Repurposing lids of various types and depths underneath jars and bottles that tend to drip will help keep your pantry shelves cleaner. Also, note rubber band around oil bottle, second from left. Photo by Laura Groch

Labor Day now having come and gone, it’s fitting to post something about reducing one’s labors in the kitchen. So, time for a thrifty/nifty pair of hints:

Next time you are ready to toss a jar or container with a sturdy, fair-sized and relatively deep lid, wash it and hang onto it for a while. (Note: Do not save more than three. Just saying.) These make great “coasters” for various bottles and jars that tend to drip and make a mess in the fridge or pantry. Yes, olive oil bottle, I’m talking to you. And also to your pals vinegar and pancake syrup.

In my pantry I’ve got the aforementioned bottles nestled in leftover lids. They keep my pantry shelves clean and are easily cleaned themselves.

Also, being able to hold onto bottles and jars prevents slips and spills. I routinely slip a rubber band (or two, depending on thickness) over bottles and jars that might tend to slip out of my hand. This especially works for refrigerated bottles, as they tend to start getting wet and slippery with condensation as soon as you remove them from the fridge.

The rubber-band trick also helps give you a bit more grip when you need to unscrew stubborn caps.

And if you enjoy visiting bars and breweries and wineries and have a collection of coasters that you’re not using, this is a good way to put them into action, too. They won’t contain a drip the way a lid can, but they can help keep a pantry or fridge or bathroom counter surface clean. (Um, hair spray can that rusts on the bottom?) Plus, you get to see them and enjoy them, for a while anyway, instead of shoving them in a drawer and having them get in your way when you’re really after batteries or adhesive tape or thumbtacks (what’s in YOUR junk drawer?). So use them and enjoy them, that’s my philosophy these days. ;<)