Learn the Best Way to Avoid Puncture Damage to Your Mylar Food Storage Bags
Mylar bags are the best food-storage option on the market. However, their most common point of failure is puncture damage. For best results, you should understand the properties of mylar, the best thickness for your needs, and how to store and move your bags safely.
Mylar is Tough, Flexible, but Prone to Puncture Damage
Mylar food storage bags are made from a stretched film of polyethylene terephthalate metalized with aluminum. In simple terms, mylar is tough stuff. However, metalized plastic is light, flexible, and thin, making it a valuable foil-like substance that conforms to whatever shape the user needs.
Mylar is also durable and robust with high tensile strength. In addition, it is impermeable to light, gasses, and moisture, making it great for food storage. Its other uses include high-atmosphere balloons, solar filters, emergency blankets, and even insulating the lunar module.
Although mylar is very difficult to rip or tear, it is weak to puncture damage. Therefore, mylar is most effective when it is out of high-traffic areas and away from sharp objects. This principle carries across all mylar’s uses, including food storage.
For its Thickness, Mylar is Incredibly Durable
Mylar is not actually that susceptible to puncture damage – but only if you consider its thickness. We measure the thickness of mylar in mils, thousandths of an inch. The average human hair is 2 mils thick. One of the most common thicknesses of mylar food storage bags is 4 mils - that’s 2 hairs!
Few, if any, pliable materials are more resistant to puncture damage than mylar at the same thickness. However, the fact remains that the convenient food storage bags we love are very thin. Therefore, consider what type of food and how much of it you want to store for the best results.
Size and Food Type Should Determine Bag Thickness
Mylar food storage bags come in many sizes, from smaller than a quart to 5 gallons. Even if you use a large bag to store soft food, like flour, it will still weigh a lot. Therefore, if you pick it up wrong, the force of gravity could cause your fingernails or tips to puncture the bag. So choose thicker bags for larger sizes. We recommend at least 4 mils for small bags and 7 mils for larger bags.
You also want to make sure the thickness of your bag is appropriate for the food stored inside. Some foodstuffs are sharper than others! You can safely rely on thinner bags for softer foods but pay attention and make clever substitutions when necessary!
Here is a list of food groups and the best bag thickness for them –
- Spices, flour, mixes, powdered foods – minimum 4 mils
- Seeds, sugar, rice, legumes, grain – minimum 5 mils
- Pasta – minimum 6 mils (Some people avoid spaghetti)
Keep it Cool, Dark, and Well-Protected for Long-Term Success
Rodents are the archenemies of mylar food storage bags. Whether you want long-term security or something temporary, you need to protect your bags from accidents and sharp teeth. Therefore, store your bags in low-traffic areas like cellars, storage closets, or pantries. The cooler and darker, the better! Keep the mylar bags in 5-gallon food-grade buckets, large plastic bins, or steel drums for long-term storage. They are rodent-proof and stackable.
Moving Bags Carefully is Key
When you need to move your mylar bags, do so carefully! Pick long-term storage bags up from the bottom and don't toss them around, especially if they contain sharp foods.
Many people live to use mylar bags to bring food on road or camping trips. They are great for snack packs and as safe containers. Mylar bag travel experts generally keep several bags together in a tote, cooler, or box for added protection and convenient storage while traveling.
Mylar Bags are Great for Storage and Transport
Puncture damage can derail your food storage plans, whether it's from a rodent or an accident in transit. Luckily, you can maximize your results with a bit of knowledge and planning. Remember to pick the right thickness for your storage needs and ensure you store and transport your bags with some thoughtfully added protection. If you do, you'll enjoy the best food storage solution on the market - at home or on the go!
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