If you’ve ever bought cooking oil in bulk or large cans, you’ve probably come across those oddly shaped plastic or metal handles attached to the barrels. Most people toss them into the trash without a second thought. But did you know that the oil barrel handle can be incredibly useful in your kitchen?
Here’s why you should never throw away the oil barrel handle — and how you can repurpose it for everyday kitchen hacks that will save you time, effort, and even money.
🧩 1. Instant Pot or Pan Lifter
Struggling to lift heavy pots or awkward hot lids without burning yourself? That oil handle fits snugly under many pot rims and gives you the leverage to lift them safely — especially useful when draining pasta or pouring hot liquids.
🧺 2. Reusable Bag Hanger
Turn the handle into a plastic bag holder for grocery bags or food waste bags. Hook it onto a drawer, cabinet, or even a shelf edge — easy, clean, and surprisingly sturdy.
🧂 3. Spice Rack Organizer
Use the handle as a divider or mini-rack for storing small spice jars. It fits perfectly in drawers and keeps bottles from rolling around. You can even hang small spice containers from it if you get creative with hooks!
♻️ 4. Kitchen Towel or Paper Towel Holder
Stretch a roll of paper towels through the oil handle and hang it inside a cabinet, under a shelf, or even from a wall hook. It’s space-saving and makes it easy to tear off a sheet with one hand.
🧴 5. Cleaning Bottle Carrier
Group your dish soap, sponges, and cleaning sprays together by hooking them into or through the oil handle — making it a portable kitchen cleaning caddy. Easy to grab and move around.
🌱 6. Mini Plant Hanger or Herb Dryer
Dry herbs or hang mini pots of basil or mint using the oil handle as a base. Just hang it near a window or kitchen balcony — functional and decorative!
⚠️ 7. Lid Holder While Cooking
Use the handle to prop up pot lids when you need them off but don’t want to place them on the counter. It helps prevent mess and saves space.
🤯 Who Knew a Plastic Handle Could Do So Much?
It turns out that something as simple as an oil barrel handle can have dozens of kitchen uses. From organizing to cooking to cleaning, this overlooked item is a sustainability win — and a hidden helper.
😹 Bonus Tip: Give It to the Cat!
Tie a toy or string to it, and it becomes an instant DIY cat toy holder. Your feline friend will thank you — and you’ll get a break from entertaining them yourself.
👉 Don’t throw it out. Use it smart!
If you found this tip useful, share it with friends — or better yet, comment below and tell us how YOU reused your oil barrel handle. You might inspire the next great kitchen hack!
