I was thinking of posting this tip, when another reader asked the very question, so here goes: Save the containers that grocery and consumable items come in and repurpose them!
Here are a few examples:
When you wash a lidded container, even though you dry it, before you store it, place a paper towel in it, then close the lid. This will absorb excess moisture until you are ready to use it,and will also prevent rust on metal canning jar lids stored on their jars.
By Gloria Hayes from Darien, GA
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Thanks for some good ideas.
I found, by accident, that the huge jars of pickles are so much cheaper, $1 more than a large jar from the regular selection shelf. The jars are perfect for new canisters because they hold so much.
Love hibbardg's suggestion about the pickle jars. Did you know that you can close the jar up with a piece of newspaper (the more black in on the paper the better) and the pickle smell will be gone in a few days.
Also, the net onion bags make wonderful scrubbies. just accordian fold them, about 2 inch folds, and tie tightly in the middle with a piece of string (I use the string taken from the bottom of the sack).
I'm adding to my own post; he he he!
The big gallon pickle jars make wonderful sun tea jars,and for extra oomph, a rubber band and saran wrap instead of the lid lets in more sun, and if you put a mirror underneath,i t seems the tea is stronger, and how about coffee creamer containers for garden seed storage and applicator all in one!
Of late I have been cutting my empties down to use for craft stuff! I get so messy but try to stay on top of it. I covered a box to fit these in the picture with contact paper so all them can be loaded out of the way in a wink!
Very nice tips. I save all these containers and think hmm what could I do with this ? Now I have a few more ideas, thanks.
Great ideas, with the exception of reusing meat trays. Plastic and Styrofoam are porous and unless soaked in something like bleach, they would never be 100% clean/safe.
Maryeileen: why would the meat trays have to be "safe" to use them for winding fishing line, christmas lights, extension cords and the like?
Dolly...I guess I was just thinking that bacteria could grow on them which would get on anything they touch. Please see this related ThriftyFun link:
www.thriftyfun.com/
Maryeileen, I went to the link and read through the posts, and again. The emphasis was placed on the lady using the trays in ways which caused food to contact the tray itself. After a tray is washed, dried, and allowed to have air and/or light circulating around it for even a few days, there is no way any bacteria could be a threat for a non-food use, as I have used them for.
Another use for the green strawberry containers is in the garden - turn them upside down over your small plants to protect from the strong sun, wind and "critters" until they are established. I have done this for years!
I love all this, you and I think the same! I get a glint in my eye when I see a container and think how to reuse it!
I like to use the large rectangle containers from cascade or other pillow pack detergents under my kitchen sink to hold swiffer cloths and dusters, unused sponges, cleaning rags, SOS pads, or any other small under the sink items that are difficult to store in their original cardboard packaging. The containers are all the same size so they stack nicely.
Also, for those who have qualms about the meat tray issue... fruit is also sometimes sold packaged on these trays... just use those instead.
You can use meat trays for insulation behind outlets instead of buying them.
Ok ladies, here's a great way to store your heating bed wires, or extra cables to games not being used, my hubby loves pickles. I buy the huge jar from GFS. These containers are pretty sturdy. I would even consider putting my lights in the there. But only 1- you don't want tangles. However if you place wrapping paper over them then you can add another set of lights.
LABEL all "re-purpose" containers. Even if you can remember everything you stored and in which container, other people have no clue as to what is now in an old container. LABEL IT!
To ID the contents put a strip of frosted tape on top and write the contents and date on it with a magic marker. Or just write on the container. I always draw some lines through the name of the original contents if I can't remove the label
I spray paint the lids on my glass jars to cover any manufacturer's print or pictures.
Green plastic berry baskets are useful to keep tomatoes and onions from rolling around in the fridge.
Rectangular baby wipes boxes are what I use for all my fingernail polish bottles. I probably have at least 30 bottles because I use it to paint hair clips.
The clear, clam shell cake and cookie containers are a great way to store unfinished projects like polymer clay. Keeps the dust off.
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