5 Things To Do with Colanders
Updated: Oct. 04, 2018A colander is great for straining pasta, but that’s not the only thing it can do. Here are five other interesting household uses for this common kitchen item.
1. Use Colanders to Prevent Grease Splatters
Sick of cleaning grease splatters off the stovetop after cooking your famous burgers? Prevent them by inverting a large metal colander over the frying pan. The holes will let heat escape but the colander will trap the splatters. However, be careful, as the metal colander will be hot-use an oven mitt or tea towel to remove it.
2. Use Colanders to Heat Pasta
Does your pasta get cold too fast after it’s been served up? To keep it warmer longer, heat the serving bowl first. Place a colander in the bowl, pour the pasta and water into the colander and let the hot water stand in the bowl for a few seconds to heat it. Pour out the water, add the pasta and sauce, and you’re ready to serve.
3. Use Colanders to Organize Bathtub Toys
Don’t let the bathtub look like another messy toy box. After each bath, collect your child’s small bath toys in a large colander and store it on the edge of the tub. The water will drain from the toys, and they’ll be neatly stowed away for next time.
4. Use Colanders as Sand Toys
Forget spending money on expensive sand toys for your budding archaeologist. A simple, inexpensive plastic colander is perfect for digging at the beach or in the sandpit.
5. Use Colanders Keep Berries and Grapes Fresh
Do your berries and grapes get mouldy before you’ve had the chance to enjoy them? To keep them fresh for longer, store them in a colander-not a closed plastic container-in the refrigerator. The cold air will circulate through the holes in the colander, keeping them fresh for days.