Some sturdy resealable food-storage bags can potentially be washed and reused when they’ve held relatively low-risk foods such as bread, cookies, chips, or washed produce. If you choose to reuse one, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water, rinse it well, and allow it to dry completely before storing or filling it again.

However, bags that have held raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs are better discarded rather than reused for food storage. Raw animal products can carry harmful microorganisms, and flexible bags can be difficult to clean thoroughly around seams and closures.

The same caution applies to bags containing spoiled or moldy foods. If you’re uncertain whether a bag can be cleaned safely, replacing it is the safer option.

Also inspect the condition of the bag. If it’s torn, heavily scratched, cloudy, stretched, or has a persistent smell, don’t keep reusing it.

Another important distinction is between food-storage bags designed for repeated handling and thin disposable grocery or produce bags. Don’t assume every plastic bag is suitable for washing, freezing, heating, or storing food simply because it looks similar.

Reusing appropriate bags can reduce waste, but food safety should come first.

A simple rule to remember: reuse clean bags from low-risk foods when appropriate, but don’t take chances with bags that have touched raw animal products.

Do you wash and reuse your food-storage bags, or do you normally use them only once?