This may sound like a silly tip, but this proved to be very handy when we were camping with friends once, and I found that it works equally well at home.
there are times when you need to cover a dish with food in it and just do not have the proper size lid, or a way to hold a cover on it easily. Here is a solution. Go to a dollar or similar type store, and find a package of thin plastic hair caps, used when dying hair, or for various covers where access to air is not necessary. We used to buy them and there were a bunch rolled up in each of 8 rolls, i think. You will find that these will stretch over a large area when necessary, or if you need to use toothpicks to keep them up off of a frosted cake, they are light enough to do that without pressing down. They will fit over so many odd shaped things, even things with handles, and slip down over the handle, closing the area against the body of the container.
We now go to a supply store for beauty shops, which we are told are quite common in any area, and get larger packs of them, and of course they are reusable, contrary to the plastic you rip off the roll and try to make stay on something. Just swish around in sudsy water, same with rinse water, and lay over a hanging towel or use a clothespin to hang up to dry.
Source: A good friend and neighbor that, I believe, came up with it herself.
I have been buying them at a local Dollar Store. "Everything's a Dollar" They are they are made for covering bowl of food, etc. There are about 30 in a box and 3 different sizes (for $1). They are really great and some of them will fit over a plate of food, which is nice if you want to fix a plate and put it in the fridge. Also, I put them in the washer with my dish towels, etc. and also the dryer and they come out fine so you can reuse them.
Yes, they work so great, a elderly friend of mine told me about it a couple of years ago, and she told me to get them at a dollar store, they do save money in the long haul.
This pages has been archived 2 times. You can view older posts and feedback below.
Tip: Cheap Shower Caps for Food Covers (10/29/2009)
Instead of buying the expensive elasticized bowl covers that are so handy, go to the dollar store and buy the shower caps.
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Tip: Cheap Shower Caps for Food Covers
Archived on 10/29/2009
Instead of buying the expensive elasticized bowl covers that are so handy, go to the dollar store and buy the shower caps. You get 10 to 12 of these in a package so it makes them very economical. I use them over and over. I rinse them and dry them over a container. After several uses, I just toss.
By Elaine from Belle Plaine, Iowa
Feedback:
RE: Cheap Shower Caps for Food Covers
Personally, I would not use any non-food grade plastic with food. That's probably why they're so cheap. (10/17/2007)
I think this is one of the "best" ideas ever and it so makes sense. Thanks for sharing. Also, when we went and stayed in motels when on vacation, there was always a couple shower caps in the bathroom in a sealed package. Makes me glad I took them home with me. :) (10/17/2007)
Food safe plastic will have one of these numbers stamped into it. If it does not have a number, do not use.
Here is an internet site that can help explain about nasty plastic leaching.
I'm not too worried about the plastic chemicals leeching out and getting into my food. Geez, there are so many other food dangers in this world to be concerned with. It's just a cover-- I'm not gonna eat the darned thing.
Great Idea! (03/29/2008)
By Steve
RE: Cheap Shower Caps for Food Covers
Does anyone know where I can buy shower caps made of a food grade plastic,preferably something durable that I can wash and reuse. I love these things and would like to be able to use them safely on my food. Whatever you can tell me , would be appreciated (08/19/2008)
You know those elasticized plastic covers that you can buy for covering bowls in the refrigerator? I just found that my favorite dollar store sells eight shower caps for--yes--one dollar! They fit the top of the largest container, and they are also the ideal covering for a cut watermelon. Both sturdy and washable, they also come in a variety of designer pastel colors (-: I don't know how much those other covers cost, but I'll bet you can't get eight for a dollar.
Sharon
Feedback:
RE: Shower-Cap Food Covers
Show-caps are NOT made of food appropriate plastic and should NOT be used on food products. The FDA allows only certain materials to be used in and around food. There could be a film on the caps or it may release odors that would contaminate any food in contact with the shower cap. (08/09/2004)
By Cheryl from Missouri
RE: Shower-Cap Food Covers
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the feedback. Darn it! I thought it was such a great idea. . . Sharon (08/11/2004)
I have used them for years and years. Just wash them good in hot soapy water first . Nearly everything we touch in this world can be bad for us if we don't use good sense!! (09/07/2004)
o need to buy those expensive plastic food covers, Most dollar stores sell disposable shower caps. You can get like a dozen of them for a buck. These are SO very handy. HUGE savings.
By Kimberly Birdsall (06/27/2005)
Cool - I'm going to use them for my self-cleaning litterbox. The brand-name bags cost a lot - and these will work just fine! (12/09/2005)
By cheap chick
RE: Cheap Shower Caps for Food Covers
I have been looking for those shower cap-like plastic covers for years now. I remember them from when I was a kid. The disposable ones that are sold in the grocery stores are way too expensive and one throws them away. The ones my mother had were reusable. Does anyone know where I can buy them?
Thanks. (01/02/2006)
By Elizabeth
RE: Cheap Shower Caps for Food Covers
Thank you, thank you! I bought the plastic covers at Walmart for a time then suddenly they were gone, (discontinued I guess, No one seems to know) I don't remember who made them. I cannot find them in the grocery stores. Your solution is a good one. (05/03/2006)
By JoAnne Wray
RE: Cheap Shower Caps for Food Covers
They also make good covers for Leather Bicycle saddles! Sure beats the $10-20.00 price tag for a cover made flor the purpose and works as well! At 8 for a $, I can buy a whole lot of them! (05/07/2007)
By Tom Stormcrowe
RE: Cheap Shower Caps for Food Covers
They also make good covers for Leather Bicycle saddles! Sure beats the $10-20.00 price tag for a cover made flor the purpose and works as well! At 8 for a $, I can buy a whole lot of them! (05/07/2007)
By Tom Stormcrowe
RE: Cheap Shower Caps for Food Covers
I thought I was the only one searching for these silly wonderful time savers. Why did they stop making them? I went to Australia & found some made by BAYSIKS (9 for $2) & I brought home 6 packs & am ready to find more. (10/16/2007)
