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If you’re looking for a way to keep your belongings organized and protected from mildew, mold, odors, or dust while in storage, sealing them in a vacuum storage bag is one of the best ways to achieve this. You’ll find that vacuum bags are mostly made from polypropylene or polyethylene plastics. When sealed, these bags are airtight and highly durable, which makes them a great option to prevent your belongings from getting damaged by dust or mildew while they are in long-term storage. These materials are also designed to be pliable while resistant to tearing and punctures. As part of our design test, our research team came up with a designated amount of items that had to fit in each size of bag. The amounts were as follows: two bath towels in small bags; five sheet sets in medium bags; 10 bath towels in large bags; two pillows and three sheet sets in extra-large bags; three pillows, one duvet, and two sheet sets in jumbo bags; and five coats for garment bags. We then filled each of our bags with the number of items according to their size and noted if we could not fit all of the items in a bag. We also considered the capacity of each bag at this stage in our testing. We compared our own parameters to those claimed by each manufacturer. Durability was also a major factor during our tests, we noted how the material felt and whether we thought it could stand up to multiple uses. Mumsnetters swear by vacuum storage bags as a way to easily store jeans, bedding sets, curtains and cushions. It's fair to say, however, that not all vacuum storage bags are made equal. We’ve scoured the forums for tried and tested product recommendations to highlight the best vacuum storage bags to use at home or on your next family holiday.
To protect heavy down comforters and fluffy blankets from mildew and odors in storage, a cube-shaped storage bag like the MagicBag Vacuum Storage Cube is necessary. Because these bags are extra-large—measuring 27.5 x 39.35 x 12.6 inches—we almost had too much space to hold all our items. Our tests showed that the storage cube easily handled our two pillows and three sheet sets—which was significantly less than the manufacturer's recommendation of four comforters and two pillows. That said, we did have some trouble closing the zipper before vacuuming out the air and it took us a few tries to seal everything inside. However, the bag came with a plastic clip that made it easier to close. We ended up using one plush towel and one regular towel, but noted that this size bag may be better for baby or toddler clothes. After we vacuumed the air out, we noticed that the bags became extremely rigid to the point that they were able to stand on one side. We did experience a difference in our water tests. The bag that we vacuumed released all of its air during our 24-hour compression period, and we found some water droplets inside the bag after submerging it in water. However, the bag that we pumped by hand did not release any of its air and had no water inside after submersion. We believe this difference was due to a small hole somewhere in the bag that we vacuumed, but think it’s still worth noting. Overall, this set of small compression bags would be great to have on hand for traveling or storing children’s clothes. What size bags do you need? - Vacuum storage bags come in a variety of sizes. Extra large and jumbo bags are more suitable for larger duvets and bedding sets, whereas small bags may be a better option for storing summer items such as vests and t-shirts. This may sound obvious, but the best vacuum storage bags are the ones that compress well and don’t leak, keeping your clothes compact and airtight until the point you choose to reopen the bag. We tested a large-sized bag to see whether ten bath towels could fit in one bag. Not all were able to fit, but we were able to squeeze six towels in. Sealing it was straightforward. All we had to do was attach our vacuum to the white disc near the opening and allow it to compress the bag.
What is a vacuum storage bag?
A useful space-saving and storage tool, vacuum storage bags are a practical and cost-efficient way to maximise space, keeping clothes, bedding and other garments clean and protected when not in use. Using the power and suction of a vacuum cleaner, vacuum storage bags reduce the air trapped between layers of clothes and garments to remove bulk, making them flatter, smaller and far easier to store. Smaller bags are also available to coordinate with less bulky items. “Medium 20 x 28-inch bags are a good size for storing documents, photographs,” says Gabai. “If you have small items, they would be good in small 16 x 24-inch bags.” The lifespan of a vacuum storage bag depends on the quality of the bag and how it is used,” says Gabai. “In general, vacuum storage bags can last several years if properly cared for. However, if the bag is not sealed properly or if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture, it won't last as long.” With easy carry handles and a viewing window to let you see what’s inside at a glance, the bag also folds flat for storage when not in use. This large 87 litre version is perfect for storing a king-size duvet and four pillows.
