Do Vacuum Storage Bags Damage Clothes or Fabrics?

Do vacuum storage bags damage clothes or fabrics? Their emerging popularity as a storage solution makes them an important part of every home. TBH, they do have some cons in terms of long-term storage, which need your attention. So, before sealing your clothes, give this article a read.

Homes having storage problems or not enough space to store clothes, especially when the seasons change, are a common household problem. Vacuum storage bags have become popular as a solution to this storage issue. 

People use them to save space, especially when storing clothes, blankets, and seasonal items. During trips and when shifting homes, they are the most helpful companions of homeowners. 

People praise these bags often for their ability to shrink bulky fabrics and protect them from dust, insects, and moisture. They help save space and keep things organized. One question that might trigger everyone is whether vacuum bags can harm their clothes or fabrics. 

We’ll explore that question in detail here. We will look at how vacuum storage bags work and what the good and bad sides of using them are. We will also discuss how you can use them the right way to avoid problems. Keep reading. 

Vacuum Storage Bags and Their Work Process

Vacuum storage bags are plastic bags that let you store clothes, bedding, or soft items by sucking out the air inside. People sometimes confuse storage bags with trash or shopping bags available in the market. 

Storage bags are of durable plastic material, which is slightly thicker and stronger than other bags. Remember, vacuum means no air inside the bag. Several methods are workable to remove the inside air from the storage bag. 

The basic method to make your bags vacuum sealed is by flattening the bag after putting clothes in it and rolling it with gentle pressure to push out the air. 

Don't use a vacuum machine to remove the inside air from your storage bag. If you want a completely sealed bag for making more room to store extra stuff, use vacuum storage bags, like VacBird’s W9 White Vacuum Storage Bags with 50Kpa Electric Pump. 

They come with a valve and a vacuum pump; you just need to put clothes inside the bag through its zipper opening. Then close the bag, connect the vacuum with the valve and let it suck the whole inside air. As the air is removed, the bag shrinks, and so does the space your items take up.

Roll-up and vacuum storage bags are available in various sizes on the market. Large vacuum storage bags are a better choice among others. Light exposure may damage your sealed clothing. Storage bags with opaque plastics will work better to avoid the situation. 

These bags are popular because they can make storage more manageable, especially in small homes. They are best suitable when you're trying to make the most of your closet or suitcase.

Vacuum Storage Bags Benefits 

Vacuum storage bags help you save space in homes and during travel. Some other advantages are

Space Saving

Bulky items like pillows and quilts, and winter clothing like jackets and sweaters, need large storage spaces. Using vacuum plastic bags for storing can make them shrink up to 80%. This is great for small closets or when storing things under the bed.

Protection

Moisture and insects are big concerning things for people who often store fabric items in the attic or basement. Packing in airtight sealed bags doesn't allow water, dust, or bugs to enter the items and damage them. They also keep clothing safe from mold and bad smells. 

Good for Seasonal Storage

Vacuum bags allow you to rotate items easily instead of keeping all your clothes out year-round. You can sort and store clothes by season or type. This helps keep your closet neat and clutter-free and makes finding items easier. 

Great for Moving and Travel

Vacuum bags offer better storage by removing the need for boxes or bags when moving or packing for travel. This also helps in avoiding overweight baggage fees as you fit more stuff in small luggage bags. 

Real-Life Use

Mrs. Hinch is a famous cleaning influencer, recommends vacuum bags for storing clothes. She says they keep clothes safe from dust and moisture. News websites like Real Simple and New York Post have also written about how useful these bags are for saving space and keeping things clean.

Do Vacuum Storage Bags Damage Clothes or Fabrics

Yes. The vacuum-sealed bags can damage your clothes if you carelessly handle stuff. It's time to discuss the main question. Keep reading. 

Clothes Get Wrinkled or Creased

Sucking all air from the bag compresses the clothes. These tightly pressed fabrics may develop deep wrinkles that are hard to remove later. Different delicate fabrics, from silk and satin to wool, are not good options to store in vacuum-sealed bags. 

Example

If you vacuum seal a wool coat and leave it compressed for six months, the natural fibers might flatten and lose their structure. It may not look or feel the same when you take it out.

Tips

Accept that your clothes develop wrinkles after being stored in vacuumed bags. Follow the steps below to get as few wrinkles and creases as possible. 

• Pack only sturdy materials like polyester, cotton, or fleece

• Storage bags with thick plastic cause fewer wrinkles due to their stiff nature.

Clothes' shape may also be damaged due to vacuum-seal bags. But with VacBird's vacuum storage bags, the compression effect is not violent, but it reduces the air in the bag in a uniform way so that the clothes are tightly packed together. This will not cause excessive pressure on the clothes, and the structure and shape of the clothes can mostly remain in their original state.

How to remove wrinkles

• Wash clothes using a gentle cycle to protect the fabric.

• Add a mild fabric softener to reduce stiffness.

• Lay garments flat to dry naturally.

• Use an iron and steamer to remove or straight the remaining wrinkles.

