Vacuum packaging bags are great for storing things in a way that doesn't take up too much space. In fact, the space occupied by such a bag is reduced by up to 50%. To use a vacuum bag, simply pack the appropriate items in it, vacuum the air out with a vacuum cleaner, and then store in a safe, cool place.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Vacuum Packing
Step 1. Choose the type of vacuum bags that suits you
Vacuum bags are available in various sizes and shapes, most commonly flat vacuum bags for storage, cubic vacuum bags with flat bottom and bags with vacuum bags. The choice of a specific type depends on what kind of items you are going to put away for storage.
For example, flat bags are great for clothes, while cubes and bags with vacuum bags are ideal for storing large items such as blankets
Step 2. Open the package
To open the bag, grasp the sides of the bag with your hands on two opposite sides of the zip-fastener. Then pull the sides of the bag in different directions.
Try not to pull too hard to avoid ripping off the clasp
Step 3. Place the open bag face up on a flat surface
To start packing, the bag must be placed on a bed, sofa, floor, or table. The bag should be positioned with the flap facing up.
Step 4. Prepare the items to be packed
Various soft things can be stored in vacuum bags, but most often they store clothes and bedding.
- Do not store food, leather or fur in such bags.
- Do not put items with sharp corners and edges in vacuum bags, as they can pierce the walls of the bags.
- All things placed in vacuum bags must be dry.
Step 5. Pack your things in bags
Packages should not be stuffed too tightly. If the bags have a fill level line, do not put items in excess of this line.
To save as much space as possible, items placed in the bag can be pre-folded
Part 2 of 3: Pumping air out of bags
Step 1. Close the package
Grasp the bag zip clip firmly with your thumb and forefinger. Run the clip back and forth along the entire zip fastener at least two times. Squeeze the clip a little harder one last time to ensure the bag is sealed and to avoid air passage.
If the clip comes off accidentally when you close the bag, simply slide it back onto the clasp. To do this, slide the bifurcated end of the clip onto the top edge of the bag and pull it down onto the zip rail. When doing so, you will hear it double-click
Step 2. Use your fingers to check that the zip closure is fully closed
To make sure the zip fastener is fully closed, slide your fingers over it and squeeze extra. If some parts of the fastener are not covered, you will feel it.
Step 3. Open the bag valve
There is a special valve on the upper side of the vacuum bags for storing things. To open it, grip the valve base with one hand and open the screw cap with the other.
Pulling too hard on the cover can completely unscrew it. It can be put back in place if you find the place of its fixation on the base of the valve. In this case, simply snap the cover back into place
Step 4. Attach the vacuum cleaner hose to the vacuum bag valve
Remove all attachments from the vacuum cleaner and attach its hose with a round hole to the valve. Make sure the hose of the vacuum cleaner is centered on the valve. In this case, the round end of the vacuum cleaner hose must fully enter the valve itself.
A portable vacuum cleaner will not work for this purpose
Step 5. Turn on the vacuum cleaner
As soon as the vacuum cleaner starts up, you will see that the bag starts to shrink as the air is pumped out. When the size of the bag stops changing, this will be a signal that the air evacuation process is complete. The vacuum cleaner can now be turned off.
If you are vacuum bagging down pillows and featherbeds, do not suck all the air out of the bags. Stop when the bag has halved, as more compression will damage the feathers
Step 6. Remove the vacuum cleaner hose and tighten the valve cap onto the bag
As soon as you stop pumping air from the bag, disconnect the vacuum cleaner hose from the valve and tighten the cap on it. This will prevent air from getting back into the bag.
Part 3 of 3: Vacuum bag storage
Step 1. Store your bags on a flat surface
Vacuum bags can be stored on flat, flat surfaces such as pantry and closet shelves, or under a bed. So the probability of piercing and spoiling the packages will be lower. Also make sure that no sharp objects are stored near the bags.
Step 2. Do not store items in vacuum bags near heat sources
Overheating may cause the bag or its valve to melt. Even if the bag does not completely melt, heat can loosen the polyethylene and make it easier to damage the bag, causing it to leak. For the same reason, things in vacuum bags cannot be stored outdoors, near ventilation and electrical outlets.
Step 3. Keep vacuum bags out of the reach of children
Vacuum bags are made of polyethylene, which can be dangerous for children if left unattended. Make sure that these bags are stored high enough so that small children cannot reach them.
Advice
- Vacuum bags will protect your belongings from moisture, mildew and moths.
- For optimal use of the bags, follow the instructions that come with them.
- A small gap in the vacuum bag can be sealed with a piece of tape.
- On the road, you can use a small can of spray to smooth out the clothes removed from the bag. Just spray it on the crumpled item. Then let it dry for a minute. No iron required.