Full Circle reusable sandwich bags have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look for ways to reduce single-use plastics and live more sustainably. Full Circle is one of the leading brands of reusable sandwich and snack bags on the market. But one question many consumers have is – can you put Full Circle reusable sandwich bags in the dishwasher? Let’s take a deeper look at whether Full Circle’s reusable bags are dishwasher safe.
The Benefits of Reusable Bags
Before diving into the dishwasher question, it’s helpful to understand why reusable sandwich and snack bags like Full Circle are growing in popularity. And when it comes to Full Circle reusable sandwich bags, the good news is they are indeed dishwasher safe, making your eco-friendly journey even more convenient. Here are some of the main benefits of switching from disposable plastic ziplock bags to recyclable and reusable bags:
- Reduce plastic waste: It’s estimated that over 1,500 plastic bags are used per person each year in the US alone. That adds up to a massive amount of plastic waste entering landfills and our oceans. Reusable bags help cut down on single-use plastics.
- Save money in the long run: While reusable bags have a higher upfront cost than disposable bags, they pay for themselves over time by eliminating the need to constantly buy new plastic baggies. Reusable bags can be used for years.
- More sustainable: Most reusable snack bags are made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, or food-grade silicone. This makes them an eco-friendly option compared to traditional plastic bags.
- Better for health: Silicone and other reusable bag materials are free from BPAs, phthalates, and other chemicals found in disposable plastics. This makes them a safer choice, especially when storing food.
With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why reusable snack and sandwich bags are surging in popularity. But there’s still that pressing question – can they go in the dishwasher?
Examining Full Circle’s Reusable Bag Materials
Full Circle offers a range of reusable bag designs, with different shapes, sizes, and materials. Their original reusable sandwich and snack bags are made from food-grade silicone. This BPA-free, FDA-approved material provides a leakproof seal and is free from harmful chemicals.
Many of Full Circle’s other bags are made from organic cotton, hemp, or other sustainable fabrics. These bags have a fold-over flap closure rather than a zipper seal. The fabric bags are washable but may be more prone to staining than the silicone models.
Full Circle’s silicone bags are their bestseller and most dishwasher-friendly option. But what about the other materials – can their fabric bags go in the dishwasher too? Let’s dig into some specifics.
Are Full Circle’s Silicone Bags Dishwasher Safe?
The good news is yes – Full Circle’s silicone-based reusable bags are dishwasher safe! The company’s website confirms that their original silicone sandwich and snack bags can be placed right in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
The high-quality, food-grade silicone is durable enough to withstand regular dishwasher cleaning. Hot water and detergent won’t degrade the material over time. Silicone is heat-resistant up to over 400°F, so it holds up fine to your dishwasher’s wash and dry cycles.
One tip from Full Circle is to place the silicone bags on the top rack of your dishwasher instead of the bottom. And be sure to fully open the seal on the bags so water can penetrate inside. Then the bags can be air-dried or towel dried after washing.
What About The Fabric Bags?
Full Circle’s cotton, hemp, and other fabric-based reusable bags need a bit more care when it comes to cleaning. The company recommends washing these bags by hand and line drying them instead of putting them in the dishwasher.
There are a few reasons for this:
- Heat degradation: While silicone can withstand high heat, the fabrics may warp, shrink, or melt in a hot dishwasher.
- Loss of water resistance: Fabric bags rely on coatings for water resistance. High heat and detergent can break down those coatings over time, causing leaks.
- Potential for snags: The movement of a dishwasher rack could snag stitching and cause tears in the fabric.
- Stain setting: Some stains could actually set into the fabric when exposed to hot water and detergent in the dishwasher.
To preserve the look and performance of Full Circle’s fabric reusable bags, hand wash them with cold water and mild detergent. Be gentle when scrubbing the bags and avoid overly hot water. Then simply line dry the bags or lay them flat to dry.
Best Practices For Maintaining Any Reusable Bag
Whether you opt for silicone or fabric reusable sandwich and snack bags, there are some general tips to make your bags last:
- Don’t overstuff: Watch that you don’t overfill the bags, as this can weaken the seals over time. Leave a little room for expansion.
- Check for leaks: Inspect the seals and material for any tiny holes where food could leak out. This ensures you don’t end up with messes.
- Clean after each use: Don’t let food residue or oils sit in the bags for long periods. Clean the bags soon after using them.
- Wash by hand if unsure: When in doubt about a material’s dishwasher durability, default to gentle hand washing instead.
- Let bags fully dry: Make sure bags dry fully before reuse to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
Following these tips along with the proper washing method for your specific bag material will help keep your reusable sandwich and snack bags in top condition.
Going Green with Reusables
Ditching disposable plastic bags is better for the environment and your wallet. Full Circle’s reusable silicone bags offer a dishwasher-safe option for easy cleaning. And their fabric bags provide sustainable sandwich and snack storage with proper hand washing.
Transitioning from single-use plastic baggies to reusable bags is an simple, eco-friendly switch. A Stasher Bag review highlights the convenience of quickly washing these full circle reusable sandwich bags in the dishwasher, and for those looking to reduce plastic waste, giving Full Circle’s silicone bags a try can bring easy clean-up and eco-friendly benefits. Our planet thanks you for making the switch to sustainable alternatives!
FAQs
- Should Full Circle’s reusable sandwich bags be placed on the top or bottom rack of the dishwasher?
Full Circle recommends placing their silicone reusable bags on the top rack of your dishwasher. This exposes them more directly to the water spray and allows for better cleaning. The bottom rack could provide insufficient water coverage.
- Can Full Circle’s fabric reusable bags go in the dishwasher occasionally if needed?
It’s best to avoid the dishwasher with Full Circle’s fabric bags. But very occasional dishwashing likely won’t ruin them as long as you use low heat, delicate cycles. Still, handwashing is best for fabric to preserve the bags.
- How do I get rid of odors and stains on my Full Circle reusable bags?
For silicone bags, run them through the dishwasher or hand wash with hot, soapy water. For fabric, pretreat stains before handwashing, using products like baking soda or oxygen bleach. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- What temperature water should be used to hand wash Full Circle reusable bags?
Lukewarm or cool water is ideal for hand washing Full Circle’s reusable bags. Hot water could degrade fabric coatings over time. Use mild dish soap and gently scrub the soiled areas.
- Can Full Circle’s reusable sandwich bags be turned inside out before washing?
Yes, turning the bags inside out before washing allows for cleaning of the interior surfaces. Be sure to fully open zippers first. Turning them inside out also helps the bags dry faster after cleaning.