How to use vacuum bags to store things

vacuum bags how to use how to choose storage rules

Popular wisdom says: “In order to make room for something new, you need to get rid of something old.” We’ll tell you how to free up a lot of space in your apartment by simply packing bulky items for storage correctly.

Vacuum bags are a useful invention of mankind, appreciated by experienced housewives. They are specially designed for the careful storage of warm blankets and pillows, home textiles, down jackets, jackets, sweaters, and seasonal children's clothing. With their help, bulky items will take up 2-3 times less space, and your shelves will be in perfect order.

Vacuum bag pump

Some vacuum packaging bags are sold in kits that include bags of different sizes and a special pump. It can be of two types:

1. The most common is manual or mechanical. It is convenient and easy to use. For domestic use, such a device is quite enough. Pumping out air requires minimal use of physical force, so even the most fragile housewife can handle the device. If the device is not included in the kit, it can easily be purchased additionally.
2. An electric pump is much less common. If vacuum packaging is used frequently, then buyers prefer to purchase a special device - a vacuum sealer, which simultaneously pumps out air from the bag and seals the seam.

What things can and cannot be stored in vacuum bags

A vacuum bag is a transparent but dense plastic bag with a valve for air suction. Things are placed inside the bag, then it is closed with a built-in clip. The housewife can only squeeze out excess air with her hands or using a pump/vacuum cleaner and close the opening with a stopper. Thanks to the bag, the volume of the item is reduced by 2-3 times. It is very comfortable.

A vacuum bag is an excellent container for storing things that contain a lot of air. These are autumn and winter outerwear, overalls, pillows, blankets, blankets, soft toys, etc. It is also convenient to put bed linen, terry towels and bathrobes in such bags. But the optimal use of a vacuum is to store seasonal items that are not required to be accessed all the time.

Miss Clean Tip: Use vacuum bags of different sizes for transporting items or when traveling.

There are a number of materials whose storage in this way is prohibited:

The best manufacturers

There are currently a large number of bags for vacuum “preservation” on the domestic market. These are products from both Russian and foreign manufacturers. According to users of such a resource as Yandex Market, the highest quality and most convenient models today are produced by the following companies:

• Ginger cat,
• Paclan,
• Mistress Mila,
• Paterra,
• Elfe.

The table below shows some characteristics of the most popular (according to Yandex Market users) bags for storing things under vacuum. Product prices may vary depending on size and are not shown here.

Table: main parameters of popular models

Photo gallery: the best models on Yandex Market

Inexpensive but high quality product

Vacuum bags from a domestic manufacturer

Mila's advantages include high quality and colorful packaging.

Paterra is perhaps the most famous brand in the vacuum bag market

Reduces the volume of packed items by up to seventy percent

Vacuum bags - pros and cons

Vacuum packaging, beloved by many, has many undeniable advantages:

1. Significant savings in closet or suitcase space. After removing the air, the volume of the contents is reduced by approximately 60-70%. This solves the problem of storing a large number of things in small dressing rooms.
2. Vacuum bags are suitable for storing things of different shapes, weights, volumes and materials. You can pack down jackets, pillows, blankets, and baby clothes in them.
3. Protection against dust, moisture and unpleasant odors.
4. All harmful insects, aerobic bacteria and fungi die in a vacuum, so moths and other pests are not afraid of things in such packaging.
5. Extending the shelf life of products. Due to the fact that most microorganisms cannot live without air, food in a vacuum, subject to other storage conditions, does not spoil much longer.
6. Convenience and speed of use.
7. Multiple uses.

Among the disadvantages of using it are possible to note:

1. It is impossible to store some food products and textiles in such packaging.
2. The need to air things out every six months.
3. The container can be damaged by a zipper or fastener, thereby breaking its seal.
4. After the vacuum, many folds and creases remain on things, which can only be smoothed out with the help of steam.

Application benefits

With the help of vacuum packaging, the volume of some things can be reduced by fifty to seventy percent. Such a significant effect is achieved by removing air from a tight sealed bag with a pump specially designed for this purpose or with a conventional vacuum cleaner.

In my opinion, it is better to purchase a pump. It won't take up much space, but it will be useful not only for packing things, but also food. There are very inexpensive models on sale that look like a bicycle pump or a hand sprayer, starting from 60 rubles.

