Is Your Drain Strainer A Constant Eyesore? Try This Clever Thrift Store Solution

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A drain strainer is a must for any kitchen sink. It's one of the top ways to prevent clogs in sinks without garbage disposals. The fixture blocks large pieces of food from slipping into your plumbing and getting lodged there. The only problem with these handy contraptions is that they're not so pretty to look at. Fortunately, for homeowners wanting to keep the cooking area aesthetically pleasing, there is a solution. Find a cute candy dish or tea bowl at the thrift store, put your drain strainer inside, and set it beside your sink.

In fact, any small container with a lid can tuck this utilitarian kitchen tool out of sight when it's not in use. Most strainers have a diameter of 3½ to 4½ inches, so whatever dish you find at the thrift store needs to be at least that size. Measure, too, the space between your countertop wall and the rim of the sink to make sure your thrift find will fit. Dishes with a narrow foot work best. Place the bowl on the counter, pop the strainer inside, put the lid on, and voila! This idea can work with pretty much any kitchen design. Lean into the country kitchen feel by utilizing a small ceramic French confit pot complete with poultry motif. Take the look in a more modern or minimalist direction with a sleek ceramic tea bowl in matte black.

Scoured the thrift store shelves and still can't find a lidded vessel that matches your existing kitchen décor? There are plenty of creative ways to repurpose a candy dish around your house, but this particular upcycle leaves lots of room for personalization. For example, a cheap tube of paint, like Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint, in a color you prefer goes a long way when revitalizing an outdated thrift store find. Paint the container in a single hue for a pop of color, decorate it with polka dots, or adorn it with Gosknor Wildflower Stencils to bring nature into your kitchen. Once the paint has dried, cover it with clear acrylic spray sealer to ensure a scratch-free finish.

This clever and affordable storage hack that frees up precious counter space works for hiding away other small, unsightly sink-side accessories, too. Everything from scrubbies and steel wool to pan scrapers and sink plugs can be stashed inside, depending on the size of the dish. Whatever's inside, clean the container often. Drain strainers should be quick-cleaned weekly and deep cleaned monthly using a coin and paper towels. It makes sense that you would clean the container at the same time. Spritz it with household bleach or vinegar diluted in water, scrub it briefly, and rinse it clean.