When taken care of properly, Ziploc says their bags are strong enough to be washed and reused. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean you can keep them forever or reuse them day after day without maintaining them. But if you are trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, it might be worth getting a few extra uses out of your bag before tossing.
Below, we discuss what should and shouldn't be in a bag you plan to reuse and how to know when to toss them.
Can You Reuse Ziploc Bags?
The simple answer is yes, they can be reused, but within reason. While there's no exact number of times you can reuse a Ziploc plastic bag, you do have to clean them between uses. This means there is maintenance to reuse, and they will start to break down sooner than a bag that was truly made for reuse.
Some foods are better than others when it comes to reusing a bag. The most practical items to reuse in a Ziploc are dry things, like pretzels. Wet or sticky items are not great for reuse since they'll leave residue in the bag that may be hard to remove. However, some things that seem fine at first glance may not work either. Crackers with a high fat content can leave oils that spoil and transfer to the bag.
Also, never reuse bags that hold items like raw meat or eggs. It's not worth the risk of harboring bacteria. Be mindful that bags containing nuts could still have traces of allergens and should therefore be tossed, especially around those with known allergies.
Signs It's Time to Get Rid of Your Ziploc
While it's apparent you can reuse a Ziploc, they don't last forever. If your Ziploc has become torn or discolored, it's time to throw it away. Stretching of the plastic or bulging in some areas is also a sign that the product is on its last leg and it's time to reach for a replacement. And, of course, if the bag has started to harbor the odor of snack times past, you risk transferring those scents and flavors to the next item you put in the pouch. Rule of thumb: if it looks like you've been reusing the bag, it's probably time to stop reusing it.
Although it's important to be environmentally conscious, you don't want to make friends and family sick with improper storage or risk having a bag break and spill food everywhere.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Gillette, M. (2025, January 10). These Are the Dos and Don'ts for Reusing Ziploc Bags. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/reusing-ziploc-bags-8720352