How? Reusing/washing FoodSaver bags - gotta be a way to save $!

[StillPinballFamily]

Ok - How??? This has been mentioned a few times lately on different threads. But how do you actually do it? (I need step-by-step help here!)

I assume you start by making them longer than you need at first, so you can cut them open and still have enough to spare for additional uses, but...?

And exactly how the heck would you run used bags through the dishwasher (as some say they do) before reusing??? There must be a trick to getting them to stay in place/open...!

I do love my FoodSaver to stock up on sale meats. I do use the freezer Ziplocks though for my marinating meats, since they seem too liquidy for the FoodSaver bags. Any extra bonus tips here?

Many thanks from the bottom of my little carnivore heart!

 

[patsal]

I'm not a big fan of reusing the plastic resealable bags, but have rinsed out ones that have been used to store "dry" items on occasion--bread, crackers, cookies, things of that nature. I buy reusable storage containers for meats and stuff since I would not want to cross contaminate the food from bags that had meat and marinade in them--the cost of running the dishwasher to clean the bags sounds like I'd not be saving any money when you look at per bag costs with coupon and in sale. but that is jsut me. When I wash them I turn them inside out, use a soapy sponge and then rinse, finally I lay them on a dish cloth propped open and upside down like a little dome or tent. If I were to run them through a dishwaher I guess I'd do the same thing, but since I'd only be able to fit three or four on the top shelf I still don't think it would be cost effective. Using Tupperware or Rubbermaid is more planet friendly since you'll be able to use those containers indefinately, so that is the way I go with most freezer storage.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I took this from FoodSaver's website FAQ:

Can FoodSaver® Bags be washed?
Yes, but it depends on the previous contents of the bag.


Bags that previously contained fruits, vegetables, breads and dry goods can be washed and reused.
Bags that contained raw meats, fish, eggs or un-pasteurized cheese should be discarded after use because they may contain invisible bacteria that will remain after washing.
Bags that contained greasy or oily foods should also be discarded, as they may be difficult to clean.
FoodSaver® Bags can be washed by hand, or in the top rack of the dishwasher. Use a wooden clothespin or a clip to hold the bags in place. Dry completely. They can then be re-vacuumed.