Other important advantages of this type of storage include the following:

• in the rarefied space of the bag there is no negative influence of dry or humid air,
• the absorption of odors by things is excluded,
• packaged items will not become dusty,
• there are no prerequisites for the appearance of mold and mildew,
• adverse effects resulting from exposure to certain other external conditions are almost completely excluded,
• in an environment isolated from air, the appearance of moths and dust mites is excluded.

Advantages and disadvantages

Vacuum packaging has many advantages. First of all, it is necessary to indicate the saving of space in the closet, refrigerator or suitcase. Since the volume of items inside the case is reduced by about 60-70%, even in a small space it is possible to fit a much larger number of things. Vacuum bags are ideal for any items, regardless of their shape and size. The packaging compactly accommodates both oversized blankets and pillows, as well as children's clothes.

The contents of the case are protected not only from dust and moisture, but also from unpleasant odors . As mentioned above, in such an environment all fungi and bacteria die. Airless packaging makes it possible to extend the shelf life of products. Vacuum bags are quite easy to use and are reusable. In addition, the transparency of polyethylene allows you to quickly find the desired item.

However, this type of storage still has a number of disadvantages:

• not all products and materials can be placed in this way;
• once every six months all the bags will have to be opened and things ventilated, which may be an inconvenience for some;
• if even slight damage occurs on the package, its seal will be compromised, which means its storage properties will deteriorate;
• After the vacuum, things are removed crumpled and with a lot of creases, which can only be smoothed out with the help of a steam generator.

Storage

In order for a vacuum bag to serve for a long time, a number of conditions must be met during storage, otherwise it may be damaged, as a result of which the seal will be broken and the bag will begin to absorb air:

• Do not keep packages near sharp, piercing or cutting objects.
• You should not overload the bag by stuffing into it an excessively large number of things or large clothes that do not match the dimensions of the bag itself.
• Do not keep the package at temperatures below zero, for example, on the balcony in winter.
• Do not keep the package at excessively high temperatures, for example, near radiators or a stove.
• Empty bags should be stored in an upright position or rolled into a roll without over-tightening them.
• Purchase packages of appropriate quality. Cheap options will quickly begin to become damaged and allow air to leak in places where there are creases and bends.

Important! If the integrity of the package is damaged, it can be repaired by sealing the hole or crack with tape.

What are miracle bags made of and what sizes do they come in?

To create durable and useful packaging, PVC is very often used. The material has also found its application in the field of storing things.

Vacuum packaging can be of different sizes

The products also have a valve. It is this detail that guarantees reliable sealing and long-term use. The valve interacts with a regular or special vacuum cleaner, allowing you to remove all the air from the bag.

PS: some tips from experienced housewives

Finally, here are some tried-and-true tips to help you use innovative packaging effectively, without negatively impacting your wardrobe.
1. Please note that a high-quality vacuum bag feels dense and elastic to the touch, the valve fits securely, and the lock has several stripes.

2. When choosing the required size, be guided by the parameters of the cabinet shelves or the places where you plan to store them. The size 50x60 cm is suitable for placement on shelves or in a chest of drawers, 100x80 cm will fit in a bedside drawer.

leather products and coats made of natural fur cannot be stored in vacuum bags, unless specified by the manufacturer .

5. Do not store orthopedic pillows under compression - this will disrupt the shape of the product, specifically designed for therapeutic purposes.

We hope that our recommendations will help you organize your storage and make room for new things in your wardrobe and life.

Source

How to prepare things for vacuum storage

To prevent the item from deteriorating, before sending it into a vacuum, you need to carry out preparatory measures as a guarantee of successful “preservation”. There are a number of rules and recommendations for this:

1. You only need to fold dry and clean items. In addition, before storing items, they must be thoroughly ventilated. Ironing will be an additional plus.
2. It is better to sort all things by season, color, purpose. For example, it is better to put children's autumn clothes in a separate bag, and bedding in another. This will make it much easier to navigate when looking for the right clothes.
3. When packing, make sure that all clasps, sharp buttons and metal design elements do not come into contact with the polyethylene. It will be better if you turn all such clothes inside out or wrap such parts in newspaper or cotton wool.

