Can You Reuse Plastic Freezer and Sandwich Bags?

Whether you use them frequently or on a limited basis, plastic freezer and sandwich bags are items that many people keep on hand. But if you want to cut back on your plastic use, you may be wondering if you can reuse this food storage staple more than once. To answer this question, we spoke to food safety experts who explained how to reuse resealable bags safely and when to throw them away.

Can You Reuse a Plastic Freezer or Sandwich Bag?

Generally, it can be safe to reuse a plastic bag as long as it is washed properly first, says Carla L. Schwan, Ph.D., assistant professor and extension food safety specialist director at the National Center for Home Food Preservation. With that being said, whether or not it's safe to reuse a plastic bag ultimately comes down to what was in the bag and the condition it's in once you're done using it.

When to Reuse a Plastic Bag

Some foods are safer to keep in plastic resealable bags that you plan to reuse than others. "The best items to keep in a resealable bag to ensure it remains safe for reuse are dry goods such as baked products, cookie dough, grains, or nuts (as long as it is not an allergy-triggering food)," says Tracey Brigman, EdD, MS, RDN, LD, clinical associate professor and associate director for the National Center for Home Food Preservation at the University of Georgia.

When Not to Reuse a Plastic Bag

There are some instances in which you should never reuse a plastic freezer or sandwich bag. "We do not recommend reusing any bags that have held raw meat, fish, eggs, or potentially allergy-triggering foods," says a spokesperson from Ziploc. A resealable bag that contained any of the big nine allergens, such as tree nuts, peanuts, or sesame, is not suitable for reuse as these foods may leave trace allergens and pose a risk of cross-contact, says Schwan.

You should also never reuse a plastic resealable plastic bag if it has any signs of mold or yeast growth, as you run the risk of potentially contaminating whatever is stored in the bag next. Additionally, anytime the bag is damaged, cloudy, or dirty, it should not be reused, says Brigman.

How Many Times Can You Reuse a Plastic Bag?

How often you reuse a plastic bag depends on a few factors, such as the material of the bag, how it is cleaned (and how well), and what was stored in the bag previously, says Schwan. "Different bags and materials may withstand more washes than others. It is always a good idea to inspect the bag for any signs of wear or damage after each use and discard if necessary," she says.

How to Wash a Plastic Freezer or Sandwich Bag

Before reusing a plastic bag, you must wash it first, no matter what was stored inside. "The best way to clean a resealable bag for reuse is to wash it with soap and water. "Do not turn the bag inside out when washing, as that can result in stress or tears in the bag," says Brigman. Make sure you scrub the seams of the bag thoroughly since food can get stuck in the seal. After cleaning, rinse the bag thoroughly and wait until it's completely dry before reusing it.