Ziploc freezer bags in a Foodsaver/vacuum sealer?

This video shows how to save money on expensive Foodsaver bags, by using Ziplock freezer bags instead.
There is a trick to it so watch the video and learn how to save some extra cash during this crazy time we live in. And please don’t forget to subscribe to learn more..thanks for watching.

[@dalehammond1704]

What also helps is to wrap the sealed bag in newspaper. This gives a great insulation to eliminate any potential freezer burn from long term freezing.

[@mydyisgod]

Thank you so much. Nice to know there are people willing to help others in ways to save a few $$. Wait, not just a few $$, those vacuum bags are very expensive

[@staffordshires2]

Your welcome, hope this video helps you.

[@spfttt]

LOVE this video. Compelled me to experiment. I just received my first ever vacuum sealer today. Cheap off Amazon. 26 bucks. I have not yet tried your method exactly, but mostly. Tried to think of faster/easier. I sacrificed ONE legit vacuum seal bag (I received 20 with the machine). I cut the 8' x 11 inch bag into 50 - 3/4 inch by 2 inch strips, using just the "aeration" side of the bag. I sliced ALL of the zipper off an ordinary STORAGE bag (not the thicker freezer bags I will actually use) just under the zipper for a nice straight line. I popped a random object into the bag and placed two strips much like you did into the opening of the bag. I set the temperature of the heating coil to the 2nd lowest setting of 5 to prevent melt. It vacuumed and sealed perfectly. I tried only one strip placed at the center of the bag opening but it was not enough to facilitate vacuuming. I thought using the very thin strips of vacuum bag material might make a more reliable seal, although watching your video again it seams it doesn't matter. Anyway, I have enough "free" strips to seal FIVE HUNDRED legit FREEZER bags I can purchase the Walmart brand gallon bags for 4.8 cents each, and quarts for 3.8 cents each. The cheapest quart size regular bags on Amazon is 9 cents each. HERE IS the MIND BOGGLING cost comparison of 100 quart bags: The "Walmart" method $3.48 for 100. The Amazon Cheapest method $9.00 for 100. The cheapest legit Amazon "vacuum bags" $18.00 for 100. And lastly the Foofsaver brand bags an OBSCENE $45.00 for 100, a GROTESQUE THIRTEEN TIMES THE COST OF THE WALMART METHOD! What a world - what a world!

[@staffordshires2]

Awesome, I am glad that I gave you the inspiration to try this. And thank you for breaking down the cost comparison for all to see. Thanks for watching the video, I hope you subscribed.

[@cullenandkericaldwell5951]

Thank you spfttt Reale! You put a lot of work into this experiment and took the time to share the results with us. I was thinking of purchasing my first vacuum sealer and like many, I'm sure, the cost of the bags was what was holding me back. I've take a picture of your response so I can know how to apply your technique when I start using my own sealer. Also, thank you very much Ray! I wouldn't have known unless I found you either! I will be experimenting with both techniques myself. Thank you, both!

[@WanderlustCity]

Can you make a video of it?😊

[@MysteryViv]

Thank you. Your video is the best demonstration that I have watched of how to use ziploc bags. Now I finally understand the technique.

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks for watching and your comment, I am glad I could help you..

[@dougsmith548]

Thank you my friend for all us old bachelors we appreciate it. Stay safe and God bless 🇨🇦

[@liselarocque696]

I've had a Seal-a-Meal vacuum sealer for a while and had been trying for some time to find a way to vacuum/seal Ziploc freezer bags, with no luck... Then tonight, I just happened to stumble upon your video, followed your instructions... and it worked!! Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time!!

[@staffordshires2]

Awesome, glad you found this video, now you can use your vacuum sealer without having to break the bank! Thanks for your comment, hope I gained another subscriber!