Pump or vacuum cleaner?

A vacuum cleaner allows you to quickly and efficiently create a vacuum. At home, if possible, it is better to use this type of household appliance. For large bags, this is the only sealing option. For user convenience, manufacturers use the same size compression valve, suitable for any brand of vacuum cleaner.

Still, there are situations when you can’t do without a portable pump, so it’s worth purchasing one. This is a road option . Put the pump in your suitcase when you travel, and you won't have to run around the hotel looking for a maid with a vacuum cleaner. When going out of town for a weekend, it’s convenient to pack everything you need in a vacuum. On the way back, you will need a mini-pump for the same procedure.

Instructions: how to pack things in vacuum bags and store them correctly

Packing instructions are simple and clear. First things need to be prepared. They must be clean and dry. After this, they are sorted by size and purpose. And the already folded items are distributed into proportionate packages.

Packing things is also an interesting activity

Important! When packing, take into account that things should not turn the bag into a huge ball; it should close without any effort.

All things are folded inside in such a way that fasteners, zippers, and buttons are located inside the things. These clothing accessories can pierce and damage the cover when air is pumped out.

When the things are folded, the bag is closed with a clasp and the cap is removed from the valve. The valve itself must be loosened and the air evacuated using a pump or vacuum cleaner. If the cover is a simple compression one, then it is rolled up with a roller until it fastens.

A little more and things will be packed

The valve is firmly closed and the safety cap is screwed on.

Important! All things, as already mentioned, must be dry and clean, otherwise, all sealing loses its meaning.

For long-term storage of things, you should use simple recommendations.

Covers with packed items should not be placed near heating devices. It is better to place the packages higher where children cannot reach them. The optimal storage temperature is 18-25ºС.

Once every 5-6 months, to prevent caking of stored property, it is recommended to remove the contents of the bags, ventilate the items and pack them again.

How to pump out air with a vacuum cleaner?

It needs to be put on the vacuum cleaner

.
After a few seconds, all the scattered items will be collected. If you need to pack, for example, a T-shirt, you can put it in a thick plastic bag, insert the vacuum cleaner
and
pump out the air
. Vacuum packaging is ready.

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Vacuum bags for products

Increasingly, vacuum food bags for home use have begun to appear on store shelves. Due to the fact that there is no air in them, products are not subject to rotting from bacteria and oxidative processes. However, even in such packaging, other storage requirements for specific types of food must be observed:

• air temperature and humidity;
• exposure to sunlight.

Vacuum food bags allow, subject to other rules, to extend the shelf life of food by 2-3 times. Thus, cookies with a shelf life of 1 week in a vacuum will last 2-3, and frozen semi-finished products will last 1.5-2 years instead of the usual 6 months. More and more producers of meat products and cheeses give preference to vacuum packaging, which preserves the freshness and taste of their products.

Types of vacuum bags for products

Food can be packaged in different bags. They are:

1. Disposable
   . These are more often used in production using a special vacuum packer.
2. Reusable
   . After use, such a vacuum bag with a valve must be washed and dried, and then the products must be packed into it again.

Vacuum food bags are distinguished by material and structure:

1. Standard ones
   are made of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or multilayer film.
2. Heat-shrinkable
   bags have increased strength. They can even be used to pack bone-in meat and seafood with hard edges.
3. Corrugated
   products have high strength and are therefore suitable for various types of products. They can only be used in conjunction with a household vacuum sealer.
4. metallized
   bags protect the contents from exposure to sunlight.

Useful vacuum

The vacuum bag is a packaging case made of very dense polyethylene (up to 100 microns) with a zip-lock fastener and a valve to remove air.

The operating principle is based on the properties of vacuum - airless space. By reducing the pressure in a closed bag, we create an environment in which oxidation processes slow down, thermal conductivity and moisture absorption decrease, and the living conditions for living organisms disappear.

The advantages of this type of packaging are undeniable:

• Protection . High barrier properties and sealed packaging reliably protect the contents from dust, foreign odors, dampness, and harmful insects.

• Durability. The mechanical strength of the material, the design of the lock and valve allow you to use the bag repeatedly, removing clothes or textiles from it as needed.

• Convenience . Transparent plastic makes it easy to navigate the contents and quickly find the thing you need.

