Introduction
If you’re struggling to find out what you can and cannot store in a vacuum bag, the short answer is anything that will damage the bag, or become damaged under pressure. This includes anything delicate, structured, leather, foam-based, heavily embellished, and of course, anything sharp, damp, or dirty.
Many people use vacuum bags to save space, without checking whether the items can handle compression. This can lead to crushed fabrics, cracked materials, lost insulation, or items that never regain their original shape. This issue is often made worse as vacuum bags are typically used for long-term storage, and issues can therefore go unnoticed for months at a time.
This article will help teach you which items to be careful of, which to avoid completely, and what problems they can cause.
Delicate Fabrics, Leather, and Structured Clothing
Vacuum storage bags are for clothes or other items that can handle long-term compression. Vacuum bags work by removing the air and applying pressure, which creates the vacuum seal that will protect your items from bags, mould, dust and moisture damage (when used correctly). The items that you place in these bags should therefore be able to comfortably survive in these conditions; ideally soft, flexible fabrics.
It should come as no surprise that items that are inflexible and have a defined structure are ill-suited for long-term compression. This can include:
- Leather jackets
- Tailored suits
- Blazers
- Structured coats
- Suede items
Although leather and suede may appear quite durable, the pressure and lack of air in vacuum bags can cause them to dry, crease, crack, or lose their shape.
On the other end of the scale, you also should avoid putting delicate fabrics in vacuum bags, as silks and other delicate materials can develop deep creases that are difficult to remove. You should therefore avoid packing:
- Silk clothing
- Cashmere and wool garments (over the long term)
- Wedding dresses and occasion-wear
- Heavily beaded, sequined, or embroidered clothing
Some great alternatives for clothes you should not vacuum seal include breathable garment bags, padded hangers, acid-free tissue paper, or wardrobe boxes, depending on what you’re protecting.
Down, Feather, Puffer, and Memory Foam Items
Vacuum bags can compress anywhere from 50% to 80%, and it can feel very satisfying to watch bulky items shrink to nothing when packing them away, but take care as vacuum bags can damage clothes and other items with foam, down and feather stuffing.
Memory foam in particular does not handle vacuum storage well as it is designed to retain the shape it takes under pressure (such as where your head falls on a pillow). Therefore, when that pressure is shrinking the entire item, it can be slow to return to its original shape. Memory foam pillows, mattress toppers and structured cushions should therefore not be placed in vacuum storage.
Down and feather fillings rely on trapped air to provide warmth and softness, and putting them in long-term vacuum storage bags will remove most of that air and may affect their ability to reinflate months later. The same is true of puffer jackets and insulated coats.
For short-term storage, you can put feather duvets in vacuum bags, as well as down duvets, down pillows, puffer jackets and down coats. They are a great solution for moving house, travel, or for space-saving with items that are regularly swapped out. However, these items will not retain their soft structure or insulating properties if left in vacuum storage long-term. For that, we would recommend breathable cotton storage bags or a large, loose storage box.
Never Store Damp or Dirty Items in Vacuum Bags
If you’re wondering “can clothes go mouldy in vacuum bags?”, the answer is, unfortunately, yes. Vacuum bags are air tight and will trap whatever is already inside them. If that includes mouldy, dirty, or wet items, then that mould, dirt, or moisture will stay in the bags, causing damage to the items and even to the bags themselves.
If you’re finding that clothes smell after vacuum storage, it’s very likely that some or all of the clothes were damp when they were packed, and that moisture has turned into mildew and caused the clothes to smell.
Problems with mould in vacuum storage bags arise from three main issues:
1. Items that are already in long-term storage (like a shed or cellar) are placed into vacuum storage without being cleaned first, trapping dirt and mould inside.
2. Items are clean but sealed incorrectly and placed in a humid environment, allowing moisture to enter the bags.
3. Items are cleaned in anticipation of being packed, but aren’t fully dry when they are packed and moisture ends up trapped inside the bags.
The best way to store items in vacuum bags is to wash them first and ensure they have enough time to dry completely, then pack them carefully and store those bags in a cool, dry place.
Sharp, Rigid or Fragile Items Can Damage the Bag
A common vacuum bag storage mistake is to assume that anything that isn’t food is suitable for packing. We have already covered items that may be damaged by long-term packing, and now we will focus on the items that cause vacuum storage bag damage.
Once items are placed into the bags, they are sealed, and air is removed until the bag has decompressed and lost 50% to 80% of its volume. The items that are packed must therefore be able to handle compression and should ideally be flexible enough to shrink along with the bag. Hard items will stop the bag compressing properly, and the bag will be pulled and stretched over the corners and edges in particular, which will lead to punctures or rips in the plastic. This is also true of sharp or pointy items, and we therefore do not recommend packing:
- Shoes with hard soles or heels
- Belts with buckles
- Toys with sharp edges
- Framed items
- Anything with metal corners or rigid parts
Fragile items are also at risk of being damaged during compression, even if they might not cause punctures. anything that is delicate but also needs to retain its shape – like paper – can warp, crumple, or break under compression. As a result, we also recommend not packing:
- Fragile decorations
- Jewellery
- Books
- Paperwork
Fragile, sharp and rigid items can become damaged or cause damage, leading to vacuum bag sealing problems or bags breaking entirely. We suggest you use storage boxes for all items listed above, and keep vacuum bags for soft textiles only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store clothes in vacuum bags long-term?
Yes, but only suitable clothes. Cotton, polyester, towels and seasonal items are fine, but delicate, structured or natural materials should not be compressed for long periods.
Can vacuum bags damage clothes?
Yes, if the items packed are dirty, mouldy or wet then long-term packing can trap in mould and moisture which damages clothes. Delicate or structured items may also struggle to retain their original shape if packed for too long.
Can you put pillows in vacuum bags?
Possibly. Some synthetic pillows can be stored safely in vacuum bags, but down, feather and memory foam pillows are better stored loosely.
Should you fold or roll clothes in vacuum bags?
Folding is best for long-term storage because it creates even layers and reduces the chance of pressure points that put stress on the bags. For short-term packing like holidays, rolling may save more space but could also cause more creases in the clothes and increases the risk of air pockets in the bags.
How long can you leave items in vacuum bags?
For seasonal storage, around a few months is usually fine for suitable items. For longer periods, it is sensible to open the bag occasionally and let fabrics regain shape.
Knowing What’s Best for Vacuum Storage Bags
Vacuum storage bags are a great space-saving solution for soft, clean, dry and flexible items. They are ideally suited for additional towels and bedding sets and seasonal clothing, as well as for saving packing space when moving and travelling. When done correctly, they should protect your clothes and other items from mould, dirt and mildew. However, when done incorrectly, they can cause lingering odours, mould, damage, and even damage to the storage bags.
It’s important to check both that the items are suitable for vacuum storage, and that they’re in the right condition to be packed. This means checking they aren’t fragile, sharp, inflexible, and won’t be damaged by long-term compression, and that they aren’t dirty, damp or mouldy when packed.
Used correctly, vacuum storage bags can make home storage much easier. The key is knowing what to pack, what to avoid, and when a breathable storage option is the safer choice.