Plastic wrap is usually something we reach for to cover leftovers or keep food from drying out. But that roll in your kitchen drawer can come in handy for plenty of other household tasks, from packing for a trip to handling small painting projects.
Its clingy texture makes it useful for keeping things covered, holding items together, and preventing certain messes. Here are 11 practical plastic wrap tricks that are worth trying around the house.
Wrap Paint Brushes Between Coats
If you need to take a break while painting, wrap your brushes or rollers tightly in plastic wrap to keep the paint from drying out. This can save you from washing your tools between coats, though it’s best for short breaks rather than long-term storage.
Keep Banana Stems Covered
Some people wrap the stems of a banana bunch in plastic wrap to slow down ripening. The results can vary, but it may help bananas last a little longer, especially if you tend to buy more than you can eat in a few days.
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Protect Refrigerator Shelves From Spills
A small spill inside the refrigerator can turn into an annoying cleanup job, particularly on shelves with sticky food residue. Plastic wrap might seem like an easy liner, but it can block airflow or interfere with temperature control, so check your refrigerator manual before covering any surfaces.
Prevent Toiletry Bottles From Leaking
Shampoo, lotion, and other toiletries can make a mess inside your suitcase if their caps come loose. Remove the cap, place a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening, and screw the cap back on before putting the bottle inside a sealed travel bag.
Keep Jewelry From Getting Tangled
Necklaces and bracelets can easily become knotted when they’re packed together in a travel bag. Lay each piece flat on plastic wrap, leave some space between them, and cover with another sheet to help keep everything in place.
Help Keep Leftover Paint From Drying Out
A layer of dried paint around the rim can make an opened paint can difficult to close properly. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening before replacing the lid, then press the lid down securely and store the can according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep Paint Rollers From Drying Between Sessions
If you plan to continue painting the following day, wrap the roller tightly in plastic wrap to limit its exposure to air. Store it according to the paint manufacturer’s recommendations, and keep it away from food and food-storage areas.
Make a Simple Fruit Fly Trap
Fruit flies tend to gather around ripe fruit, vinegar, and other sweet-smelling foods. Pour a little apple cider vinegar into a cup, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke a few small holes in the top so the flies can get inside but have trouble escaping.
Keep Flower Stems Moist During a Trip Home
Fresh flowers can start wilting if their cut stems sit without water for too long. Wrap the stems in a damp paper towel, cover the towel with plastic wrap, and place the flowers in water as soon as you get home.
Make a Mug More Spill-Resistant
If you need to carry a drink in an ordinary mug, stretch plastic wrap across the opening and secure it around the rim. You can make a small opening for a straw, but this isn’t leakproof, so use a proper travel cup for car rides or drinks carried in a bag.
Help Lettuce Stay Crisp in the Refrigerator
Lettuce can wilt quickly if it loses too much moisture or sits in excess water. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly, place them in a storage container with a paper towel, and cover the container with plastic wrap to help keep the leaves fresh.