Even though the material was flexible, the plastic felt significantly thinner than the other storage bags on our list. That said, we encountered no ripping or tearing during testing. Additionally, it was a battle to get its long zip enclosure lined correctly with the bag. But, there are thumb clips to help seal the bag. Unfortunately, we found these bags slightly difficult to sort through because they are not labeled. Off the bat, it’s hard to tell what each size is unless you unfold and individually measure them. If you need a variety of sizes, this set is an excellent option. But, if you just need a certain size bag, this option might be less helpful. Vacuum storage bags come with special features and accessories to make them as useful as possible for storage purposes. For example, almost all will feature secure double-zip closures which help to ensure that your bags are airtight and secure. You’ll also find that many vacuum storage bag brands include a hand pump to help remove air from the bag. “These pumps make it easy to remove the air from the bags without using a vacuum cleaner,” says Gabai.Be aware - some brands recommend that you refresh the suction or air the clothing around every six months for best results. Once sealed, we measured the circumference of each bag before compression. To do this, we used a fabric tape measure and measured the bag’s widest point while it lay flat on a table. For bags that came with a hand pump, we compressed them with this and also used another bag (of the same size and fill) to test its compression with a vacuum. We timed and recorded how long each bag took to compress. For bags that did not come with a pump, we only used a vacuum for compression. After compressing, the circumference was once again measured and recorded. Unzip the vacuum bag (choosing an appropriately sized bag for your contents). Carefully add the contents and arrange them to make the best use of the space. Ideal for storing the chunky winter bedding when you need fewer togs throughout the balmy summer months, this 87 Litre Jumbo Vacuum Storage Tote ensures you can store away all out-of-season bedding or clothes without eating up all of your cupboard space.
Our goal was to insert five queen-size sheet sets in the medium-sized bag. We were able to fit all five sheet sets in the bag and it also only took us 18 seconds to remove the air with the vacuum attachment. While we were unable to measure volume shrinkage during our testing, we did measure the percent change in each tested bag’s circumference. The medium bag shrank by almost 10 percent when compressed with the vacuum and by 14 percent with the hand pump. Although we wish these bags could shrink slightly more, these percent differences were on the higher end of our scale. All in all, you can expect a set of durable storage bags that are easy to store under a bed. Although vacuum storage bags can store lots of different items, there are some no-nos that you should avoid if you want to avoid damage and mildew. Gabai advises homeowners not to store items that are wet or damp, perishable, and sharp or pointed items that could tear the bag. If you plan on keeping your storage bag in a trailer or storage facility or you’re moving cross-country, it’s probably best to go for an industrial-strength bag like these Ziploc Space Bags. The bags are designed to be pliable and feature patented shield technology which gives it extra protection from the elements plus routine wear and tear. The bags come in multiple sizes including jumbo, large, medium as well as hanging options and travel-sized bags. Keep in mind these bags do not come with a pump, so you’ll have to have a vacuum on hand. There are a few things to bear in mind when buying your vacuum storage bags. Here's a few questions to ask yourself:Usage instructions may vary from one brand to another but as a general rule here’s how to use vacuum storage bags: Most experts agree that storing items such as clothing and bedding for longer than six months can cause them to lose their shape, and develop unsightly wrinkles and creases which could be hard to iron out. If you want to keep your clothes for the maximum amount of time, Gabai says that it’s best to “clean your belongings before you store them in vacuum bags. This will help to prevent mold and mildew growth. Also, make sure you store vacuum bags in a cool, dry place.” For a more attractive storage alternative, the Lakeland tote bag is a really popular option for helping organise your wardrobe too. How we chose our recommendations Compression made a big difference in the size. The bag was 52.5 inches before we started compressing it. Afterward, the bag went down to 47 inches, losing a little over five inches in the process. At its new size, the bedding could easily fit under a bed or on a shelf.
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