You’ve Been Opening Storage Bags Wrong, According to Ziploc

Storage solutions are a true lifesaver in the kitchen. Whether you’re storing cookies, chips, or candy to keep them fresh, these tools make organization easier. They also help tidy up your cabinets and simplify the process of packing leftovers to send home with friends or family.

Among the most practical options: plastic storage bags. A single box can hold nearly 100 and fits snugly in your drawer, ready for almost any kitchen organizational or packing task.

These bags are typically easy to use. But every now and then—especially with the pinch-and-seal type—you’ll come across one that’s tricky to open, which can lead to tearing.

Thankfully, a simple trick can make that hassle a thing of the past, keeping your storage bags in great shape and ready for any use.

What Is a Pinch-and-Seal Storage Bag?

Ziploc, a popular storage brand, coined the term “pinch-and-seal” to describe a type of plastic bag with a closure mechanism that allows you to press the top edges together to form a tight, resealable seal. By creating this airtight barrier, the design helps keep food fresher for longer and makes the bags easy to transport.

The Best Way to Open Pinch-and-Seal Storage Bags

When opening a pinch-and-seal storage bag, many people instinctively start from a corner. But a better method offers less resistance and reduces the risk of tearing.

“Bags with a pinch-n-seal zipper should always be opened from the middle of the bag,” says experts from Ziploc. “Opening close to either edge of the bag may require a significant amount of force to open, resulting in a potential tear down the side of the bag.”

Following this advice can help you avoid unnecessary waste. Tearing a bag not only costs time and money, but it also limits the number of times you can reuse it. Opening from the center preserves the integrity of the bag and keeps it ready for repeated use.

Can You Use Pinch-and-Seal Storage Bags for Cooking?

Pinch-and-seal storage bags do more than just store food; they also serve as versatile kitchen tools. Ziploc recommends using their storage bags to defrost or reheat food in the microwave. For more advanced cooking, the Ziploc Endurables line handles sous vide projects at temperatures up to 425 degrees F. That way, you can prepare dishes like duck breast, tender chickenor pork tenderloin without the need for fancy gear. Then, of course, when it’s time to open your bag of meticulously cooked protein, there’s no need to worry about spills—especially if you use this genius opening technique you just learned.