Ziploc bags are typically advertised and used as sandwich or food holders, but there are many other uses you may not be aware of. Right now, you may be wondering why the photo shows a pair of jeans inside the Ziploc bag.
Keep reading and see how these seemingly simple bags can make your life a wee-bit easier. Check out these 14 brilliant uses:
1. Tablet protector. If you like to use your tablet as a recipe book, you’ll love this hack. Mommy Savers recommends placing your tablet inside a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. The touchscreen will still function through the bag.
2. Ice packs. Fill different sized Ziploc bags with water and keep them frozen for use on bumps and sprains when needed, suggests Mommy Savers.
3. Kitchen funnel. Pouring oats, rice, and other small substances can be a big mess. Avoid a major clean-up by filling a bag with whatever you’re funneling. While holding the bag over the container you want filled, cut a small hole in the Ziploc and let the items funnel through, as recommended by Mommy Savers.
4. Piping bag. This technique uses the same concept as the above funnel hack. Cut off a corner, fill the bag with frosting or whatever you’re piping, and carefully squeeze out the desired amount. Saving Star likes using this trick for making frozen yogurt dots. Pipe dots of yogurt onto a cookie sheet and freeze to make a delicious, healthy ice cream replacement.
Even your dog will thank you for it!
5. Better marinade. Foodies know this easy trick for marinades. Saving Star says to place all ingredients inside the Ziploc bag. Let the juices seep into the meat, fish, or veggies overnight for a top notch marinade.
6. Stop mohair from shedding. Fashionistas will love this tip from Style Caster. Fold your angola or mohair garment and slide it into a Ziploc bag. Seal and freeze for a minimum of three hours. This will prevent the hair from shedding.
7. Stretch shoes. Are your new shoes killing your feet? Style Caster says you can stretch them with this easy hack. Fill two Ziploc bags with water and place one inside each shoe. Freeze overnight. In the morning, you’ll be happily surprised to find the shoes fit.
8. Clean jeans. Apartment Therapy explains freezing jeans makes your favorite pants feel crisp and new again. To do this, fold the jeans and place them inside a Ziploc bag. Seal and place the bag in the freezer. Keep the jeans frozen for a full week. They’ll feel good as new.
9. Clean a shower head. Saving Star recommends filling a Ziploc bag with white vinegar and putting the shower head inside the bag. Close the bag with a rubber band and let it sit overnight. The next day, the shower head will be unclogged and de-limed.
10. Organize cords. Sort your cords, wires, and other electronics by placing them in labeled plastic bags, says Rebel Circus. It may seem like a lot of work at the beginning, but you’ll be much happier knowing exactly what fits where.
11. Sort meds. If you take several medications, you know how difficult it can be to make sure you take the right meds at the right time. Rebel Circus recommends sorting your medications using small plastic bags when going on vacation. However, you may benefit from adopting this method in your daily life. If you are a caretaker, you may want to go the extra step of labeling the baggies with the time, date, medication name, and dosage.
12. Line a makeup bag. Many women know the struggle of keeping a makeup bag clean. Fix this common problem by lining the bag with a Ziploc bag, as recommended by Rebel Circus.
13. DIY sachet. Fill a Ziploc with your favorite fragrant herbs and spices, poke holes in the bag using a sewing pen and let the DIY sachet fill your home with lovely scents. Rebel Circus suggests dried lavender.
14. Store shoes. When traveling, pack shoes inside large Ziploc plastic bags to prevent transferring dirt from your shoes to your clothes, says Mommy Savers.
Bonus tip: Zip-loc bags can be used to start a fire and save you in dire times. Just fill a bag with water and use it to focus sunlight on your tinder.
What is your favorite alternative use for Ziploc bags? Tell us when you SHARE this article on social media!