Vacuum sealing is a method where you seal a bag or jar taking all the air out so that the goods inside the bag or jar stay fresh or usable for a longer period. This is a cheap but effective way to store foods, clothes, or even documents. If you are reading this post, that means you already know all these and want to know more about opening the seal after you have sealed a bag. In this article, we will let you know how to open a vacuum sealed bag.
It is important that you are informed about some steps and cautions before you attempt to open a vacuum-sealed bag. The whole purpose of putting the items in a vacuum-sealed bag is to protect them for longer and be able to use them even after a long time. But if you ruin or damage the item somehow while opening it, that is all for naught!
In the article, we share how you can open vacuum-sealed bags properly and what to keep in mind.
Before You Begin: Be Aware of the Type of the Bag
Generally, you can vacuum seal a bag in two ways. Sealing it with an actual vacuum sealer machine or using a vacuum hose to bring the air out. Doesn’t matter which vacuum sealer you use, it is important to make sure you are only using actual vacuum sealer bags. While it is possible to use something like a Mylar bag to seal your food, that rarely works. Some bags also come with a valve opening. Making your bag by using food-grade plastic sheets and a sealer machine is also possible.
It is up to the type of bag and the item that was inside the bag, which decides whether the bag is reusable or not. Using a bag that is reusable is the most beneficial in all ways. However, if meat, fish, etc or any liquid item was stored, it is advised not to reuse the bag.
How to Open Vacuum Sealed Bag?
If you don’t want to reuse the bag, you can gently cut it so that the material inside doesn’t get hampered. Although, to use the bag you need to be mindful enough to not only be cautious with the material stored but also keeping the bag reusable.
Opening Bag with Dry Foods
This is an easy task. Hold the bag and cut it gently on the side seal. Although, you should be aware if there is fragile food inside. Be extra cautious in case you want to reuse the bag. Cut very close to the seal so that less portion of the bag is wasted. You can then take the items out and clean the bag with a clean cloth or some water ( pat dry afterward).
Opening Bag With Raw Meat Or Fish
In this case, reusing the bag is not ideal as bacteria and other germs may transfer. In this case, cut the bag however you like to open it and make sure to keep the bag away from other bags after opening.
Opening Bag With Liquid Foods
Bags containing foods that are liquid or high in liquid content are tricky to open. It can be a messy task and also hard to keep the liquid safe while opening. Generally, the liquid is in solid form, but if it has been outside of the freezer for some time, it will start to liquify. Before cutting it open solidify it again then gently cut the bag open and put the liquid in a clean bowl.
Make sure any particles of plastic from the bag don’t go into the liquid while cutting it (there is a greater chance that it can happen in terms of liquid items). Of course, you don’t want to consume plastic. The bag is usually not reusable in this case, specifically if there were oil particles in the liquid.
Opening Bag With Cooked Food
You can warm up the food in the microwave if you want. If you want to take a portion out and reseal the bag then cut a small opening. Before revealing it, always let the food cool down. Same as liquid foods, with cooked food, there is a chance that small parts from the plastic bag can find their way into your food. Stay aware of this fact while taking out the food.
Opening Bag With Clothes Or Crafts
Maintain caution if there are crafts or heavily designed clothes inside the bag. Grab the bag carefully so that no damage is created to the goods. Take a pair of scissors, cut it as close to the seal as possible to save space for using the bag later on. The clothes will be wrinkly and will require some ironing.
Opening Bag With Documents
Cut the bag, saving as much of the space inside as possible. You can reuse the bag afterward. As there are documents inside, open them on a dry and clean surface. Also, keep your hands dry.
Opening Bag With Jewellery
The reason behind keeping jewelry in a vacuum-sealed bag is the same as others, which is to keep it away from oxygen and germs so that it lasts long. As usual, maintain necessary caution to not damage the jewelry inside with your hands or with the cutting equipment you are using. Choose cushiony or soft surfaces (like bed or sofa) to do the task so that even if the jewelry falls it is not damaged. The bag can be reused afterward.
Opening Bag With Items That Has Sharp Edges
If items with sharp edges(such as uncooked pasta, bones) were kept inside the bag, most likely it was wrapped with something soft like cloth or paper towel. When cutting open a bag, you can cut however you want because reusing it is not always the best idea as it may contain some holes. But be cautious of the sharp edges.
Conclusion
Using vacuum sealing can be an amazing hack for households to reduce wastage if it is applied right. When using vacuum-sealed bags for the first time it can be a bit messy, but with enough time when you are able to plan on storing this way more effectively, it can become an affordable savior of your household.
Hopefully, this article helped you to open these bags properly for getting the best outcome.