• Super compact . Products compressed under pressure decrease in volume several times, significantly saving space on shelves.

Dimensions

The smallest bags are marked with the letter S and have dimensions from 45x35 cm to 50x60 cm. Such options are suitable for small items whose total weight does not exceed 3 kg. Size M means that the package will accommodate larger items weighing up to 5 kg. As a rule, its dimensions range from 50x70 cm to 70x90 cm. Large bags marked L are chosen for packing heavy winter clothes, blankets and pillows.

Bags with dimensions of 50×60 cm and 50×40 cm will fit comfortably in a regular closet or suitcase. Larger packages, but still not reaching a meter in length, are recommended to be placed on mezzanines. Bags with dimensions from 100×80 cm to 130×90 cm are most often used for storing large, heavy items, so it is more logical to put them under the bed or in sofa niches.

Kinds

When choosing a bag, pay attention to several points: the quality of polyethylene and fastener, the reliability of the valve, the size of the bag.

Clasp options

In order not to get confused in choosing a product, you need to familiarize yourself with the positive and negative sides of different options.

Bag with valve

Ideal for storing things at home and transporting your wardrobe. To pump out air, you can use either a portable pump or a regular electric one. Since almost all the air is pumped out, the bags are significantly reduced in size and it is easy to pack a lot of things at once. A hand pump is convenient for packing things in the country. The main disadvantage of bags is the need for a vacuum cleaner, so they are not suitable for travel.

How to use vacuum bags with a valve? Things are neatly laid out inside - the clasp should close freely. To seal the bag, a vacuum cleaner hose is attached to the valve hole and the air is pumped out. At the same time, turn on the vacuum cleaner at low power so that the air comes out gradually and the bag is deflated evenly. The packaging should shrink by about half. At the end of the work, the valve is closed with a special lid.

Compression bag (without valve)

Great for travel and business trips. The main advantage is that no auxiliary means are required to pack things tightly. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to completely remove the air by hand, so the bags take up a little more space. Do not put many items in one large package. It is better to purchase several smaller bags and carefully place your clothes in them.

To remove air, the bag is not completely closed with a clasp and slowly twisted towards the clasp. The tighter you wrap things, the less space they will take up. Once the bag is completely twisted, the lock on the clasp is closed completely.

A budget option would be to use a thick garbage bag. Things are packed the same way as in a bag without a valve, and the packaging is tightly sealed with tape.

With valve

Compression

Size range

Manufacturers offer a large selection of products in different sizes. It is important to choose the right bag size for your clothes. Otherwise, a too large one will be half empty and there will be no shelf for it in the closet, and a very small and overcrowded one may burst. Manufacturers offer the following sizes of vacuum packaging:

Experienced travelers recommend choosing a package based on the size of the suitcase. The best option is to place two bags side by side, and they completely cover the bottom of the suitcase. To make it easier to put things in closets, bags are selected according to the parameters of the shelves.

In drawers, on shelves 40-80 cm wide and 60 cm deep, it is good to place bags of sizes 60x45, 50x35, 50x40 cm. Children's clothing is suitable for packaging with a sticky valve (sizes 30x40 or 35x45 cm).

For mezzanines measuring 60x90 cm, bags 80x60, 75x65, 85x54, 60x50 cm are selected.

It is advisable to store outerwear on hangers. The best option is bags with a hanger. At the same time, it is important not to make a mistake with the length of the covers: jackets, down jackets, short coats are perfectly packed in bags measuring 70x90, 70x105 cm. And it is better to store coats, fur coats, sheepskin coats in packaging no shorter than 70x125, 70x145 cm.

In order for the bag to close freely, after packing things there should be an allowance of 2-3 cm to the lock line.

Preparing things for storage: step-by-step steps

In every home there is always something to pack for storage - guest bedding sets, winter blankets and blankets, warm pullovers, soft toys and much more. Let's look at a step-by-step guide to using a vacuum bag.

Only clean and dry items can be stored in a sealed case . If you do not follow this rule and pack them dirty or damp, you will be disappointed by the unpleasant musty smell of the second-hand store when you open the package. Therefore, the first step of preparation is washing, cleaning, high-quality drying and airing.

