It’s been nearly 60 years since the invention of the Ziploc plastic storage bag, and our freezers, fridges, and even pantries are neater and more organized, thanks to the now-ubiquitous kitchen workhorse. While foil is fine and Saran Wrap has superpowers of its own, in our view Ziploc bags outshine other handy kitchen storage helpers, largely due to the sheer variety of useful applications.
You might think you’ve employed Ziplocs every which way possible, but we bet we’ve discovered a few ways to use them that you haven’t yet tried.
Stray rubber bands, paper clips, postage stamps, pens, and pencils can make any desk drawer seem like a battle zone of warring clutter. Assign each item its own appropriately sized Ziploc bag, and presto: no more desk mess. If you’re really pressed for space, use sturdy tacks to affix each bag to a corkboard, so all your office supplies are at your fingertips without wasting valuable drawer space. This nail-Ziplocs-to-a-board trick also works for small screws, nails, nuts, or bolts that are easily misplaced in the workshop.
12 Ways to Reuse Plastic Ziplock Bags1) Use it as packaging to send something to someone else! The Green Kid Crafts kits come in ziplock resealable bags. … 2) Zip-lock baggie Ice Cream! … 3) Cold packs. … 4) No-mess finger painting. … 5) Sensory Tracing Pad. … 6) Personalized Gift Bags. … 7) Fly Repellent. … 8) Snow Globe Craft.
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1) Use it as packaging to send something to someone else! The Green Kid Crafts kits come in ziplock resealable bags. …
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2) Zip-lock baggie Ice Cream! …
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3) Cold packs. …
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4) No-mess finger painting. …
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5) Sensory Tracing Pad. …
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6) Personalized Gift Bags. …
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7) Fly Repellent. …
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8) Snow Globe Craft.
1 Make Less Mess When Making Homemade Tortillas
Store-bought tortillas can’t hold a candle to homemade, and homemade tortillas are easier to make from scratch than you might imagine. Make dinner easier by using a gallon-size Ziploc along with a cast-iron tortilla press. First, trim off the top of the bag, just under the slider or seal. Then cut it along each side, so that it can unfold into a rectangle.
Position one half of the Ziploc on the bottom of the press and the other on the top plate, sandwiching the masa dough placed between the plastic layers. If your masa is properly hydrated (but not too wet!), it will release easily from the bag. When you’re done making tortillas, fold the Ziploc bag once or twice and simply store it inside the press, ready for your next batch.
Have you made this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments below! Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Flavor variations. Were making plain vanilla ice cream in this recipe, but your options dont stop there. If you want to flavor your ice cream, you can change up the extract with whatever you prefer (peppermint! strawberry!), or add in a little chocolate syrup before you start shaking for a bowl of chocolate ice cream goodness.
Toppings. We all know that one of the best parts of a bowl of ice cream is the toppings. We love folding in chopped Oreos or Reeses after shaking, but feel free to top with fruit (strawberries, blueberries…), gummy candy, fun sprinkles, or your favorite chopped up candy bar. This ice cream is all about you—make your perfect bowl!
No fancy ice cream maker? No problem! You can make delicious homemade ice cream without any special gadget or crazy ingredients. All you need is a plastic baggie and 15 minutes (no seriously, thats it!). Its fully customizable based on your fave flavors and toppings, so you can truly create your perfect bowl of ice cream right at home. Scoop directly out of the bag (or place it in an airtight container in the freezer before serving if you like yours a little firmer), and enjoy your favorite customizable homemade ice cream recipe in less time than it takes to run out and grab a pint.
Do you know *THIS* ziplock BAG TRICK? (you should!)
FAQ
Can you cook with Ziploc bags?
What can I do with used freezer bags?
How do you use a ziploc bag for a piping bag?
Fold the square Ziploc bag into a triangle. Secure the edge with duct tape. Fill the piping bag with frosting. Cut the corner and pipe the frosting onto a cupcake. What is the best type of Ziploc bag for a Piping Bag? My first few times using this kitchen hack turned out well and so I’ve refined the process along the way.
How do you fill a ziploc icing bag?
Filling any type of icing bag– Ziploc or pastry– can be a messy process. Make it easier on yourself by placing the icing bag in a tall glass. Open the bag as wide as possible and use a spatula to fill the bag with icing. Trying to hold the icing bag in one hand while wrestling with the spatula in the other simply doesn’t work for most of us!
Can you hold a ziploc icing bag in one hand?
Trying to hold the icing bag in one hand while wrestling with the spatula in the other simply doesn’t work for most of us! A glass frees up your hand and provides a steady place for the icing bag to rest. Once the Ziploc icing bag is filled, push any excess air out and seal the top.
What can you do with upcycled polybags?
Learn the secrets to making stunning wind chimes and chandeliers using upcycled polybags. Unleash your creativity and transform ordinary bags into unique and eye-catching home decor pieces. Join our community of passionate craft lovers and eco-friendly enthusiasts as we delve into the art of crafting with plastic bags.