Turn Your Woven Trash Cans Into A Clever Kitchen Gadget

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Like most kitchen gadgets, you probably don't think about a food cover until you need one. Maybe you've set up a beautiful buffet on the dining room table and your cat is suddenly eying the nearby plate of smoked salmon, or you're out having a picnic when the bees swing by to check out the watermelon. All of a sudden, you need something to protect your dishes. The good news is you probably already have what you need to whip together a stylish DIY food cover: a repurposed woven trash can and a drawer pull.

You read that right: as TikToker @redeux_style shows in her video, you can upcycle a woven trash can into a food cover straight out of a magazine shoot by simply screwing the drawer pull on the outside of the bottom. The key is in the weave: smaller, tighter weaves (think the kind you can't see through) can help keep your food safe from bugs when eating outside, as well as protecting it from dirt, pollen, and whatever else may be floating by. Baskets with larger weaves work as well, but are more suited to use indoors instead of your backyard cookout.

Examine the basket weave at the bottom to make sure it's tight and doesn't have any damage. This ensures that the basket's structure can support being moved around by a drawer pull. Then, give your basket a good clean, even if it's new (and especially if it's used). If it's new, dust it with a feather duster or rag. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to get into the nooks. Have an old wicker basket? Don't toss it. Instead, wipe it down with a wood-friendly cleaner, like Method Daily Wood Cleaner, rinse, and let dry. To remove any mildew, mix together 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar.

@redeux_style

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Installing your drawer pulls is simple: Remove the backing, push it through the outside bottom of the basket, then reach inside to tighten the backing into place. When you pick it up, it should feel secure. If not, tighten the backing or pick a new spot for the pull.

While this DIY leans more towards boho or eclectic, it's easy to match it to your kitchen with your trusty spray paint. Add a layer of primer spray paint first, then two coats of paint to the basket. Use metal-friendly paint to give your drawer pulls a little polish, too.