2. We sort all things by size, purpose, storage time . It is not advisable to put together a baby onesie, which will be needed in six months, and a spare blanket, which is needed every time guests arrive. A variety of grades will increase the number of depressurization options and shorten the service life of the product. For small items, use compact bags 60x50 cm, 75x55 cm, for bulky outerwear - hanging covers 90x70 cm or 125x70 cm.

Important! In order not to damage the vacuum cover, all accessories that can tear it (buckles, zippers, rivets, etc.) should be hidden inside or covered with other clothing.

3. Place the prepared items in a plastic bag - carefully, evenly distributing the contents in the corners and perimeter of the package and without overloading. Make sure that all metal fasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers are wrapped inside and do not damage the plastic. There should be enough things for the lock to close easily. Using a special clip, we tightly clamp the fastener and run along the seam several times, checking the tightness.

4. The next step is sealing . To do this, remove the lid and turn the valve slightly so that it opens. We pump out the air using a regular vacuum cleaner, placing it against the hole. Do this in the lowest power mode, slowly, pressing lightly with your hand and helping the air escape evenly. The finished package should be smooth, firm and at least 2 times smaller than the original volume. After finishing work, close the valve with the cap.

Instructions for use

To prevent the items in the bag from deteriorating during storage, it is very important to prepare them before putting them away for storage, namely, wash, clean and dry them. Below are step-by-step instructions for using vacuum bags to store clothes.

1. Wash and completely dry items sent for storage. If this is not done, then when the season comes, when you open the package, you may notice an unpleasant musty smell.
2. Sort things by size and seasonality to avoid unnecessary depressurization. For small items, you can use standard bags with dimensions of 55x75 centimeters or 50x60 centimeters. Outerwear should be packed in large cases with dimensions of 70x90 centimeters or 70x125 centimeters, which can be hung on a crossbar.
3. Place clean and dried items carefully. Hide sharp fasteners, snaps and buttons inside to avoid damage to the package. Place the clothes in the bag and straighten them at the corners and edges. Close the clasp and check the tightness.

Important! The package should not be overloaded. Things should be relatively free in it.

1. To pump air out of the bag, you need to unscrew the cap from the valve and attach the hose from the vacuum cleaner to it. Turn on the vacuum cleaner to minimum mode and start pumping, while using your free hand to help evenly remove air from the bag. At the end of the procedure, close the valve.

It is worth noting! Instead of a vacuum cleaner, you can purchase a special pump and pump out the air manually. This is very convenient when traveling.

Important! Every six months, items stored in a vacuum should be removed and ventilated, after which the sealing procedure should be repeated and storage continued.

How to open a bag of clothes correctly

When used carefully, vacuum bags are suitable for repeated use.

They should be opened in reverse order:

• First, unscrew the valve cap and wait for air to flow.
• Open the zip-lock by longitudinally shifting its strips relative to each other. When stretching the fastener to the sides, there is a risk of damaging it and the integrity of the polyethylene.
• Take things out, hang them up or steam them with an iron. Outerwear should be unpacked a couple of weeks before wearing so that it regains its original shape.

When closing the bag with a zipper, make sure there are no gaps.
Move the zipper along the zipper with a little force. Additional Information. Every 6 months, the plastic cover should be unsealed and the contents ventilated.

Analogs of vacuum bags

There is nothing more convenient than using ready-made vacuum bags for clothes, but if you don’t have them, you can make them yourself. You will need a thick bag, a vacuum cleaner and tape. In order to achieve a vacuum, you need to fold things tightly, tighten the bag, leaving the neck open. Remove air through the remaining hole with a vacuum cleaner and tighten tightly with tape. Such a homemade disposable device may gain air over time if there are unnoticeable holes.

Things in a vacuum bag wrinkle, but not so much that you have to worry about deformation.

The practicality of vacuum storage is appreciated by many housewives: it saves space, keeps laundry clean and is suitable for reusable use. When choosing a size, give preference to several small bags rather than one large one. In this case, things will be laid out taking into account the density of the fabric and the frequency of wear.

The bag protects the fabrics from dust, dirt, insects and other troubles.

Before putting away collected laundry, it is recommended to wait a few hours and make sure the packaging is sealed.

Store filled bags away from hot objects and sunlight - cupboards are fine.