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What Is a Mesh Bag, and What are They Used for?

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Mesh bags are a highly versatile product used for many purposes in daily life.

They have various benefits that typical bags don’t and are durable as well as inexpensive.

Most people need a top-quality mesh bag that can wear many hats, so to speak.

If you don’t currently have a mesh bag, you’ll be surprised to learn how much easier they make your life.

Please keep reading to find out more about the many uses they offer and to discover which type is best for your needs.

What Is a Mesh Bag?

A mesh bag is a product made from a durable material that can provide multiple uses and can withstand wear and tear.

The fabric is woven or cut to allow for uniform-sized holes throughout the bag.

They allow air or water to pass through, making them ideal for holding items or washing or storage.

Depending on the type of mesh, you might find uses for them, such as the following.

  • Laundry
  • Storage
  • Washing
  • Car

Most people know that mesh bags are ideal for laundry or traveling, but they have many more uses than that.

They can provide additional storage, a secure way to handle delicate items, be used for produce at the grocery store, and cooking.

These are just a few of the many uses they offer.

They are indeed a must-have for those on the go or with a busy lifestyle.

What Are Mesh Bags Made From?

In general, a mesh bag is a strand of either yarn or woven material and even synthetic, waterproof material like polyester, polypropylene, or nylon.

The type of material depends on the intended use of the bag.

They are woven into a net shape.

If you plan to use the mesh bag for washing or in instances where it undergoes considerable wear and tear, it will likely be a non-woven synthetic material.

Types of Mesh Bags

Mesh bags come in just about every variety of size and color – some are waterproof, some are soft, some are durable.

But the two main distinctions in types of mesh bags are the opening.

Some mesh bags have a drawstring closure, and some have an open top.

Here’s how you would use each type.

Mesh Bags with a Drawstring

If you shop for a mesh bag for laundry or carrying items, it will likely feature a drawstring.

This drawstring ensures the bag stays close and opens effortlessly.

It’s a no-hassle way to secure the bag and lasts much longer than other fasteners or closure types.

The drawstring style is probably the most commonly used of all the mesh bags and is generally found on medium to large-sized mesh bags.

You can usually find these types at any of the local big-box retailers in the area.

Open-Top Mesh Bags

Open-top mesh bags are ideal for straining items or for quick storage.

They make these bags for fruit, small items near sinks, and general storage.

They provide a fast and easy way to hold objects, protect them from holding moisture, and keep items in a secure location.

What Are Mesh Bags Used For?

vector graphic showing a mesh bag on a dive boat

Mesh bags are one of the most versatile household items a person has in their position.

They have unlimited uses, but some of the most common can include the following.

  • Holding fruit
  • Carrying beach items
  • Traveling
  • Holding car items in place
  • Paper trash
  • Washing delicates

These are just a few of the many uses that mesh bags offer the consumer.

You can use them for almost anything, and many of them affix to surfaces, so they stay in place and hold their items securely.

This makes them especially useful for laundry hampers and car storage.

Transporting Gear When Scuba Diving

If you scuba dive, you’ll likely need to bring certain items with you while on the go.

The mesh bag is the perfect solution for divers who need to bring their gear along for the journey.

Water easily passes through the bag, and the synthetic material securely holds the contents.

There is less drag, and items can quickly drain and air out at the surface.

Additionally, these bags are lightweight and easy to load and unload.

Swimming

Even if you aren’t a big scuba diver, mesh bags can be useful to the average swimmer.

If you’re snorkeling or just enjoying a swim, you can use a mesh bag to carry things you need on hand.

For example, if you’re swimming in a river or beach with a rocky shore, you might want to keep some hard-soled water shoes with you.

Or, if you plan to snorkel, you might want a place to stow away your goggles until you’re ready for them.

The mesh helps reduce drag on the items you’re towing, so you can swim without too much disturbance.

Beach Travels

If you plan to go to the beach, the mesh bag is the perfect item for toting your gear.

You can pile towels, sunscreen, beach toys, and even snacks into these convenient mesh bags.

They are durable and allow you to see your gear and let the accumulated sand fall out, so you don’t bring it home with you.

If you like the beach and want to bring all your items without struggling to find things or bring back unwanted particles, you need a large mesh bag that can accommodate all your gear.

Mesh Bags for Laundry

If you want to protect your delicates when you wash them, the mesh bag is the way to go.

They allow the water to pass through easily to remove dirt and odors; however, they keep the items inside safe from damage.

Parts of the washing machine or other clothes can create holes, stretching, and other issues.

The mesh bag is an ideal, cost-effective solution.

Cooking

Mesh bags are ideal for cooking items such as herbs or small pieces of seasonings to prevent them from escaping into the water or surrounding foods.

The mesh allows the essence of the herbs or food to pass through into the liquid or surrounding items and flavor them accordingly.

This is ideal for making seating bags that need removing.

Transporting Gifts

If you need to carry items from one location to another, you’ll want to use a mesh bag.

You can easily see what you’re transporting and allow air to pass through.

This mesh bag is ideal for bulk quantity items such as the following.

  • Balloons
  • Clothing
  • Blankets
  • Camping gear
  • Towels

Consider keeping mesh bags handy in your car for times when you need to transport many items and don’t want to make several trips back and forth from the vehicle.

But even more specifically, mesh bags are perfect for transporting gifts – even pre-wrapped!

The mesh design is gentle enough that it won’t damage gift wrapping and can hold odd shapes and sizes.

Mesh Bags for Shoes

Mesh bags are ideal for carrying shoes.

They allow the air to pass through to reduce odors and ensure shoes can dry.

The netting also ensures that your shoes don’t get crushed or misshapen in transit.

Be sure to get large, synthetic bags so they last and hold up to wear and tear.

Sizes of Mesh Bags

Mesh bags come in all sizes.

They have them in small sizes for jewelry and other smaller items.

However, the most common sizes are medium and large.

The medium sizes are great for food and even car storage.

Larger mesh bags are ideal for toting athletic gear, hobby equipment, and even laundry.

Where to Buy a Mesh Bag

Mesh bags are easy to find, and you can get them at most big-box retail stores.

However, if you need them for a special hobby or need extra durable mesh bags, you can find them at specialty and hobby stores.

Here are a few of the top places to find mesh bags of all sizes.

  • Dive shops
  • Target
  • Walmart
  • Amazon

You can easily find mesh bags either in person or online.

They are cost-effective and last for a long time if you buy a reputable brand made from top materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions related to mesh bags and their uses.

Do clothes get clean in a mesh bag?

Yes. Clothes get just as clean as they normally would in a mesh bag.

However, the mesh bag protects the clothing inside from damage during the wash cycle.

Can you wash your clothes in one large mesh laundry bag?

It’s not advised to wash all of your laundry in one large mesh laundry bag.

The amount of fabric is too significant to allow for the right amount of agitation to let clothes get completely clean.

It’s best to use smaller bags with fewer items.

Wrapping Up

If you don’t already have mesh bags for your home and care, now is the time to get some.

They last for a long time and help you create a better and more convenient situation regarding storage, travel, and securing items.

Go to your nearest specialty shop or big-box retailers to check out the options.

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