How to Seal Bags
Having a supply of non-perishable goods should be a component of every family's disaster and emergency survival kit. However, real preparedness goes above and beyond simply purchasing a large stock of dry goods; it involves packaging those goods so that they last a long time. The way to do this is with Mylar food-storage bags; press the air out and seal them, and your household will have large quantities of food that will stay fresh for years if necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Iron
- Mylar food-storage bags or a comparable generic brand
- Flat surface
- Metal ruler or iron
Instructions
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1
Plug in your iron and turn it to the highest setting. While your iron is heating up, place your foil food saving bag on a metal surface. Shake the bag gently so that the food settles firmly at the bottom.
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2
Lay the bag carefully on its side, verifying that none of the food spills out. Press on the side of the bag, gently and carefully, pressing the air out. Smooth down the top flaps of the bag so that they're pressed tightly against each other. By this time your iron should be sufficiently hot.
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3
Slide a metal ruler or lever underneath the top flaps of the bag exactly where you want the seal to be. Ideally, the seal should be 1 inch beneath the very top opening of the bag. Pull the bag tightly against the metal ruler, preparing the material to make your seal.
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4
Rake your iron against the flap as it's pressed against the ruler. Focus moving your iron back and forth against the left-third portion of the flaps. You will create a perfect seal. Move your iron to the center third of the top flaps, pressing the hot iron against the bag, creating an even longer perfect seal.
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5
Set the iron aside and take this opportunity to squeeze out the remaining portions of air from the bag. Press firmly on the sides of the bag before applying your iron to the final third of the flap.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't forget to label the bags of food, since you can't see what's in them after they're sealed.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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Comments
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Anonymous
Apr 19, 2011
I'd add the handiness of having a Food Saver vacuum sealer. They come with a hose that you can stick into the back before sealing. You will get a longer shelf life if you can get the most air out possible.
