The Truth About Vacuum Bags

 

Plastic vacuum and compression bags have become quite popular over the last few years as a space saving solution for you clothes, blankets, seasonal items and more.

Sure, they protect your items from dust and dirt, but have you ever stopped to think about the potential risks and damage these types of vacuum-sealed bags can cause to your stored items? Or the environmental impact these types of plastics and materials have on the world around us?

Here, we explore the natural and safe alternatives to vacuum-sealed plastic bags and why 100% Cotton Storage Bags are your simple storage solution when it comes to protecting your favourite and seasonal items and promoting their longevity. 

PLASTIC VACUUM AND COMPRESSION STORAGE BAGS - THE DAMAGE 

 

If you have stored your items for more than six months in these types of bags, or low-and-behold you've forgotten about them altogether and left them in the garage, the attic, or in the abyss of your wardrobe, then you need to be acutely aware of the long term effects these plastic vacuum bags can have on your belongings. Particularly, if you are storing your winter woollies, delicate pieces (such as cashmere and silk), seasonal items, blankets, quilts, heirlooms and other treasured pieces.

Sure they're great space savers, however, most of these bags are manufactured from polyethylene and polyamide plastics (more on this below) and provide no real or long term benefit when it comes to storing your belongings.

My personal experience with these storage bags has caused considerable damage to my clothing. In hindsight, I realised that these vacuum clothes bags were essentially 'sucking the life out' and 'flattening' my belongings to save space! The damage caused to the fabric fibres to my more delicate and seasonal items such as my wool jumpers, beautiful cashmere tops, heirlooms and other pieces is quite alarming. 

I didn't think at the time "this can't be good," until I discovered, it wasn't!

Here's why.

   

THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF VACUUM STORAGE BAGS

Plastic doesn't breathe. Vacuum bags or compression vaccum bags are fully sealed and usually made from plastic. Fresh air cannot circulate in and around your sealed items. Thereby, suffocating the fabrics, damaging the delicate material fibres, creating unnecessary creases, and jeopardising the framework of your garments and seasonal items. Ouch!

Just like us humans, our belongings need to breathe. It is imperative to allow fresh air to circulate in and around your wardrobe, cupboards, and storage space. This 'breathing space' helps prolong the longevity of your stored items and nourishes the fabric fibres so you can enjoy wearing and using your items from year-to-year and beyond. More on this below.  

Plastic melts. Have you noticed that when you store these plastic vacuum bags on top of each other, you sometimes have to peel them apart as the lack of air and warm storage conditions have caused them to stick together over time? It does happen.

Then you're faced with replacing the vacuum bags - this can be costly! But the most significant cost is replacing your cherished garments, linens, and seasonal items, particularly if your heirlooms and sentimental pieces have been damaged due to this type of storage.

 

Plastic odour absorption. Long term storage in any plastic bag will eventually absorb that irksome plastic odour. Particularly, when storing your belongings in tight spaces or closed areas such as cupboards, wardrobes, attics, garages, and areas that can (sometimes) lack air ventilation. 

Discolouration and fading. Be mindful, that the longer you leave your stored belongings in plastic vacuum bags, the more susceptible your items are to discolouration and fading. Coupled with hot and humid conditions, you have a fast-track recipe for disaster and possible irreparable damage caused to your stored items.      

 

 

 

Colour transfer. Colour transfer occurs when fabrics are stored together, side by side, or on top of each other. It can be caused in hot conditions as colour dye can transfer if not removed (or washed out) from your belongings prior to long term storage. It can be challenging to remove these sometimes permanent stains, particularly, if you've stored natural fabrics and materials in plastic compression bags for six to twelve months or longer - potentially causing the fabric dyes to transfer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT | Plastic Vacuum Bags 

The truth is, it can take up to 450 years for plastic to degrade or completely decompose. Some plastic bottles can take up to 1000 years to biodegrade, and other plastic bottles made with Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) will NEVER biodegrade.

