If you intend to reuse Tedlar bags, it is essential that they are cleaned properly. As mentioned in our previous blog, our recommendation is not to reuse Tedlar bags (or any other type of sampling bag such as multi-foil, Kynar, or Teflon bags). However, if you do choose to reuse them, please carefully follow the steps below:
Empty and vent the bag
Allow the bag to fully deflate in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
Flush with inert gas (3x)
Flush the bag at least three times with an inert gas such as:
- Nitrogen (N₂)
- Clean air (filtered and odor-free)
- Argon (less commonly used)
Fill the bag to about 80% capacity, let it sit for 1–2 minutes, then release the gas. Repeat this cycle three times.
Use an air purger
For laboratories and sampling professionals who regularly collect air or gas samples, an air purger can be a convenient solution for cleaning and reusing gas sampling bags (such as Tedlar bags). An air purger is a dedicated device that automatically flushes the bag multiple times with clean, dry, inert gas — often in combination with a vacuum cycle.
We can supply an air purger upon request. For more information, feel free to contact us at: info@medi-sense.nl
Optional: vacuum drying
If available, connect the bag to a vacuum pump with a HEPA or activated carbon filter and allow it to vacuum dry for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove absorbed vapors from the inner bag material.
Leak check
Fill the bag with a small volume of gas and perform a leak test by submerging it in water. If you observe any air bubbles, the bag is no longer suitable for use.
Recommendation: Use new bags for reliable results
For accurate and reproducible analysis, we strongly recommend using new Tedlar bags for each sample. This helps prevent contamination, distorted results, and unnecessary uncertainty.
You can order Tedlar bags via our webshop. Most sizes are available directly from stock:
