How to Clean and Store Bag Clips for Long Life
By Kikkerland Design Inc | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Tips & Care
Learn simple steps to clean and store your bag clips so they stay grippy, rust-free, and ready to seal snacks for years.
Quick answer
Wash bag clips by hand in warm soapy water, dry them completely, and store them in a dry drawer or hanging on a hook to prevent rust and keep the spring tension strong.
Why proper care matters for bag clips
Bag clips are simple tools, but they work hard to keep chips, cereal, and frozen veggies fresh. A little care goes a long way: food residue and moisture can make the spring stiff or cause plastic to get sticky over time. Aluminum clips can oxidize if left wet, and plastic clips may warp near heat. Cleaning and storing them correctly keeps the grip tight and the hinge smooth.
How to clean and store bag clips in 4 steps
- Rinse off loose crumbs: Hold each clip under running water to remove visible food bits. Open the clip fully so water reaches the hinge area where crumbs often get trapped. Don't skip this rinse — rubbing dry crumbs into the hinge can scratch plastic or aluminum surfaces.
- Wash with mild soap and a soft cloth: Use a drop of dish soap and warm water. Gently scrub the clip's jaws, hinge, and handle with a soft sponge or cloth. For stubborn grease on aluminum clips, let them soak for 2 minutes. Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads — they will scratch the finish and create rough spots that collect more grime.
- Dry immediately and thoroughly: Pat each clip dry with a clean towel, then leave them open on a dish rack for 10 minutes to air out the hinge. Moisture left inside the spring is the main cause of rust on metal clips and sticky hinges on plastic ones. Never put bag clips away wet — even a few drops inside the hinge can cause the spring to weaken over time.
- Store in a dry, ventilated spot: Keep clips in a drawer away from the sink or hang them on a small hook using the hole in aluminum clips. Avoid storing them inside a damp utensil crock or near the stove where steam and heat can reach them. If you use plastic clips near a stovetop, move them to a cool drawer after cooking — heat can soften the plastic and reduce grip.
Products that benefit from good care
- Aluminum Bag Clips: Lightweight, durable design with a hole for hanging. Set of 10. The built-in hanging hole makes storage easy, and the aluminum body stays strong if you dry it promptly after washing.
Aluminum Bag Clips - Cat Bag Clips: Made of durable plastic, they open wide to securely close any bag. Plastic clips are dishwasher-safe in theory, but hand washing preserves the spring and prevents heat distortion.
Cat Bag Clips - Multi-Purpose Clips: As colorful as they are handy, these clips make the small tasks of life easier. Their bright finish stays vibrant longer if you avoid abrasive scrubbers and harsh detergents.