[@brendadeprefontaine3661]

Thank you for this video, my son left his ziplock v 110 sealer at my home, I wasnt interested untill today. I found your video had to watch it three times mostly because I kept walking away and not paying attention. 🙄 Finally sat down to watch full video, its so simple, thank you! Now I can vacuum seal all my bulk buys using regular freezer bags, because yes, the sealing bags are expensive. Thank you again and yes I subscribed.

[@staffordshires2]

Glad I could help! And thank you for subscribing!

[@tech-n-data]

We have a word for people like you...HERO. Thank you.

[@staffordshires2]

I would like to thank you for your kind words.. thanks for watching, hope this video has helped you..

[@charsbabushka]

Thank you very much. The cost of the food saver bags has put me off about using my food saver. If I save money on food I spend it on bags. This is a very clear video and I will be doing this.

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks Joyce for your great comment, and thanks very much for subscribing!

[@lindadavis5668]

Reuse them. Start slightly larger,vac. Seal. Cut open, wash, dry, reuse smaller sizes. Repeat. Also use in fridge for veggies, rewash and dry reuse. Why not? Saves money. I wash and reuse Ziploc gallon.

[@debimcmanus-plett819]

You are brilliant...It worked just like a charm....Thanks you made my day.

[@staffordshires2]

Thank you for your generous comment. I am glad it worked for you, some people are having problems with this method. Thank you for watching the video, hope you didn't forget to subscribe, it would help my channel out immensely.

[@nathanfoster5090]

Genius. Thank you sir. Just made my next backpacking trip more cost effective.

[@staffordshires2]

Your welcome! Thanks for watching the video and replying. Glad this will work for you.

[@crazysquirrel9425]

You can do that with coffee grounds - keeps them dry and easy to transport vs a large container.

[@kaykbanks57]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve watched a few YT videos with different methods and yours is by far the ONLY one that works best. For added security, I do cut the excess zip grooves out and seal the bag again.

[@staffordshires2]

Awesome, thank you for watching, this video has helped a lot of people save a bit of money during these times. One thing I forgot to mention is if your trying to seal some food with some moisture in the bag, I put a bit of paper towel inside the bag on top of whatever your trying to seal to stop the liquid from getting into the sealing strip area of the bag.

[@staffordshires2]

J Banks, if you do as I have on the video, you don't have do anything more.

[@lindadavis5668]

I make vacuum sealer bags last in three ways. I cut slightly larger bags when sealing, then wash well and reuse for smaller portions. I also use just to store fresh veggies in the fridge without vac sealed. When worn out tie that plastic bag strip from ziploc bag around the plastic bag tight, scrub your pots and pans then discard. I also use mesh bags for scrubbing p. and pans then toss. discard.

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks for the tip on extending the use of these bags.. great info

[@peggydeffley2194]

This is the best one I’ve seen, of ziplock-to-food-saver bags! Also, this is my same food saver, a true vintage model that works just as it did twenty some years ago. Thank you to a Canadian brother!

[@staffordshires2]

Thank you for the comment, and watching my video. I am happy I could help you save some money with this.. Hope I have gained another subscriber.

[@frameripperz8794]

Thank you for this tip. I use the food saver bags for long term storage and the great value freezer bags for week to week food

[@PhenomenallyFlyDiva4]

I hope when I finally inbox my Food Saver I get this right. Thank you for sharing. Blessed be!!!

[@staffordshires2]

Hope you have good luck with the bags as I have..

[@zoeemiko8149]

Easier yet. Place your filled zip lock bag inside a larger sealable bag with the center pressed closed - an inch or so of each corner not pressed closed) ..turn it on to remove air - bypassing the sealing process. Once the air is sucked out ( before you remove the baggies inside) press the ziplock seal until it's closed.. remove sealer bag from machine. All the air is now removed from the zip lock bag & it's sealed. The sealer bag is good for however many more uses.

[@staffordshires2]

Awesome idea! I'm going to try that. Thanks!

[@cd4701]

The bags may not say sealed with this method.

