In the past, vacuum cleaner bags were made of cloth and could be reused by unzipping and emptying them. Today’s disposable thinking has led to disposable paper vacuum bags.

I’ve figured out a simple way to reuse these paper bags. The bottom end of the bag is usually folded over a few times and glued shut. To reuse a bag, I carefully unroll the end, trying not to tear the bag. I then refold it and hold it closed with two or three spring clips. When the bag is full, I remove it carefully from the vacuum, remove the clips, empty the bag, reassemble and install. I’ve gotten years of weekly house cleaning use from just one bag.

Duct tape can be used on small holes in the bag, or to reinforce the area where the clips go. Just don’t duct tape the whole bag, as it needs to “breathe.”

Joe Kaye

Phenix, Virginia