Mylar bags are a staple for anybody who is interested in storing dried goods such as dehydrated foods, freeze-dried foods, cannabis, and even dry milk products. Using mylar bags can greatly improve the shelf life of these items, which can come in handy if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.
However, there is a major problem that comes about that first time users of mylar bags tend to encounter, like improper sealing. If you do not properly seal your mylar bags then you run the risk of your dried goods going bad exponentially faster. The only way you can get the full range of benefits out of your mylar bagged goods is to properly seal the bags. Here is how to seal mylar bags and how to make sure that the bag is sealed properly.
Sealing Your Bags
Sealing Mylar bags is simple and helps keep food and other items fresh for long periods. Before you get started you will need some supplies.
- Your dried goods
- A bucket (it doesn’t need to be food grade) and a lid for the bucket
- Mylar bags to line the bucket
- A single oxygen absorber per bucket
- A heat source, such as a clothes iron or hair straightener
To start, fill your Mylar bag with what you want to store, leaving a few inches at the top. Add an oxygen absorber if you’re sealing food to keep it fresher.
Next, you can seal the bag with a heat source like a flat iron or hair straightener set to a medium temperature. Place the iron along the edge of the open part of the bag, pressing down for a few seconds to seal it tightly. For larger bags, move the iron along the opening until the entire top is sealed.
Ensuring a Proper Seal
Make sure there are no gaps in the seal so that air can’t get in. This is arguably the most critical step in the entire process. You can test the seal by gently pressing on the bag. If air escapes, then you know the seal is not complete. Push any remaining air back out of the bag and then reseal the bag. It may take you a few tries, but it will get easier with each attempt.