How to Wash and Reuse Plastic Storage Bags

When you're pinching pennies, every little bit helps. You can help stretch your budget by washing and reusing plastic storage bags.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soap
• Water
• Used storage bags
• Clothesline or large spoons

1. Empty each bag completely. Check each bag carefully for holes and tears. Discard any that have holes, tears or seem worn.

2. 
    
   Put bags into soapy water.

   Fill your sink with hot, soapy water then put the bags into the water. If the bags are especially dirty you should allow them to soak in the soapy water for a few minutes.

3. Wash the bags in the soapy water using your hands or a dish cloth. Drain the water.

4. 
    
   Rinse thoroughly.

   Turns bags inside out and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

5. 
    
   Dry the bags.

   Dry the bags by hanging them on an indoor clothesline or dropping the bags over large propped-up spoons or utensils.

6. Once the bags are thoroughly dry - both inside and outside - turn them right side out and put them away. They are now ready to use and you've saved a few extra pennies!

Tips & Warnings

• Buy heavy freezer bags as they are better for washing and reusing.
• Do not wash and reuse bags that have held raw or unfrozen meat or molded food.

[MIHealthCoach]

on 2/2/2009 I like wax paper bags too to avoid the plastic altogether.

[darlenemichaud]

on 2/2/2009 I have been washing bags for years! I was brought up in a home where we dried out paper towels!

[infoalley]

on 2/2/2009 Yes, we all need to start conserving and saving pennies, we are gunna need them both soon ~ 5*

[healthymomof5]

on 2/2/2009 Really great tip!5*

[dtwelloh]

on 2/2/2009 Informative information and seems a good way to save money. Inventive idea and a well written article. I give it 5 stars and a recommendation.