Frequently Asked Questions
Is freshvac plastic safe?
In April of 2008, freshvac prepared our original statement about the safety of our products relative to concerns about the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) found in plastic containers. Since then, we continue to monitor any and all updates about BPA, and stand by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which released this statement on July 10, 2009: “at this time, FDA is not recommending that anyone discontinue using products that contain BPA while we continue our risk assessment process” (US Department of Health, 2009).
Read the full freshvac BPA Statement - and all past statements
How do I create a vacuum seal?
- Be sure the edges of the lid and container are clean and dry.
- For PROFESSIONAL & PLUS lines: Place the lid on top of the container, matching handles over tabs.
- For the PRE line: Snap the locking handles into place.
- Press lever down into closed position.
- Push firmly on the center of the lid several times to remove the air from inside the container.
- Each successive time you press, more air is forced out of the container, causing the vacuum indicator button to become inverted.
How do I release a vacuum seal?
To release a vacuum seal, lift the green lever. It's that simple.
When I press on the green lever, nothing happens. Why?
A vacuum is created by pressing on the center of the lid, not on the green lever. The green lever comes into play when you release the vacuum seal.
My lever seems loose. Is it broken?
The lever must be in a down position to create the seal. Some lids have a tighter lever fit than others; do not worry if yours seems loose.
How does the vacuum seal keep my food fresher longer?
Air is the enemy of freshness. To put it simply, reducing oxygen levels in the container reduces the amount of bacteria, which causes food to spoil. The patented freshvac valve has a one-way system that lets air out, but not back in. The silicone around the outside of the lid ensures an airtight seal. Less air means fewer bacteria, and fewer bacteria means fresher food—longer.
Can I use my freshvac container in the refrigerator, freezer, microwave and dishwasher?
Yes, freshvac can be used in your refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher. If you choose to microwave in your freshvac containers, we recommend that it should NOT be vacuum sealed. When cleaning your freshvac containers in a dishwasher, we recommend that you put them in the top rack.
I am pressing on the lid and trying to create a seal, and my container won't seal. What could be the problem?
If you know that you are using the container properly (i.e. you have successfully created a vacuum), there could be a couple of things occurring.
- Make sure that all of the parts are in place: the vacuum indicator, date dial and gasket valve are all in the proper position.
- Make sure that there are no rips or tears in the vacuum indicator, gasket pipe or silicone seal.
- Make sure that no food is "spilling over" the container and in between the base of the container and the green outer silicone seal on the lid.
- Check the silicone seal to see if there are any twists, cracks or folds in the silicone. If there are, you may purchase a set of spare parts on our website. If they are covered in your warranty, contact us with the container shape and size, and we can supply you with a replacement seal.
Does freshvac have a warranty?
We believe that freshvac is manufactured from the highest quality materials, which is why we stand behind our products.
- freshvac PRE has no warranty.
- freshvac PLUS has a limited warranty.
- freshvac PROFESSIONAL has a lifetime warranty.
To apply the warranty, be advised that we do not cover melting, warping, burning and/or scratches. Please send in the receipt, along with the defective container or part. This will ensure proper replacement parts, inspect for quality, and ensure that freshvac is only sold through authorized dealers.
How do I get replacement parts for my container?
Replacement parts are available for purchase on our website. If your freshvac container is under warranty, please call us (952-836-2311) or visit the “Contact Us” page on our site. Simply write your name, address, where and when you purchased your set, and your issue, and we will assist you. Warranty information is described under the “Product Support” tab.
What are freshvac containers made of?
freshvac containers are constructed from either polypropylene or polycarbonate plastic.
- freshvac PRE: BPA-free polypropylene bottom and lid
- freshvac PLUS: BPA-free polypropylene bottom, and polycarbonate lid
- freshvac PROFESSIONAL: Polycarbonate lids and bottoms
- Divider inserts: BPA-free polypropylene
How does the date dial work?
This practical feature allows you to indicate the date you stored your food. Simply turn the dial clockwise to the date you first stored your food. No more wondering how long the freshness has lasted!
Is this the same vacuum I can get with a vacuum machine?
First, there is not a product on the market that creates a 100% vacuum seal. freshvac is a highly-effective vacuum seal with no extra gadgets, no parts to refill or no electricity required. The easy, simple and affordable convenience of the freshvac system is especially beneficial for storing produce, leftovers and portion-controlled meals.
It says on the package that your containers are stain resistant. Can I put tomato sauce in it and have it come clean?
Yes, you can put tomato based sauces in all freshvac containers. However, we do not recommend that you heat the tomato sauce in the microwave in freshvac PLUS or freshvac PRE containers, because this will cause staining.
