The Ultimate Guide to Using and Sealing Mylar Bags for Food Storage

Mylar bags have revolutionized long-term food storage with their exceptional barrier properties against moisture, light, and oxygen. Whether you're preparing emergency supplies, preserving garden harvests, or simply organizing pantry items, understanding how to properly use and seal mylar bags is essential for maximizing food longevity and quality.

Mylar Bag Fundamentals: What Makes Them Ideal for Storage

Mylar, technically known as BoPET (Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate), is a polyester film developed by DuPont in the 1950s. Its multi-layer construction creates an exceptional barrier against environmental elements that cause food degradation.

According to this comprehensive resource on mylar materials, these bags typically consist of several layers including an outer polyester layer for durability and an inner layer of aluminum foil or metalized film that blocks light and oxygen. This construction makes them significantly more effective than standard plastic bags for long-term storage.

Sealing Methods: From Heat Sealers to Household Items

The effectiveness of mylar bags depends largely on proper sealing. Here are the most reliable methods for how to seal mylar bags:

Heat Sealers

Heat sealers are the professional standard for creating airtight mylar seals. They apply consistent temperature across the entire opening, creating a permanent bond in the plastic layers.

• Impulse sealers: Quick, clean seals with minimal heat exposure
• Channel sealers: Ideal for thicker mylar bags
• Hand-held sealers: Portable options for smaller operations

Clothes Iron Method

For those wondering how to seal mylar bags with a clothes iron, this household method can be surprisingly effective:

1. Set iron to medium heat (no steam)
2. Place a piece of parchment paper over the open edge of the bag
3. Press the iron firmly for 3-5 seconds
4. Move along the entire opening in sections
5. Allow to cool completely before testing the seal

While researching various sealing methods, we found that specialized packaging suppliers often recommend specific sealing techniques depending on the thickness and intended use of the storage materials.

Vacuum Sealing Mylar Bags: Process and Benefits

Many people ask: can you vacuum seal mylar bags? The answer is yes, and doing so provides significant advantages for food preservation by removing oxygen that contributes to spoilage.

Vacuum Sealing Process

To vacuum seal mylar bags:

1. Fill the bag no more than 2/3 full
2. Insert the open end into a vacuum sealer channel
3. Add oxygen absorbers just before sealing if storing dry goods
4. Follow your vacuum sealer's instructions for removing air
5. Complete the process with a heat seal

For items like rice, beans, and dehydrated foods, combining vacuum sealing with oxygen absorbers can extend shelf life to 25+ years when stored properly.

Best Vacuum Sealers for Mylar Bags: Equipment Review

When selecting the best vacuum sealer for mylar bags, consider these top-performing models:

• FoodSaver V4400: Excellent for beginners with automatic bag detection
• Weston Pro-2300: Commercial-grade for high-volume sealing
• Avid Armor A100: Chamber sealer that works well with thicker mylar
• NutriChef PKVS18: Budget-friendly option with reliable performance

The ideal vacuum sealer should accommodate the thickness of mylar bags (typically 3.5-7.5 mil) and provide consistent heat sealing capabilities. This guide on purchasing mylar bags provides additional insights on matching bag thickness to sealer capabilities.

DIY Applications: From Food Storage to Custom Packaging

Creating Custom Food Packages

Understanding how to use mylar bags extends to creating custom packaging for various foods. For example, learning how to make a potato chip bag involves:

1. Selecting appropriately sized mylar bags (typically 3-4 mil thickness)
2. Adding nitrogen flush or oxygen absorbers to maintain crispness
3. Using a proper heat seal to create an airtight environment
4. Adding labeling for contents and date

This DIY approach can be applied to various snack foods, dehydrated fruits, jerky, and other items that benefit from moisture and oxygen protection.

Beyond Food: Other Mylar Applications

Mylar bags aren't limited to food storage. They're excellent for preserving:

• Seeds for gardening
• Documents and photographs
• Medications and first aid supplies
• Electronic components sensitive to moisture

The versatility of mylar makes it valuable for numerous preservation applications beyond the kitchen.

Storage Best Practices and Long-Term Preservation Tips

To maximize the effectiveness of your sealed mylar bags:

• Store in cool, dark locations away from temperature fluctuations
• Place sealed bags in rigid containers for additional protection
• Label all bags with contents and packaging date
• Consider using multiple smaller bags rather than one large bag
• Rotate stored foods when possible, using oldest items first

When comparing storage options, this analysis of different packaging materials confirms that mylar provides superior protection against environmental factors compared to conventional paper or plastic alternatives.

By following these guidelines for how to seal mylar bags properly and implementing best practices for storage, you can significantly extend the shelf life of your stored foods while maintaining their nutritional value and taste. Whether you're using a professional heat sealer or learning how to seal mylar bags with a clothes iron, the key is creating a complete, airtight seal that locks out oxygen and moisture.