How Frugal Is Too Frugal For Utahns?

Utahns are known for being frugal. But when the economy starts wobbling, how frugal is too frugal? Are we talking about clipping coupons or washing Zip lock bags? Yes, you heard that right—reusing your plastic storage bags. Just how bad does the economy have to get before you consider scrubbing down your sandwich baggies for another go?

There is an article that embraces the re-use of the baggie in 3 easy steps. You can follow these if you are feeling the pinch:

Step 1: Empty It Out

First things first—empty the bag completely. Got crumbs? Go ahead and turn that bag inside out. It’s like giving your Ziploc a little shake-off dance. This step is crucial because you don’t want yesterday’s food mingling with today’s snacks. That's like lunch time travel or something.

Step 2: Give It a Scrub

Turn the bag inside out and get to work with warm, soapy water. Pay extra attention to the corners and the zipper because that’s where food likes to hide. Or, take a tip from the pros at America’s Test Kitchen: pour some soapy water inside, seal the bag, and smoosh it around like you’re giving it a spa day.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Rinse off all the soap, and then let your bag air dry. Place it upside down on a dish rack or invert it over a jar to keep it open. The key here is making sure it’s completely dry to avoid any nasty bacteria or mold.

Read More: 3 Items Sitting Around Your Utah Home Worth Money

So, how bad do things have to get before you start washing your lunch baggies? I'm not quite there yet, but I will reuse the gently used ones, but I am not to the point of washing them...yet.