We investigate when (and how) to make your zip-top bags reusable.
Is It Safe to Wash and Reuse Zip-Top Bags?
Updated on Mar. 20, 2019
Between packing lunch for the kids (and maybe yourself) and stashing leftovers, you probably go through a lot of zip-top bags during the average week. I couldn’t help but wonder if those plastic bags really have to be thrown away after every use—or if it’s possible to wash and reuse them.
Yes, You Can Reuse Zip-Top Bags!
The verdict? You can absolutely use zip-top bags more than once as long as you wash them properly. One easy way to do that is by sticking them in the dishwasher. Just make sure they are turned inside out so that the soap and water clean the dirty side. Place them on the top rack and run the dishwasher as normal. (See all our secrets for loading the dishwasher correctly.)
You can also wash your zip-top bags by hand. Again, start by turning them inside out. Then use warm, soapy water to clean. It’s important to stay away from super-hot water because that can impact the plastic and increase the chance that BPA chemicals will spread to your food. And make sure you let the bags dry completely to avoid any mold or mildew.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of the bag will affect whether or not you’re able to reuse it. Freezer bags tend to be thicker and sturdier, which makes them better candidates for multiple uses than a regular bag.
But There’s One Exception
If you have used a zip-top bag for raw meat (like for marinating steak or just storing extra chicken breasts), do not reuse it. You run the risk of cross-contamination which is a big no-no, so toss those bags in the trash. This also applies to greasy food or food that leaves residue that can’t be removed completely.
By learning how to reuse your zip-top bags, you can cut your waste in the kitchen in half (or even more if you’re able to get more than two uses out of a bag) and save money while you save the environment. Just make sure you sanitize first!
Use Your Bags to Pack a Healthy Lunch
Peanut Butter, Honey & Pear Open-Faced SandwichesI work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital, and when I come home in the morning, I don't want to cook a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California
Avocado Egg Salad ToastI had a surplus of avocados after purchasing too many for an event. A few days later, I was making egg salad sandwiches for lunch and had the fantastic idea to use avocado to bind it together instead of traditional mayo. Not only was this version unbelievably delicious but the healthy fats in the avocado make this a much better option than the traditional mayo-laden version. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Pear Waldorf PitasHere's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Turkey Ranch WrapsHere's a cool idea that's ready to gobble up in no time. It's a terrific use for deli turkey. Just add lettuce, tomato, green pepper, shredded cheese and ranch dressing for a flavorful blend. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Fruited Turkey WrapsThis colorful wrap tastes great and is so good for you. It's packed with lean protein, fruit and veggies and wrapped in whole-grain goodness! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Strawberry Pasta SaladBow tie pasta with strawberries makes a refreshing salad, especially with a little chopped mint. I multiply it for brunches, potlucks, even tailgates. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Berry Turkey SandwichSliced fresh strawberries, Swiss cheese and a nutty cream cheese spread make this turkey sandwich different. Try it on whole wheat, oatmeal or sunflower seed bread. It's tasty and easy to put together.
—Edward Meyer of Arnold, Missouri
Sesame Chicken Noodle SaladThis is my go-to recipe when I have no time. It’s quick, easy and you can use almost anything from the fridge. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Pesto Egg Salad SandwichesFor a casual springtime meal with a twist, boil up some eggs and dinner will be done presto. —Tenley Haraldson, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Granola PinwheelsI came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Lunch Box Chicken WrapThis lunchbox-friendly wrap is a tasty way to use leftover chicken and get kids to eat more veggies. Using colorful, thin strips of vegetables adds visual interest when the wrap is cut into slices. Suddenly spinach is too pretty to refuse. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Cranberry Chicken SaladThe tart, tangy bite of cranberry and crisp, refreshing crunch of celery make this cranberry chicken salad a total winner. Make it ahead for an easy, protein-packed meal that'll keep your whole family happy.
Waldorf Turkey PitasLiving in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-UpI had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Cherry-Chicken Lettuce WrapsI came up with this amazing recipe when I had a load of cherries on hand. My family polished them off fast, and asked for more. Luckily I had enough fruit to make them again the next day! —Melissa Barlow, Fruit Heights, Utah
Greek Orzo SaladThis tart, refreshing salad is a big hit in my home. All the tasty toppings—including red onions, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and a zesty dressing—give it extra interest. —Judy Roberts, Las Vegas, Nevada
Tropical Beef WrapFor my finicky little ones, I create fast, tasty recipes like this tropical sandwich wrap. You can even use up leftover roast beef in a pinch. —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
PBJ on a StickTake the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Thai Noodle SaladThis Thai Noodle Salad recipe takes inspiration from pad thai but uses whole wheat spaghetti, cooked chicken and peanut sauce instead of rice noodles, shrimp and tamarind. It's a great option for a vegetable-heavy meal in a bowl and is perfect for using leftover protein.
Quick Taco WrapsI was running late one night, so I shopped in my own fridge and came up with ingredients that became taco wraps. Everybody at the table was a happy camper. —Katie Mitschelen, La Porte, Indiana
BLT WrapsThese easy BLT Wraps use ready-to-serve bacon, flour tortillas and ranch dressing to transform the beloved tower of a deli sandwich into an easy picnic-ready meal you can assemble without needing a stove for even a minute.
Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad SandwichesLime juice and cilantro in tuna salad – who knew? This recipe for avocado tuna salad came to me as a way to have a protein-packed meal with lots of pizzazz. —Heather Waldorf, Black Mountain, North Carolina
Lunch Box PizzasWhen you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