Polyethylene is one of the most widely produced plastics. Tens of millions of tonnes are produced each year gloabally. It is used in plastic bottles and containers for packaging foods, beverages, personal care products, and many other consumer products are made from polyethylene - including vacuum bags!

Polyamide plastic or ‘nylons' is a plastic material often used to print 3D objects and items such as eyeglass frames, fishing lines, textiles and carpets. It is also used in vacuum storage bags.

These facts will surely make you think twice about purchasing that 'plastic' bottle or cheap vacuum storage bags when there are other natural and environmentally-friendly, safe alternatives to storing your manchester and out-of-season items. 

Environmental impact is an essential part of the Kazzi Kovers product range. We take great pride and care in researching and designing our collections to minimise ecological impact where possible. We purposely create, develop and design a range of premium products that help protect and preserve your belongings and assist with storage preservation. 

Take a look at our Cedar Wood Blocks | Rings and European German Beech Wood Hanger Packs. 100% certified by the Forest Stewarship Council® (FSC®).

Kazzi Kovers Licence No. FSC® N002760.

 

 

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100% COTTON STORAGE BAGS | The natural alternative

Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Storage Bags are the perfect solution for storing your seasonal and occasional items as cotton has many positive attributes.  

• Cotton is soft, absorbent, breathable and a natural fibre. Cotton allows air to effortlessly flow through and nourish the fabrics of your stored items.

• In warm climates, cotton reflects heat. In cooler climates, cotton provides insulation. This gives your stored items the room to breathe whilst preserving their longevity all year round.

• Cotton can withstand many washes in hot or cold water. You can wash cotton over and over again, making it the perfect storage solution for your seasonal and occasional items. 

• Cotton has high tensile strength. This attribute makes cotton durable, strong and less likely to rip or tear (unlike plastic vacuum and compression bags). 

WHY USE KAZZI KOVERS 100% COTTON STORAGE BAGS

Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Storage Bags are non-structured, so you can fit more in each bag - Yay! They're available in light grey or navy blue colours and offer a superb and safe alternative to plastic vacuum and compression storage bags. 

Kazzi Kovers storage bags will not trap heat, crack, peel, discolour or lose their structure over time. Unlike plastic vacuum bags, there's no fiddly valves or silicone rubber to the seal the bag – just a simple 3-sided zip closure which opens up like a suitcase for easy access, so you can effortlessly insert and remove your items.

Seasonal Items. Kazzi Kovers storage bags are suitable for all types of seasonal clothing including cashmere, winter woollies, scarves and accessories (which should always be laid flat to avoid fabric stretch and disfiguration). Bulky items can also be stored including bulky items including ski and sports gear, costumes and more, which makes these bags the safe and natural alternative for storing your seasonal items. 

Streamline your space. Our simple storage bags are ideal for organising your seasonal garments, and keep your linen cupboard, wardrobes, garage, and all areas in between streamlined and tidy.  

Moving bags. Because our bags are quite malleable, they'll fit into any space, making them quite versatile as packing bags and moving bags. This saves on  time when packing and unpacking your belongings.

Manchester. Kazzi Kovers cotton storage bags are fantastic and designed to protect and store your manchester; sheets, blankets, quilts, quilt covers, rugs, pillows, family heirlooms and occasional pieces such as a large tote bag and your travel bags. 

 

Large gusset (or width). Both the Regular and Large size storage bags include a large gusset making them super spacious. You’ll be surprised at just how much each bag can accommodate! 

Our cotton storage bags provides the ultimate protection against dirt, dust, insects (especially moths and silverfish), sunlight, mould, mildew and moisture, due to breathable cotton fabric. Fresh air can comfortably circulate in and around your stored belongings throughout the seasons and gently nourish the fabric fibres for preservation and care. 

