Should You Reuse Plastic Bags? – Latest Food News Update

If one of your resolutions this year includes using fewer single-use plastic items, you might’ve heard a tip to wash and reuse plastic bags. Seems great! You save some money, there are fewer bags in the trash. Win, win! But is that safe? And how many times can you reuse a bag?

Can You Wash and Reuse Plastic Zip-Top Bags?

Yes! According to Ziploc, its plastic bags are made with materials strong enough to be reused several times. Ziploc brand bags are indeed reusable after hand-washing with soap and air drying. However, any bags that are damaged or become difficult to clean completely (I’m looking at you, marinades with turmeric) should be tossed.

Just make sure the bag insides are completely dry when you reuse them to prevent any cross-contamination between old food and new food.

When adequately washed and dried (see directions below), Ziploc plastic bags meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conditions for use at temperatures associated with defrosting and reheating food, which also means they’re safe to clean with warm water without damage or damaging effects.

When to Throw Away a Plastic Zip-Top Bag

A word of caution: Do not reuse bags after storing raw meat, fish, eggs, or potentially allergy-triggering foods. If any part of the bag becomes damaged, it’s a safe bet to toss it.

How to Wash Zip-Top Plastic Bags

First, empty the bag of any lingering solids and turn it inside out for easy washing. Don’t forget to make sure those corners are free from residue as well. When washing, use warm soapy water, not hot water, and gently scrub all over. Rinse all the soap out and turn the bag upside down to dry. Airflow is key for drying, but if you’re in a rush, use a clean towel to wipe away any moisture.

What Can You Store In Reused Plastic Zip-Top Bags?

Dry goods are the best candidates for bags you want to reuse. Items that contain moisture, such as marinades for meat or foods that spoil quickly—like baby salad greens—are likely to leave a residue that can then grow bacteria.

Still Feeling Wary of Reusing?

Opt for reusable silicone bags instead of plastic bags for the easiest way to reuse zip-top bags over and over. A representative from Ziploc advised that Ziploc Endurables, a line of silicone pouches and containers, are dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 425 degrees F. Withstanding high-heat water temps allows the bags to be cleaned thoroughly. Hand-washing bags may not be enough to protect from foodborne illness completely.

The Bottom Line

In short, there’s no set number of times you can wash and reuse a zip-top, resealable bag. It really depends on what the bag is used to store and whether the bag is sturdy enough to withstand washing.