[@svtsmyaddiction1456]

I really wanted to buy the FoodSaver but the bags are too expensive so I'm glad I found this video! Thank you!!

[@maryelizabeth6797]

Speaking from Canada, choose a cheaper brand. Cuisinart are half the price of Foodsaver and just as good. Plus you can reheat while in the bag. I use them for homemade soup so easy cleanup.❤️🇨🇦

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope this helps you out.

[@svtsmyaddiction1456]

@@maryelizabeth6797 oh really? I wish we had that here in japan... But we don't, so my only option would be Foodsaver

[@svtsmyaddiction1456]

@@staffordshires2 Yes it did! Thank you!

[@LaydeeLia]

@@svtsmyaddiction1456 - eBay 😉

[@noorb8060]

Wooohooo now I can vacuum seal everything!!!

[@staffordshires2]

Thank you for the great comment! I like your enthusiasm! Hope you subscribed.

[@dengw06]

Wow thank you so much!!! Best and easiest method so far...I've tried with Caso vacuum sealer and it works perfectly using your method. Thanks!

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks for the comment! Glad I could help you out with this..

[@samanthabailey8604]

Thx I needed to test one without the bags I was stuck! Ur a life savor!🤗

[@staffordshires2]

Glad I could help! Merry Christmas!

[@willajohnson8577]

Tks justt bought a couple of boxes because they were on Kroger's mark down shelf. Good idea 👍

[@staffordshires2]

Good luck, you might have to practice a few times to get it to work properly. Another thing is if there is too much liquid where the sealing is done, it won't seal.. I sometimes put a bit of paper towel inside the bag on top of whatever I'm sealing, it helps.

[@danahorton1202]

What i do to use quart ziplock bags is to cut the zip seal from a one gallon bag (using the channel side) and feed it through the rear of the sealer into the quart bag down to the bottom and it leaves enough on the rear of the sealer sticking out to grab. then seal bag as normal but when the light turns from vaccum to seal quickly pull the tab out from the rear and it will seal the bag. you can reuse this over over untill you run out of food to seal or ziplock bags to seal with.

[@LaydeeLia]

I'm so lost. Maybe upload a video? So many people would find it helpful!

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

I can’t wait to try this I plan to try this this weekend.

[@staffordshires2]

Good luck, I'm sure if you do what I did in the video it will work out well for you. Thanks for watching, and commenting. Hope you didn't forget to subscribe.

[@justfantastic444]

Thank you very simple and To the point ! 👍🏽

[@AnIttyBittyHomestead]

Friggin great tip. I go camping alot and this will be so helpful.

[@staffordshires2]

Just make sure you are using freezer bags. And it should work well for you. Thanks for watching and commenting! I'm glad I can help people save a bit of cash these days..

[@jeremeyedwards8204]

very cool

[@doveoflove8582]

Thank you for sharing ...It's much appreciated.

[@andrelane37]

This is great, the cost of the bags what was stoping me from buying a Vac unit. Q: Why the strips of the tops of the bags?

[@staffordshires2]

Zip Loc bags are smooth so you need a air channel to pull the air from the bag, unlike the textured foodsaver bags. Hope this helps.

[@testerintester864]

Trank you very much

[@MsRahrah]

@@staffordshires2 brilliant! This video was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@raphaeldiniz6268]

O tried this with the store brand. The heat strip melted the bag completely and worked half of the time. I will try Ziplock next time to see if I get a better result.

[@6996katmom]

Thanks, because I bought the ones like that in quart and gallon, but it is impossible to get them the mash together. I think I will cut them all off and vacuum seal with them.

[@nancyblain-brooks939]

Thanks..!!! I love my FoodSaver but the bags can get expensive.

[@staffordshires2]

Yes they are quite expensive, I am glad this helped you. If you have something with a bit of moisture it won't seal very well unless you put a bit of paper towel between the food and the vacuum sealing strip. Thanks for watching and commenting, hope this works out well for you.

