS. In their test, the ATK pros put fragrant foods (minced garlic, cumin, fish sauce, and canned mackerel) in bags, and let them sit a few days before cleaning them.
They found that scrubbing with a paste made of baking soda and water and then letting it sit (for at least a half an hour to overnight), helped a little. But what worked best was soaking the bag for a few hours (or overnight) in equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water. They also said you may have to repeat your preferred method more than once to fully eradicate strong scents.
I’ll close with some information regarding the “drying rack” mentioned above. This is a handy way to air dry our bags, and we have lots of choices. For instance:
The favorite of the ATK folks is the maple colored one, second from left. It’s found on Mighty Nest(www.mightynest.com) and is made by Down to Earth ($30). It takes a smaller footprint on your counter and holds more.
My little footnote: I balked at the reusable food storage bags idea for awhile because it seemed so expensive to me. But I want to do my small part in helping this dear planet, so I’ve had a change of heart. Research shows that in addition to reducing waste, reusable food bags can be a better value than disposable plastic bags. Although they may cost more upfront, their long lifespan will result in saving money over time.
What are your thoughts on the topic? Do you use them? Do you have a favorite brand? Do you use a drying rack? Tell us what you know and do.
The feedback they received indicated we need a little tutorial on the topic. So ATK food editor, Lisa McManus, put one together for us. Here’s what she says is good to know:
THEY SHOULD BE WASHED AND THOROUGHLY DRIED AFTER EVERY USE. First, check to see if it’s dishwasher safe. If the manufacturer says it’s dishwasher-safe, your troubles may be over. Many brands of reusable bags can simply be propped open and run through the dishwasher—on the top or bottom rack, depending on the brand. Use a normal, not overly hot cycle for washing to keep bags in better shape long-term.
But if there’s any doubt, then hand-wash the bags. And if you know for sure your reusable bag isn’t dishwasher-safe, then hand-washing will be the standard routine. Add a drop or two of dish soap, fill it about halfway with hot tap water, seal the bag and slosh it around, then rinse well. If you need to get in there and scrub the inside, use the scrubby side of a kitchen sponge or a bottle brush, which is soft enough to not damage the bag. Be sure to fully clean and rinse the closure seal as well as the bottom corners of the bag (a bottle brush is best for this!).
NEVER TURN THE BAGS INSIDE OUT (ask me how I know NOT to do this…). No matter how you clean it, remember that most reusable bags shouldn’t be turned inside-out for washing and drying. This will rip the seams and damage the seal.
FINISH WITH A THOROUGH DRYING (inside and out). This is vital for preventing mold and bacterial growth. Never store a damp bag. You can wipe away most of the moisture with a dish towel, but then let it air dry fully. ATK testers recommend a bag-drying rack; it keeps bags propped open for good air circulation and keeps them confined to a smaller area in your kitchen.
LIVE WITH EVENTUAL STAINING. The testers suggest this because after all the attempts they made at stain removal (using dish soap, a baking soda + water paste, and Dawn Powerwash® spray, and laying them in the sun for several hours), they found nothing actually worked. They concluded that because stains are persistent, they may never fully come out, though they lighten gradually as you wash and use the bag a few more times.
They suggest our best bet is to choose bags with a color or pattern that hides mild staining and learn to live with it.
Finally, KNOW HOW TO ERASE ODORS. In their test, the ATK pros put fragrant foods (minced garlic, cumin, fish sauce, and canned mackerel) in bags, and let them sit a few days before cleaning them.
They found that scrubbing with a paste made of baking soda and water and then letting it sit (for at least a half an hour to overnight), helped a little. But what worked best was soaking the bag for a few hours (or overnight) in equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water. They also said you may have to repeat your preferred method more than once to fully eradicate strong scents.
I’ll close with some information regarding the “drying rack” mentioned above. This is a handy way to air dry our bags, and we have lots of choices. For instance:
The favorite of the ATK folks is the maple colored one, second from left. It’s found on Mighty Nest(www.mightynest.com) and is made by Down to Earth ($30). It takes a smaller footprint on your counter and holds more.
My little footnote: I balked at the reusable food storage bags idea for awhile because it seemed so expensive to me. But I want to do my small part in helping this dear planet, so I’ve had a change of heart. Research shows that in addition to reducing waste, reusable food bags can be a better value than disposable plastic bags. Although they may cost more upfront, their long lifespan will result in saving money over time.
What are your thoughts on the topic? Do you use them? Do you have a favorite brand? Do you use a drying rack? Tell us what you know and do.
Alice Osborne
Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
Email the author! alice@dvo.com
