5 Genius Ziploc Bag Hacks You Can Use Daily
Ziploc bags are one of those things most people have in their kitchen drawer but don't think twice about them. They're already pretty versatile, but these little plastic bags can do a whole lot more than hold snacks or leftovers. Here are some smart and surprising ways to put them to work in your daily routine.
DIY Bubble Wrap
The average person who isn't sending mail every day probably doesn't have bubble wrap on hand, let alone enough to ship something fragile without worrying. Instead of panicking or running to the post office to get some, just grab a few Ziploc bags.
Fill them partially with air (using a straw makes this easier), seal them tight, and layer them around the item you're shipping. It’s fast, easy, and saves you from buying extra supplies you don’t need sitting around the house.
Crush Cookies or Crackers
When a recipe calls for crushed graham crackers or cookies, things can get messy fast.
Skip the food processor and the cleanup that comes with it by tossing the crackers into a Ziploc bag, pressing out the air, sealing it shut, then using a rolling pin, mallet, or the back of a spoon to crush them up. The bag keeps all the crumbs in one place and makes pouring them out easy. Plus, less mess means more time to enjoy what you're baking.
DIY Vacuum Seal
If you want to best preserve some food but don’t have a fancy vacuum sealer, no problem! A Ziploc bag can do the job well enough for most foods.
Place your food inside the bag, seal it almost shut, and slowly lower it into a bowl of water. The water pressure will push the air out around the food. Once it's tight, seal the bag fully. This trick works well for freezing meats, storing leftovers, or keeping fruits and veggies fresher longer.
A Makeshift Funnel
We've all felt the struggle of needing to pour something into a smaller container with no funnel around to help us. Usually we just deal with the mess, but if you ever find yourself in this situation again, know that a Ziploc bag works just as well as a funnel in a pinch.
Just snip off one corner of the bag, push it into the opening, and pour. The bag gives you control over the flow, and there's no tricky cleanup like with traditional funnels since once you're done, you can just toss the bag!
Ziploc bags are one of the most fundamental kitchen essentials, but they can do a lot more than hold your sandwich. These easy hacks prove that a little creativity can save time, cut down on mess, and help you stay organized in everyday life. The best part? These tricks use things you already have at home, so there's no extra spending required.