[@MendedAndWholeLife]

Yep, No kidding’!!

[@jazziecat2354]

okay!! I like it that will do.

[@marklandry2509]

Awesome advice!

[@ilovecharleston2]

Thank you for sharing! Just bought a Food Saver and I KNEW there had to be a less expensive way to seal things.

[@staffordshires2]

Thank you for watching, just make sure that when vacuuming the bag no liquid gets into the sealing surfaces. I have had problems with it not sealing because of that, so I put a bit of paper towel in the bag on top of what I was trying to seal, and it worked.

[@DROY2004]

Use the ziplock bags without cutting the locking strips off, just cut a notch in the middle of the bag, that’s all. air is sucked out & it’s sealed below the ziplock!

[@otistownsend9440]

Thanks for the info.,but why do you need the blue strip at all? The bag is sealed all across, even where there is no blue strip.

[@pullingthestrings5233]

You can also use bubble wrap instead of the zip bag ends

[@gretchenmusshorn3834]

I did thank you for taking the time.

[@staffordshires2]

Thank you for watching, and commenting. Hope this helps you save some money on bags.

[@davidmiller6981]

Nice looking sausages

[@andrelane37]

This is great, the cost of the bags is what was stoping me from buying a Vac unit. Q: Why the strips off the tops of the bags?

[@staffordshires2]

Thank you for watching the video, and commenting here, hope you subscribed. If you go through the comments you will find your answer. I do think I explained why you need the strips in the video..

[@LaydeeLia]

Creates a channel for air flow so that the smooth bag doesn't collapse before all the air is drawn out 😉

[@superiordelivery4256]

@@LaydeeLia He didn't mention that. Thank you so much for the explanation.

[@superiordelivery4256]

@@LaydeeLia Won't the inclusion of those strips prevent the bag from retaining its seal? Won't it be more likely to allow air in later?

[@user-iv6ty3cd5i]

Yes food saver needs to appear on shark tank so they can get some help on getting the bag prices down!! Defeats the purpose!! So i just bought a new food saver. I had one years ago but never had time to use it. An you please tell me why you need the strips on each side? And not just sealing it like it is with top cut off. Update- I figured out why

[@Sundji]

Maybe I missed it but why exactly do you have to put the ridge part in the bag?

[@crazysquirrel9425]

I noticed a water jug. You can fill it with water, invert it into the ground, and water up to 4 tomato plants for about a week (depending on soil, plant size, wind, temperature). Also, to store water in those bags, fill bag with ice cubes and seal. Ice melts into water. You can freeze tea cubes and store that too. Carbonated beverages are not a good idea.

[@staffordshires2]

Awesome tips , thanks!

[@crazysquirrel9425]

@@staffordshires2 You are very welcome. I did the water bottle thing. Works GREAT. Saves having to water daily. Unfortunately the wife got rid of our food saver contraption GRRRRR.... Have to see if I can buy another one.

[@staffordshires2]

Good luck, maybe you can find a gently used one.. hope you subscribed!

[@crazysquirrel9425]

@@staffordshires2 I used to subscribe to many videos until the spam in my inbox took hours to go through. So I no longer subscribe to ANY videos for that reason. No offense though. Just don't have the time to go through all those emails. PS another suggestion - You can vacuum seal 'cowboy charcoal' to keep it dry and protected but not regular charcoal. The vacuum actually makes it drier than what comes in the bag.

[@staffordshires2]

@@crazysquirrel9425 alright your prerogative, I didn't realize that a person gets a bunch of spam because of subscribing.. but thanks for watching and commenting..

[@suzlundy]

I use three of the channel strips for a gallon bag. It removes air a bit better. I use the Walmart great value freezer bags. They don’t seem as sturdy as the ziplocks here in the video.

[@staffordshires2]

Awesome info, hope this works well for you!

[@nagaempress]

Thank you! You saved me money!

