How to Wash Reusable Food Storage Bags:
Always check the bag’s cleaning instructions.
Hand-Wash the Bags
Fill a sink or small tub with hot water and add a few drops of a good dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser. Submerge the bags and allow them to soak for two or three minutes. Use a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the bags.
Rinse well with hot water and invert over a drying rack to air-dry. Do not turn the bags inside out to dry because that can harm the sealed edges.
Reusable storage bags hand washed with gloves and dish detergent in small bowl
Use a Dishwasher
Rinse out the bags with warm or cold water to remove loose food particles. Place the bags upside down on the top rack of the dishwasher so the water from the spray arms can reach the interior surfaces. Use your regular dishwasher detergent and cycle.
Reusable storage bags placed upside down in top rack of dishwasher
How to Deep Clean a Reusable Food Storage Bag
After several uses, the bags may feel sticky, or if the bags are used with foods like tomato sauce that leave stains, the storage bags will need a bit more cleaning than a quick wash.
Begin by filling the bag about half full with hot water. Pinch together the top and swish the water around in the bag to loosen stuck-on food. If this does not dislodge food particles in the corners, use a small, soft-bristled bottle brush to clean the corners.
Mix one part distilled white vinegar, one part lemon juice, and two parts baking soda in a small bowl to create a thin paste.
NOTE: the mixture will foam a bit so don’t overfill the bowl.
Use your hand or a non-abrasive sponge to apply the paste to the interior of the food storage bag. Lay the bag flat and allow the paste to work for around 15 minutes. Flip the bag and wait another 15 minutes.
Fill the bag with hot water and swish to rinse. If you are cleaning several bags, fill a sink or tub with hot water for rinsing. Wipe down the inside and outside of the bags with a lint-free microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
Invert the reusable sandwich bags over a drying rack to finish air-drying. It’s important to store the sandwich bags the right way; never store damp bags.
How Often to Wash Reusable Food Storage Bags
As with any food preparation or storage product, the bags should be cleaned after every use. If the bags become stained or begin to feel sticky, a more thorough cleaning will be needed.
Tips to Keeping Reusable Food Storage Bags Clean
To remove water spots from hard water, place a tiny dot of vegetable oil on a paper towel, and wipe down the silicone bag.
Placing the silicone bags in the sun can help remove stains thanks to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Frequent deep cleaning with the baking soda paste can keep odors at bay.
For foods like tomato sauce or blueberries that are likely to leave a stain, choose a similarly colored storage bag.
Never store damp or soiled bags. This encourages mold and mildew growth.