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Cotton Storage Bags | IDEAL FOR

• Sheets | Sheet Sets 
• Blanket Bag | Throws
• Storage Bags for Quilts | Quilt Covers | Curtains
• Doona Storage Bags
• Pillow Storage Bags | Small and Large Cushions
• Seasonal Mattress Protectors | Underlays | Toppers
• All Types of Goose or Duck | Feathers or Down || Quilts | Doonas | Pillows
• Storage Bag for Clothes | Winter and Summer 
• Delicate Fabrics || Cashmere | Silk | Pashmina | Wool | Lace | Cotton and More. (Delicate fabrics should always be laid flat when stored long term to prevent fabric stretch.)
• For Delicate and Embellished Cardigans | Jumpers | Shawls | Scarves | Wraps 
• Ski Gear || Jackets | Pants | Hats | Beanies | Socks | Gloves | Goggles + More  
• All Types of Sporting Gear and Momentoes
• Bulky Items || Small or Large Duffels | Chatelet Duffel Bags
• Ideal for storing your Overnight Bags and Travel Bags when not in use to protect and prolong their longevity || For Leather | Fabric | Embellished | Suede | PVC | Cloth and Other Materials
• Heirlooms and Mementoes || Kids Toys | Photographs | Handmade Quilts | Vintage Pieces & Clothing 
• Christmas Decorations | Tinsel | Tree Skirts | Tablecloths | Placemats  
• And More.

 

FEATURES

• Material | 100% Cotton 
• Colours | Light Grey or Navy Blue
• Acid-free | Lightweight | Hygienic | Low Maintenance
• Protection against dirt, dust, insects (especially moths), mould, mildew and moisture
• Protects and preserves the longevity of your stored items due to the breathable cotton fabric
• Includes self-healing, 3-sided zip for easy storage and access to your items
• Identification Window | 10.5 cm (L) x 7 cm (H)
• Includes Blank Label Card | FREE with purchase to label your storage bags clearly
• Suitable for short and long term storage 
• Machine washable in cold water
• For home, storage, and travel purposes.

 Kazzi Kovers Cotton Storage Bags are simply perfect and practical all year round! 

 

TIPS | Remember to Wash and Clean Before Storing Your Belongings

• Follow the care instructions of the items that you wish to store, particularly delicate fabrics.

• Wash and remove all deodorant, food scraps, hair follicles, smoke, perfumes and contaminants before storing your items.

• Make sure your items are completely dry before storing them in 100% Cotton Storage Bags for seasonal and long term purposes.

 

Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Storage Bags are the safest and most practical way to store your out-of-season blankets and doonas or safeguard delicate wool, cashmere pieces, and your family heirlooms. They're great for the environment, too!

We Love That!

Remember to take care of your cherished seasonal items and store them safely in breathable cotton storage bags, so you can enjoy them for years to come. 

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Thanks for reading.  

Remember if you ‘Love it, Cover it!®.’ 

Kazzi Kovers® | Updated 24th July 2023

Maria Kazzi :)

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Kazzi Kovers takes pride in providing safe and natural alternatives to Protect, Organise, Store and Travel with our range of premium covers and accessories.

See Kazzi Kovers for our full suite of products, blogs, tips and updates.  

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SHOP NOW | 100% Cotton Storage Bags 

Kazzi Kovers Storage Bags packs are available in Light Grey and Navy Blue Colours. Please visit the website for our Storage Bag Collection.  

Our 100% Cotton Storage Bags are available Individually or as a Combo Set. Please choose the package that best suits your requirements.

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HOME Packages

REGULAR SIZE

Size Centimetres: 70 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 20 cm (H)

Size Inches: 27.5" (L) x 19.6" (W) x 7.87" (H) 

 

LARGE SIZE

Size Centimetres: 55 cm (L) x 40 cm (W) x 16 cm (H)

Size Inches: 21.6" (L) x 15.7" (W) x 6.3" (H) 

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REGULAR Storage Bags

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LARGE Storage Bags

Size Centimetres: 70 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 20 cm (H)

Size Inches: 27.5" (L) x 19.6" (W) x 7.87" (H) 

- REGULAR  AND LARGE COMBO PACKS -

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