[@staffordshires2]

I’m glad I could help! Thanks for watching, and your comment. Hope I gained another subscriber..

[@nagaempress]

@@staffordshires2 Yes you did!

[@camilleward9157]

wow that’s pretty smart

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks, you may have to experiment doing this first because it doesn’t always work perfectly. Thank you for commenting!

[@elenajorrin997]

THANKS you for sharing.

[@staffordshires2]

Your welcome. Thank you for watching, and leaving a comment. Hope you didn't forget to subscribe.

[@roscmon]

Thank you so much!!

[@slammr28]

cool video. nice DIY. I wonder if dollar brand Ziplocks will work. I'm cheap and like to save money too

[@jillibeens57]

I suppose as long as the bag is designed for the freezer.

[@staffordshires2]

They might , I haven't tried it though.

[@LadyofCleves65]

Thanks, that saves a few bucks.

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks for the comment, hope this has helped you..

[@TaylorsHandle]

This worked thank you very much!!!

[@staffordshires2]

I'm glad it worked for you, I am still using this method to this day.. thanks for watching, and the positive comment..

[@loves2spin2]

Thank you!

[@staffordshires2]

Your very welcome, just hope it works for you..

[@daz6637]

I’ll give it a try👍🏻

[@staffordshires2]

Great, remember to use freezer bags. Hope this works out for you.

[@8548flowerpot]

Just wondering why you need to put the blue strips in before sealing.

[@susanscovill6817]

Leona Davis you still need a channel to remove air. There are ribs in the strips. Food saver bags are textured on one side that facilitates air removal.

[@staffordshires2]

Yes very well said Susan Scovill. Thank you both for watching the video, please subscribe, it would help my channel out immensely..

[@nagaempress]

@@susanscovill6817 You da real MVP. Thank you that was my question!

[@susanscovill6817]

@@nagaempress I have my moments. Lol

[@RobertBlaize]

Did you try vacuuming a ziplock bag without cutting off the blue sealer, just inserting the channel strips from the previous bag?

[@staffordshires2]

Hi, I haven’t tried that, but I am sure it would work if the ends fit in the vacuum channel.

[@MendedAndWholeLife]

Great tip! Thank u!

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks for the comment, hope this helps you.

[@txbiker57]

Yea, I did this, and the next morning, the bag didn't hold the Valcum seal.

[@staffordshires2]

Sometimes that happens, could be the bag was defective, or you didn't get a good seal. Thanks for watching, hope this helped you..

[@rodruiz3247]

All the plugs of the world are grateful lol

[@staffordshires2]

Can you please explain??

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

Thank you 💕

[@staffordshires2]

Your welcome. Hope this has helped you to save a bit of cash during these uncertain times. Thanks for watching, and commenting.

[@campfirefan]

Tried every way I could conceive. Never made it work. My machine might suck.... or not. LOL

[@staffordshires2]

Sorry this method didn't work for you.

[@michaelmartolano3083]

Why do you need the blue strips inside?

[@ronip3655]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@staffordshires2]

Hope it works for you, some people are having problems. If your trying to seal something with a lot of moisture, you have to put a bit of paper towel on top of the food to keep the sealing surface dry so it seals properly. Thanks for watching, and leaving a comment. Hope you didn't forget to subscribe. It would help this little channel grow..

[@judyrosey]

HEY THANKS FOR THIS!!!!!!!! : )

[@staffordshires2]

Your welcome, thanks for watching, please suscribe for more informational videos.

[@calvintaylor7242]

It has been 30 months since you posted this video. Are you still doing it the same way? How well has the sealed bag held up in the freezer long term?

[@staffordshires2]

Hi, thanks for commenting.. yes I am still using this method.. the sealed bags will last until you take them out and use whatever is frozen.. I have stuff from 2 years ago that is still sealed..

[@raybands3707]

Great video, Thank You ! Just Joined........

[@staffordshires2]

Thank you for watching, and leaving a comment. Hope this helps you out..

