2 Genius Hacks to Vacuum Seal Food in Regular Bags!

Updated at: 23/02/2025

Tired of food going to waste because it's lost its freshness? Frustrated with the expense and bulk of commercial vacuum sealers? You're not alone! Many of us struggle to keep our produce, leftovers, and pantry staples at their peak for longer. But what if we told you there were simple, ingenious ways to achieve the same airtight seal as a fancy vacuum sealer, using only common household materials and regular plastic bags? Say goodbye to freezer burn and hello to significantly extended food storage life. These methods will revolutionize how you preserve your food, saving you money and minimizing waste.

Forget complicated machinery and expensive equipment; we're about to reveal two brilliant hacks that will allow you to effectively vacuum seal your food using nothing more than a regular plastic bag and a few clever techniques. Prepare to be amazed as we guide you through the step-by-step processes, empowering you to keep your food fresher for longer and drastically reduce food waste. Let’s dive into these two genius hacks!

Safety Guidelines

  • Always use food-safe bags. Regular plastic bags may contain harmful chemicals that leach into food under vacuum pressure.
  • Ensure the bag is properly sealed before applying vacuum. Leaking bags can lead to contaminated food and a malfunctioning vacuum device.
  • Do not use this method with sharp or pointy objects in the bag. The pressure change may puncture the bag.

Methods: Straw Method for Vacuum Sealing

Tools Needed

  • Vacuum sealer
  • Regular plastic bag
  • Straw
  • Notepad (or book)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bag and Food

    • Place the food in a regular plastic bag.
    • Place a notepad under the bag to keep it flat.
    Place a notepad under the bag to keep it flat.Place a notepad under the bag to keep it flat.
    Prepare the Bag and Food

  2. Insert and Position the Straw

    • Cut a straw to the length of the bag. Insert it, ensuring it reaches the vacuum seal part.
    • Place the straw in the well, dividing the two open edges of the bag.
    Place the straw in the well, dividing the two open edges of the bag.Place the straw in the well, dividing the two open edges of the bag.
    Insert and Position the Straw

  3. Vacuum Seal

    • Vacuum seal the bag.
    Vacuum seal the bag.
    Vacuum Seal

  4. Finish and Seal

    • Cut off the excess straw and reseal the edge if needed.
    Cut off the excess straw and reseal the edge if needed.
    Finish and Seal

Tips

  • Use a dollar store BPA free plastic bag.
  • The notepad helps keep the bag flatter during the sealing process.

Methods: Folded-Edge Method for Vacuum Sealing

Tools Needed

  • Vacuum sealer
  • Regular plastic bag

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bag and Food

    • Place food in the bag.
    • Straighten the bag and ensure the plastic edge is properly positioned.
    Straighten the bag and ensure the plastic edge is properly positioned.
    Prepare the Bag and Food

  2. Cut and Fold the Bag

    • Cut the top of the bag, leaving two pieces.
    • Fold the sealed side down, tucking the cut pieces in to coincide with the open bag edges.
    Fold the sealed side down, tucking the cut pieces in to coincide with the open bag edges.Fold the sealed side down, tucking the cut pieces in to coincide with the open bag edges.
    Cut and Fold the Bag

  3. Vacuum Seal

    • Vacuum seal the bag.
    Vacuum seal the bag.
    Vacuum Seal
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Air Removal

Reason: Leaving too much air in the bag prevents proper sealing and can lead to food spoiling faster.
Solution: Use a straw or submersion method to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

2. Using the Wrong Bag Type

Reason: Using bags that are too thin, porous, or have a textured surface can result in leaks and unsuccessful sealing.
Solution: Choose strong, smooth, and ideally freezer-safe plastic bags.

3. Improper Sealing Technique

Reason: Not creating a completely airtight seal along the entire edge of the bag will allow air to enter and compromise the vacuum seal.
Solution: Ensure the bag's edges are completely flat and smooth before sealing, applying firm and even pressure across the whole seal.

FAQs

Can I use any kind of plastic bag for this method?
No, you need bags that are freezer-safe and relatively thick. Thin, flimsy bags will likely tear under the pressure. Avoid bags with holes or damage.
How long will food stay fresh using these methods?
The shelf life depends on the food and the method. Generally, you can expect several months in the freezer, but for best results, always check for freezer burn and consume within recommended guidelines.