Moisture Problems

Vacuum sealed bags have compact storage with no space for air to present and flow. Properly dried clothing inside bags eliminated the chance of moisture presence. No air, no moisture simply means no more favorable environment for mold and mildew growth. 

Mold growth not only damages clothes but also results in a musty and moldy smell after a few weeks of storage. Storing damp clothing allows plastic bags to trap moisture inside. Air-tight sealing doesn't allow evaporation of trapped moisture, which results in mold growth. 

Even dried clothes sometimes have moisture trapped in the fabric, which isn't possible to detect but can trigger mold growth. Temperature fluctuations and too much humid area also help in mold growth inside bags. If clothes contain mold spores previously, it increases the chances of their growth inside storage packs. Here are some helpful tips to avoid such a bad happening

Tip:

• Always make sure your clothes are completely dry before placing them in the bag.

• Keep your storage bags in cool and dry places. 

• Don't put them in direct sunlight

• Don't store them in damp basements or humid attics.

• Avoid putting them in extreme temperature fluctuations

• Use a dehumidifier in the drying area

• Use Silica gel in vacuum storage bags with dried clothes to prevent mold growth.

• absorbs residual moisture in the sealed environment of the vacuum bag

• Counteract humidity which generated due to condensation by temperature fluctuations,

• doesn't let no dormant mold spores to activate and grow.

Fluffy Items May Lose Loft

Down jackets and sleeping bags with fluffy comforters all have air pockets for insulation. Vacuum sealing removes the air, which can affect their warmth or fluffiness.

Example

A puffy jacket sealed for months may not return to its original shape even after taking it out and shaking it.

Tip

Avoid vacuum bags for items that need to stay fluffy. Instead, store them in breathable fabric bags or on open shelves.

Best Practices for Using Vacuum Storage Bags

To keep your clothes safe while using vacuum storage bags, follow these tips:

Good Fabrics for Vacuum Bags:

Vacuum storage bags are best for synthetic fabrics, like 

• Cotton

• Polyester

• Nylon

• Denim

• Spandex

• Wool (for short-term storage)

These hold their shape better than natural or delicate fibers. They remain undamaged in the sealed bags for a long time. The bags are good for storing

• T-shirts

• Jeans

• Polyester jackets

• Fleece blankets

• Towels

• Curtains

Bad Fabrics for Vacuum Bags:

• Leather

• Silk

• Cashmere

• Wool (for long-term) 

• Down-filled items like sleeping bags and insulated jackets

• Fluffy coats

• Suits and formalwear

• Clothes with sequins or embroidery

How to Prepare Clothes Before Storing

Packing clothes in compression bags is a big space-saving solution, but only helps when you know how to prepare clothes before storing them. 

Wash and Dry

Washing clothes fresh and clean is important for hygiene. Dry them properly and seal them in bags. Make sure they are fully dry. Even a small amount of moisture can lead to mold.

Don’t Overfill the Bag

Packing too much in one bag puts extra pressure on the items and the plastic, which makes the seal less effective.

Roll or Fold

Rolling or folding items depends upon your preferences, as it makes it easier to take them out later in good shape. You have to avoid stuffing clothes inside bags, which causes deep creases. Rolling causes fewer wrinkles than folding. 

Stacking 

The number of clothes you stack depends on the size of your vacuum-sealed bags. Proper management avoids unwanted creases. For better results, put the same type or material of clothes in one bag. 

How Long to Store

Even with proper care, it’s not a good idea to keep clothes sealed in vacuum bags for years. Six months is a good limit, and 12 months is the maximum. After that, open the bag, take the items out, fluff or wash them, and then you can reseal if needed. If you plan to store longer, open the bags every few months and let the clothes air out. Otherwise, the permanent damage may occur to your stuff. 

Where to Store Vacuum Bags

• A dry, cool place is best

• Avoid humid areas like the basement 

• Avoid direct sunlight and hot areas 

• Keep the bags away from sharp objects to prevent tears.

Spotlight on Vacbird.com's Vacuum Storage Bags

If you’re looking for good vacuum storage bags, Vacbird’s Vacuum Storage Bags has some strong options.

What They Offer

• Vacuum Storage Bags: These bags are made of strong plastic. They come with tight seals to keep the air out. They are also reusable.

• Vacbird W9 White: This is a vacuum pump made to go with the storage bags. It is easy to use, looks nice, and works well even for travel.

Why People Like Vacbird

• Users say the bags are strong and last long.

• Many people like the pump because it is small and works fast.

• The seal on the bags doesn’t leak which protects clothes.

Conclusion

Vacuum storage bags are a great way to save space and protect clothes if used the right way. They work best for sturdy fabrics and short-term storage. Wrinkles or loss of shape occur if you store delicate or padded garments for too long. To avoid damage, always clean and dry clothes before storing but don’t overfill the bags and choose the right storage place.

Vacbird.com offers trusted storage solutions with good-quality bags and pumps. If you want to keep your closet clean and tidy, vacuum bags can really help.