[@letswalkinthewoods1462]

I tried it and I'll say it's not 100% some bags sucked air in slowly and its a lot more messing around when you have a pile of meat to seal

[@toddd7444]

i use the cheap ziplock bags as freezer bags? i put the the cheap plastic grocery bags over the cheap ziplock bags i put a note one the bag and knot the bag the regular freezer bags are double the price of the regular bags i freeze my leftover crock pot food in a freezer bag and do the same thing with a note on the bags with the date the the cheap plastic grocery bags to cover my leftover plate of food and knot the bag at the end of the bag. The the cheap plastic grocery bags to cover my cut watermelon or cantaloupe the cheap plastic grocery bags for a broken candy Ziplock bags bags double bag knotted end of bag wheelchair larry

[@blazenvipers]

Fantastic but what is the purpose of adding the blue strips in your sealed bag?

[@mojocuiii]

The bag will not let air out without the strips. The strips allow air to pass through. Then, they melt like a traditional foodsaver bag during sealing.

[@AlCatrraz]

You’re better-off with the WIDER side of the strip at the AIR-SUCTION tray …

[@maxfactor315]

Thank you it works

[@staffordshires2]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching..

[@fjacob6]

I understand adding the strips creates channels to draw out air inside the bag but doesn’t it also allow air back in? Or does it somehow seal across the inserted strips as well?

[@staffordshires2]

Once the air is vacuumed out it seals through the strips. No air will go back in if it is sealed properly.

[@TrangHuynh-hz9vb]

What kind of vacuum sealer brand you are recommen ??? Thanks 😊

[@staffordshires2]

Hi, I'd stick with the Foodsaver brand.

[@angelitaraissis753]

What is the purpose of those blue strips that have to be sealed in the bag??

[@Scotter4536]

I think it's to allow the air to exit the bag. If you don't have them, the ziplock bags will melt too fast and you won't be able to get the air out quickly enough. So you'll be left with a seal, but air still inside. The blue pieces are just thicker and don't melt as fast and have those ridges that create channels for the air to move, as well.

[@karenfrizzo4251]

Thanks, thats a great idea. Im just wondering whats the reason for the blue strips ?

[@mydyisgod]

The blue strips create a way for all the air to be sucked out instead of the bag going flat with air trapped toward the bottom. Sort of like creating a tunnel for the air to escape

[@staffordshires2]

Yes, the strips are needed to create a channel for the air to be vacuumed from the bag. Without them this wouldn’t work.

[@fredbecker607]

@@staffordshires2 why doesn't the normal vacuum bagging have these air channels? They seal up fine without them.

[@staffordshires2]

@@fredbecker607 if you look at the foodsaver bags, they have a textured side that allows the air to be vacuumed out, if they were totally smooth they wouldn't work either.

[@LaydeeLia]

@@staffordshires2 - Oh, now I understand!! I have a different brand of food sealer = a DecoSonic (company now defunkt), which has a little vacuum nozzle in the center, just behind the metal strip for sealing, that u insert into the bag (instead of a horizontal vacuum channel)... smooth bags work well in my machine (just as long as the plastic is a thicker gauge, like freezer bags... the thinner plastic, like sandwich baggies, don't seem to seal well & just melt away)

[@msminicooper2010]

Thought I was the only one who thought Food Saver bags are too expensive!

[@staffordshires2]

Nope, I think there are alot of us that think the same way.. hope this video helps.. thanks for watching.

[@bilinceleyt.telfort6151]

How long what you seal can last please?

[@jukes243]

Ray, What is the reason for the vertical pieces inserted into the bag?

[@staffordshires2]

The blue strips are to create an air channel for the air to be vacuumed out of the bag. Without them it wouldn’t work. Since the original Foodsaver bags are textured , zip loc are not. Hope this has helped you, thanks for watching, hope you had subscribed.

