<p>An innovative, environmentally sustainable vortex-assisted solvent bar microextraction technique was established for the concurrent quantification and preconcentration of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate in food matrices. This method utilizes a melt-blown facemask layer as a porous extractant phase holder and amine-based solvents as the extracting phase, overcoming the constraints of traditional procedures. Under optimized conditions, this technique demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, with detection limits of 0.9 ng mL^− 1 for potassium sorbate and 1.3 ng mL-1 for sodium benzoate, and great precision (RSD &lt; 5.2%). The linear dynamic ranges of 3.0–830.0 ng mL^− 1 (R² &gt;0.9999) for potassium sorbate and 5.0–830.0 ng mL^− 1 (R² &gt;0.9998) for sodium benzoate were confirmed in intricate food samples, exhibiting negligible matrix influence. The enrichment factors were calculated to be 143.5 and 103.6, respectively, highlighting the method’s excellent preconcentration performance. The facemask substrate improved mass transfer efficiency owing to its extensive surface area, while the amine solvents facilitated selective extraction. The method adheres to green chemistry principles by decreasing organic solvents relative to conventional liquid-liquid extraction. Recoveries ranging from 95.0% to 100.4% from spiked beverages and processed foods validated its precision and reliability. This method integrates economic efficiency, operational ease, and ecological sustainability. The system adheres to critical standards in food control laboratories by facilitating rapid testing (about 2&#xa0;min), requiring minimal equipment, and efficiently repurposing waste materials from the pandemic.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>