how to vacuum seal mylar bags

3 min read 22-01-2025

Mylar bags offer superior protection for long-term food storage, safeguarding your valuable supplies from moisture, pests, and oxygen. But to maximize their effectiveness, you need to remove the air. This guide will walk you through how to vacuum seal mylar bags, ensuring your food stays fresh for years to come.

Why Vacuum Seal Mylar Bags?

Vacuum sealing your mylar bags is crucial for several reasons:

Extended Shelf Life: Removing air significantly slows down oxidation and enzymatic reactions, the primary causes of food spoilage. This dramatically increases the shelf life of your stored goods.
Pest Protection: Airtight seals prevent insects and rodents from accessing your food.
Moisture Control: Vacuum sealing helps maintain optimal moisture levels, preventing condensation and dampness that can lead to mold growth.
Space Saving: Removing air compresses the contents, allowing you to store more in less space.

Methods for Vacuum Sealing Mylar Bags

There are several ways to vacuum seal your mylar bags, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Using a Vacuum Sealer

This is the most effective and reliable method. Many vacuum sealers are compatible with mylar bags.

How to Use a Vacuum Sealer:

Prepare your Mylar Bag: Place your food inside the mylar bag, leaving about 2-3 inches of space at the top.
Seal the Bag: Fold the top of the bag over, creating a tight seal. Many vacuum sealers require a specific type of bag closure.
Vacuum Seal: Place the sealed bag into your vacuum sealer and follow the manufacturer's instructions. The machine will remove the air and create a tight seal.

Pros: Quick, efficient, and creates a very strong seal.

Cons: Requires purchasing a vacuum sealer, which can be a significant upfront investment.

2. Using a Hand-Pump

Hand pumps are a more affordable alternative to electric vacuum sealers.

How to Use a Hand Pump:

Prepare your Mylar Bag: Place your food inside the mylar bag, leaving sufficient headspace.
Attach the Pump: Attach the hand pump to the valve on the mylar bag (ensure you have bags with a valve).
Pump the Air Out: Repeatedly pump the handle until most of the air is removed. You might hear a subtle hissing sound.
Seal the Bag: Quickly remove the pump and tightly seal the bag using the provided sealing method (usually heat sealing).

Pros: Affordable, portable, and doesn't require electricity.

Cons: Can be more time-consuming and may not create as strong a seal as an electric vacuum sealer. Requires bags with valves.

3. The Water Displacement Method (Least Recommended)

This method is less reliable and only suitable for smaller bags. It's not recommended for long-term storage.

How to Use Water Displacement:

Prepare your Mylar Bag: Place your food in the bag, leaving some headspace.
Submerge: Carefully submerge the bag in a container of water, ensuring the open end is below the surface.
Air Escapes: The air will bubble out of the bag as the water displaces it.
Seal Quickly: Quickly remove the bag from the water and seal the open end immediately.

Pros: Requires no special equipment.

Cons: Prone to water contamination, difficult to achieve a complete seal, and not suitable for larger bags or long-term storage.

Tips for Success

Use High-Quality Mylar Bags: Invest in food-grade mylar bags designed for long-term storage. Thicker mylar will provide better protection.
Oxygen Absorbers: Consider using oxygen absorbers with your mylar bags for even better protection against oxidation. Follow the instructions on the absorber packaging carefully.
Proper Sealing: Ensure a complete and airtight seal to prevent air from re-entering the bag.
Store in a Cool, Dark, Dry Place: Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Vacuum sealing your mylar bags is an essential step in ensuring the long-term preservation of your stored food. Whether you choose a vacuum sealer, a hand pump, or (less ideally) the water displacement method, taking the time to remove the air will significantly extend the shelf life and protect your valuable supplies. Remember to always prioritize food safety and choose the method that best fits your needs and budget. Using mylar bags and vacuum sealing is a great way to preserve your food and reduce food waste.