[@ml9326]

I just put My freezer bag in the channel making sure that it was open and it vacuumed it out without all the cutting and what not it’s just a regular bag

[@staffordshires2]

Wow thats strange.. I'm glad it worked for you, but if it doesnt you will know a what to do. Thanks for watching.. hope you subscribed.

[@LaydeeLia]

Maybe edit the video description to say that the reason for inserting the strips is to create a channel so that the bags don't collapse before the air is drawn out... (???)

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks for your comment, but if you watch the video,I do explain what the strips are for.

[@raoulthedutch]

Agree it's in the video but took me a few watches to catch why. Great tip nonetheless

[@psychastheneia7]

Great video! But also good comment. I understood the purpose of that by looking into this comment

[@joecarreiro7847]

I have the foodsaver 5400 and it seems difficult using this method. The sealer is much higher than counter and the ziploc tabs keeps sliding down into ziploc bag before it starts vacuuming

[@staffordshires2]

Thanks for commenting and watching. I have had that same problem with some things that I am sealing. If that happens, I put a couple books or my cutting board under the bag, and it helps.

[@lindaveres6620]

Hi Ray! Love the video! I know this is an older video and you may not see my post. I have watched so many and I'm not getting satisfaction with mine. Can you please help? You show the dark and light side but which side do you use if your bag is clear? I have been trying thus so many times and if I can get it to seal....the air comes back in and its not hard anymore. I would greatly appreciate your help. Have a Blessed Day!!

[@staffordshires2]

Hi Linda, First off, I would like to thank you for watching and commenting on this video. Now for your question. I am not sure what type of bags your using but make sure you are using (freezer) bags. Those top blue strips I cut off for the air channel, one is coarser than the other, choose the least coarser, because it is easier for the foodsaver to melt through it without melting the bag.. hope this helps you..

[@frankthetank1369]

I just bought a food saver it didn't work maybe it works with some not all?

[@staffordshires2]

I'm sure it will work if you do it like I did. Sometimes the strips are not correctly placed.

[@lilscorpio66]

What is the purpose of using the blue strips?

[@staffordshires2]

Hi, the purpose of the blue strips, which were cut from the top of the ziplock bag are to allow the food saver to vacuum out the air in the bag. Since the ziplock bags are smooth they wont allow the air to be sucked out without these strips. Thank you for watching and subscribing.

[@AAjootian]

I came here to ask this! Thanks for the comment and the tip, sir!

[@trangbethke8812]

Does it have to be a Foodsaver vacuum seal? Can I use other brand?

[@staffordshires2]

I dont think it matters what brand of sealer, give it a try, it may work. Thanks for watching and hope this has helped you.

[@narada7195]

Thanks for this and I was quite happy to start using zip lock, but everytime I try this, the bag ALWAYS loses vacuum very shortly after sealing. I have tried it over and over with different bags and same result. Does anyone else have this same experience and if so is there a trick to getting it to hold vacuum? Thank you!

[@jacksagrafsky4936]

Maybe giving it more then one seal will help.

[@williamforsythe6391]

The trick is to seal the sides and bottom first. The leak at the corners and side wall really bad.

[@staffordshires2]

I haven't had problems with leaks, it takes a bit of practice but it works well. One thing I noticed, if I use the plug in on my kitchen stove, I don't have to use extended seal. It's a bit weird it seems like it is hotter, maybe more power, amperage coming from the stove??

[@karlalyle7392]

yep. Same thing happens to me.

[@ntd8696]

Narada, I noticed the same thing too and i figured out it was because of the ziploc bag I was using. They HAVE to be the freezer bag, not the regular zip locs. I also, for ha ha's, tried a dollar store "ziploc" bag and that just ended in mess. It needs to be the true brand ziploc freezer bags.

[@Elainelovejoy]

I was anxious to try using freezer bags but when I did, the top of my zip bag melted in two! My sealer machine does not lift up, it loads from the front, but I was disappointed that it melted the top of the bag in two. Any suggestions?

[@staffordshires2]

To bad it didn't work for you.. does your machine have a regular setting, and a extended sealing setting? I'd try the regular if it does..

[@Elainelovejoy]

@@staffordshires2 thanks!

[@highplainsliving1953]

How long did the seal last? I have had a problem with some of the food saver type bags not staying sealed.

[@staffordshires2]

I'm taking food out my freezer that have been sealed this way for months..

[@janemcdonald8500]

Curious, why do you need to place the blue strips in the bag?

[@staffordshires2]

There are many who ask this question, I'd tell you to read through the comments but I will just say again, the strips have raised ridges, which helps make a channel so the air can be vacuumed out. Otherwise it doesn't work.. thanks for commenting, hope you subscribed!

[@janemcdonald8500]

@@staffordshires2 thank you so much for explaining. I appreciate not having to go look thru the comments now. :) This is an excellent video and hack! TY!

[@denisenotdennis]

I have ziplock vacuum sealer and LOVE IT!!!.. however the bags are not available any more and I have to buy the FoodSaver bags.. they ARE NOT the same quality!!.the Ziplock is much better than Foodsaver!!!.. and for what ever reason Ziploc has stop producing this... shame on them!!!

[@staffordshires2]

I sure hope that they are not changing the composition of the ziploc freezer bags. They have been working great so far for me..

[@dannyroy4290]

why the blue strips in the bag? are they needed?

[@staffordshires2]

Yes the strips are needed, there needs to be a way to pull the air out of the bag. Ziploc are smooth unlike the textured foodsaver bags.

[@kristalpate329]

Freezer bags aren't exactly cheap either

[@KitchenWitch423]

I did this with ziplocks and initially they do seal, but in 24 hours they were no longer vacuumed.

[@staffordshires2]

Must have had a problem somewhere that is letting air in, I have had some let go later on, and it was either a pinhole in the bag, or moisture in between the two layers where it seals that kept it from sealing well. Make sure they are freezer bags! Practice, you will get it!

[@BobbyBrady2000]

do they really stay sealed? does it seal through the strips and bag?

[@staffordshires2]

Yes the really do.

[@ddeetaurus]

Hi, I have tried this but my food saver keeps melting the plastic bag. I’m using Ziploc brand freezer bags. Any suggestions on how to correct it, so I can get a vacuum seal?

[@staffordshires2]

Maybe check if you don’t have the Foodsaver on extended seal. And only use the freezer bags, since the regular bags are too thin and will melt. Thanks for watching, and commenting. Hope my reply helps you. Hope you didn’t forget to subscribe!

[@ddeetaurus]

Ray's Repair Zone Hi Ray, my food saver is an actual FoodSaver brand, but it doesn’t have an extended vacuum button. It has wet and dry vacuum feature and the canister feature. Do you have any other suggestions.?

[@staffordshires2]

Hi Dorthy, did you try it on the dry vacuum seal setting? I'm thinking that would help. And if you have the foodsaver plugged into your cook stove, try a different house outlet. I noticed my foodsaver gets hotter when plugged into the cookstove. But I am not sure why. Hope this helps.

[@sheilaf5732]

I am going to try cutting a strip of parchment paper to be placed under the bag over the sealer to see if that helps stop the bag from melting.

[@carrielauer8913]

Why do you have to put the strips in the bags?

[@staffordshires2]

Please read the comment section, you will find your answer there. And if you watch the video closely, I explain it in the video..

[@PHamm54]

What’s the purpose of putting the blue strips in the bag. No, this isn’t cheaper & theywont last longer because « zip lock » are lesser quality than the food saver bags.

[@barceloandree2787]

💟💟💟..🇫🇷

[@truth-Hurts375]

Dont be penny wise and pound foolish...use the right stuff.

[@michaelhinchey]

Is it really saving you all that much?

[@cd4701]

Yes. This trick saves several dollars.