How to Use Space Saver Vacuum Bags: Save Space with These Tips

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Space saver vacuum bags are a great way to store items without taking up too much storage space. A vacuum-sealed bag can actually reduce the amount of storage space needed by 50% or more. To use a space saver vacuum packed bag, simply pack the bag with suitable items, seal the bag using a vacuum cleaner, and then store the bag in a safe and cool place. In this article, we give step-by-step instructions for packing and sealing space saver vacuum bags, go over benefits of using them, and more

How to Use Vacuum Bags

1. Open the bag and place it on a flat surface. 2. Neatly fold or roll your clothes. 3. Place the clothes into the bag. 4. Close the bag to seal it. 5. Open the valve cap and place the vacuum pump onto it. 6. Activate the vacuum to remove the air. 7. Store or pack the bag once all the air is removed.

Section 1 of 6:

How to Use a Space Saver Vacuum Bag

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  1. These bags come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, most notably the flat storage bag, the cube bag with a flat bottom, and the storage tote. Which bag you choose will likely depend on the items being stored. [1]
    • For instance, flat bags are excellent for clothing, whereas cubes and totes are best for larger items, such as blankets.
  2. To open the bag, grab each side of the zipper. Place your index finger and thumb on the zipper and firmly grasp it. Hold the end of the bag closer to the zipper to keep it secure, then pull zipper horizontally until the bag fully opens. [2]
    • Try not to pull so hard that the zipper comes off.
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  3. Before you pack the bag, place it on a bed, sofa, floor, or table. The bag should be kept upright with the fill line facing upwards. Not only will this make it easier to pack, but it will also make sure the vacuuming process goes smoothly.
  4. Space saver vacuum bags can store a variety of soft items, but are most commonly used for clothing and linens. [3]
    • Don't store food, leather, or fur items in these bags.
    • Don’t store items with sharp corners or ridges because these may puncture the bag. [4]
    • Make sure that all items are dry before packing them into space saver bags.
  5. When you’re using a space saver vacuum bag to pack clothes, fold them and place them in the flat bag to maximize the amount of available space. Be sure not to overfill the bag. Only place items to the fill line. [5]
    • You can roll the clothes before putting them in the bag, but it may result in less available space.
  6. Firmly grasp the sure-zip slider using your thumb and index finger. Then, slide the zipper across the top of the bag. Make sure to slide the zipper back and forth at least twice. Press down a little harder to ensure a tight seal has been made, and no air will leak out. [6]
    • If the sure-zip slider piece comes off while closing the bag, simply slide it back onto the bag. Press it back onto the zipper track over the top of the bag. You should hear it click twice. [7]
  7. To ensure that the zipper is completely sealed, slide your fingers along the zipper track and press down. You should be able to feel if any areas are not sealed. [8]
  8. Space saver vacuum bags have a valve located on the top of the bag. To open the valve cap, place one hand around the base of the valve and use your other hand to lift open the cap. [9]
    • If you pull the cap too hard it may come off. You can put it back on by placing the rubber flapper inside the valve base. Then, snap the cap back onto the base.
  9. Remove all attachments from your vacuum and place the circular hose onto the valve. Make sure to place the hose in the center of the valve. The circular end of the hose should completely fill the valve.
    • Dust-buster style vacuums will not work.
  10. Once the vacuum is turned on, you will see the bag begin to shrink as air is removed. When the bag stops shrinking, this signals that you have completed the sealing process. At this point you can turn off the vacuum. [10]
    • When placing down-pillows or down-comforters into the bag, don't empty all of the air from the bag. Only compress the air in the bag to fifty percent of its original size, as further compression will damage the down feathers.
  11. Once you have finished vacuum sealing the bag, remove the vacuum hose from the valve and close the lid on the bag. This will prevent any air from escaping the bag. [11]
  12. 12
    Use both hands to open or close the zipper to unseal and reseal the bag. If you need to unseal the space saver vacuum bag to retrieve one of your items or add more items, grab each side of the zipper with your hands, then pull your hands apart to separate the sides and open the zipper. To reseal it, firmly grasp the white zipper slider with your thumb and index finger, then slide it across the bag. Go back and forth at least twice to make sure the bag seals. [12]
    • If the zip slider comes off, press it back into the zipper from the top of the bag.
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Section 2 of 6:

Benefits of Using Space Saver Bags

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  1. 1
    They help save space. According to interior designer Garrison Hullinger, vacuum bags are a good way to save space when packing for a trip or at home. Whether you’re keeping the bags in your luggage or using them in your closet, they can significantly shrink the amount of space bulky items take up, helping you save space anywhere. https://youtu.be/r0fLkdsEKbY?si=8VAulbWFd7rrM3-j&t=112
  2. 2
    They make organizing easier. Since the bags are plastic, you can designate them for specific items when you use them. For example, if you’re traveling, you can keep a space saver bag at the bottom of your suitcase and fill it with dirty clothes throughout the duration of your trip, vacuum seal them, and not have to worry about missing anything. https://youtu.be/r0fLkdsEKbY?si=3Jrh48P7aBg67-JF&t=134
  3. 3
    They protect your clothes from major damage. When your items are in a vacuum-sealed space saver bag, they are protected from dust, insects, and other major irritants. As long as you make sure they’re dry before you store them, they will also be protected from mold and mildew. While wool items may get bogged down from the lack of air circulation, as long as you remove them within six months, they will be okay. [13]
  4. 4
    They protect items from bugs and insects. When your items are stored in vacuum-sealed bags, bugs and insects have no way of getting inside, making them a great choice if you need to protect items that are in the basement, attic, or other areas that are prone to bugs.
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Section 3 of 6:

Common Uses of Space Saver Vacuum Bags

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  1. 1
    Storing winter clothes. When the seasons change and you want to free up space in your closet, fold up your bulky winter clothes and put them in a space saver bag. Not only do they save space, but they also protect your clothes from dust and insects, which means you can store your winter clothes in areas where they’d usually be susceptible to those things without having to worry.
  2. 2
    Packing clothes when you move or travel. When you need to save space when you move or travel, use space saver vacuum bags. They create about 60% extra space, giving you a lot more room to work with when you’re taking a vacation or moving. [14]
  3. 3
    Storing clothes that mean a lot to you. If you have clothes that are sentimental to you, like your wedding dress, prom dress, or a t-shirt from your childhood, store them in space saver vacuum bags to protect them from dust, mites, or anything else that may damage them.
  4. 4
    Organizing your items. Using space saver vacuum bags comes with the added benefit of organization. You can place different types of clothes into different bags, label them, and store them without having to worry about them getting mixed up. For example, you can keep your shirts in one bag, your pants in another, and your underwear and socks in a third when you’re traveling to keep track of all of your items.
  5. 5
    Compressing bulky items. The space saver vacuum bags are great at compressing pillows, comforters, bedding, and other bulky items, giving you more space to work with in your closet and drawers. If you’ve got a bunch of old pillows you’re not ready to get rid of, or you have one too many bedspreads, use space saver vacuum bags to save space without getting rid of them.
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Section 4 of 6:

How to Store Space Saver Bags

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  1. You can store space saver vacuum bags on a smooth and flat surface, such as a closet, cupboard, or under a bed. This way the bag is less likely to get punctured and ruined. Make sure there are no sharp objects placed near the bags.
  2. Heat can melt the plastic bag and/or valve. Even if the bag does not completely melt, heat can weaken the plastic, making it more susceptible to punctures and leaks. As a result, you should not store bags outside or near vents or active electrical outlets. [15]
    • As the heat melts the plastic, it will break down into whatever you’re storing in your space saver vacuum bag.
  3. Space saver bags are made from plastic, which can be hazardous to children if left unsupervised. For example, a child may easily crawl into the plastic bag, which raises the risk of suffocation. Make sure these bags are stored up high and out of the reach of young children. [16]
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Section 5 of 6:

How Long Space Saver Bags Last

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  1. Vacuum space-saver bags typically last for six months or longer, depending on the item. Vacuum space saver bags are durable, but the items inside them may not always fare well with the lack of air. For example, having wool clothes in a vacuum bag can lead to their natural fibers breaking down after six months, as they need air to maintain their shape. But, if your item is known for withstanding dark, airless areas, it can stay in a vacuum bag for years, as plastic takes years to degrade. https://youtu.be/q12H_jsJ4yU?si=tOJtDY7wt5GkBdjR&t=10
Section 6 of 6:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    Can you use vacuum bags without a vacuum? Yes, but you need to use a machine that can suck air out of something, like a leaf blower or a reversible air mattress pump. If you have one of those, press it to the valve and switch it into the reverse setting until all of the air is sucked out, then seal the bag. [17]
  2. 2
    Should you fold or roll clothes in a vacuum bag? It’s best to fold your clothes when putting them into a vacuum bag, as the bag works best when items are placed flat. If you roll the clothes, the bag will likely be bulky and won’t save as much space as if they were flat.
  3. 3
    Do vacuum bags work for all types of clothing? Vacuum bags work for most types of clothing, including winter clothes, jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters. But, be careful with the fabrics you’re putting into the bag, since delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or cashmere may be damaged from the compression.
  4. 4
    Are vacuum bags waterproof? Yes, vacuum bags are waterproof. They make an airtight seal that keeps any water or moisture from penetrating the bag, making them a great option for storing clothes in humid or outdoor environments.
    • Remember to dry your clothes before putting them into vacuum bags. If they aren’t dry, the moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth inside the bag.
  5. 5
    Can you use vacuum bags to separate clean and dirty clothes? Yes, and this is especially useful for travel! When staying at a hotel, Airbnb, or other house away from home, you can put your dirty clothes into vacuum-sealed bags, seal them using a vacuum, then pack them in your luggage. It’s a great way to save space when you’re bringing back a lot of stuff!
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I get my bags to stay flat?
    Community Answer
    Either use the seal and press the bag while it's pulling the air out to get it to retain shape, or if you have the kind you're supposed to roll, gently sit on it on the bed so it pushes the air out and stays flat.
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  • Question
    Will the clothes return to normal when you take them out?
    Community Answer
    Your clothes will be wrinkled and may require a little ironing, but they should return to normal.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
  • Question
    What do you do if the slider is not sealing the bag?
    Community Answer
    If your slider is not working, use your fingers and manually slide them across the zipper. You should be able to feel the zipper closing If this does not work there may be a problem with the zipper itself.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@suzyvalentinreviews/video/7125847401465842990
      2. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@suzyvalentinreviews/video/7125847401465842990
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ASIqUWre_c
      4. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@suzyvalentinreviews/video/7125847401465842990
      5. ↑ http://thepioneerwoman.com/life-and-style/do-space-bags-really-work/
      6. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@suzyvalentinreviews/video/7125847401465842990
      7. ↑ http://thepioneerwoman.com/life-and-style/do-space-bags-really-work/
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ASIqUWre_c
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ASIqUWre_c
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ASIqUWre_c
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ASIqUWre_c
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/7ASIqUWre_c?si=sFMLpXGs8L70G0Kp&t=54
      4. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
      5. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/amazon-vacuum-seal-bags-travel-review
      6. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/18/are-plastic-containers-safe-to-use-food-experts
      7. ↑ https://dcfs.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dcfsnvgov/content/Tips/Brochures/Prevent+choking.pdf
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/vwFc6qn_xoQ?si=Cxm4p3sYyudBCgql&t=46
      9. ↑ http://thepioneerwoman.com/life-and-style/do-space-bags-really-work/
      10. ↑ http://thepioneerwoman.com/life-and-style/do-space-bags-really-work/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To use space saver vacuum bags, first choose a suitable sized bag for your items and place it face-up on a flat surface, such as a bed, sofa, or table. Next, place your items in the bag, careful not to surpass the fill line. Then, close the zipper and make sure it’s sealed by sliding your fingers along the zipper track. Finally, open the valve cap, attach the vacuum’s hose, and turn it on. When the bag stops shrinking, remove the hose and close the lid to prevent air escaping. For more tips, like how to store the space saver bags, keep reading!

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