Before you toss out an empty bottle of cooking oil, take a moment to remove the plastic handle. With just a little creativity and a few small adjustments, that simple handle can become an incredibly handy tool that helps you solve many small problems around the house.

How to Remove and Prepare the Handle

Before you reuse the handle, you’ll need to detach it from the bottle. The process is quite simple. If you look closely, you’ll see that the handle is usually attached to the bottle neck with several small plastic teeth. Using a small knife or pair of scissors, gently loosen those teeth one by one until the handle slides off easily.

Once removed, wash it thoroughly with warm, soapy water to eliminate any oil residue or dirt. Let it dry completely before use—this will prevent stickiness and keep it looking neat. After that, you’re ready to explore all the clever things this little piece of plastic can do!

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1. Save Closet Space

Over time, the number of clothes in your wardrobe just keeps growing, making it hard to find room for everything. Instead of buying extra hangers or storage organizers, you can use the oil bottle handle to double your hanging space.

Simply attach the handle to a hanger and hook another hanger through the circular part of the handle. This lets you hang two pieces of clothing in the space of one. It’s an incredibly smart and space-saving trick—perfect for small apartments or shared closets.

If you have several handles, you can also place them along your closet rod before reinstalling it. Then, hang scarves, ties, or belts directly onto the handles. It keeps accessories organized and easy to reach without cluttering your main hanger space.

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2. A Drying Spot for Sponges and Steel Wool

Kitchen sponges and steel wool scrubbers are essential cleaning tools, but when left damp on the counter, they can quickly grow mold and produce an unpleasant odor. A clever solution is to repurpose an oil bottle handle as a mini drying rack.

Just attach the handle to the wall or side of your kitchen cabinet using strong double-sided tape or adhesive hooks, then hang your sponges or scrubbers through it. The design allows air to circulate freely, helping them dry faster and stay cleaner for longer.

This not only keeps your sink area tidy but also extends the life of your cleaning tools.

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3. Organize Cooking Utensils

If your kitchen drawers are overflowing with spoons, ladles, or strainers, here’s another easy hack. Use hot glue or sturdy tape to attach an oil bottle handle to your kitchen wall or backsplash. Once secured, slide your utensils into the handle opening.

This quick DIY creates a simple, inexpensive utensil rack that helps you keep your tools within reach while cooking. It’s functional, minimalist, and easy to remove when you need to clean.

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4. A Temporary Phone Stand

Sometimes you just need a quick phone stand—for example, when you’re following a cooking video, video calling, or watching something while doing chores. Instead of buying one, simply bend the handle slightly backward so that it forms a small base.

Press down the two diagonal ridges on the circular part of the handle to stabilize it, and voilà—you have a temporary yet surprisingly sturdy phone holder. It’s lightweight, portable, and can be adjusted to your preferred viewing angle.

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5. Extra Ideas for Creative Reuse

• Cable management: Use the handle to hold and organize long cords or charging cables.

• Bathroom organization: Attach it near the sink to hang toothbrushes or small towels.

• DIY decorations: Paint or wrap the handle in colorful tape and use it in craft projects or kids’ DIY activities.

• Plant care: Hang small garden tools or even label your plant pots using the handle as a tag holder.

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Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the most ordinary household items have hidden potential that we overlook. The handle from a used cooking oil bottle may seem insignificant, but with a bit of creativity, it can help you organize, decorate, and make your living space more efficient.

Next time you finish a bottle of oil, don’t rush to throw it away—look at that small piece of plastic as a chance to reduce waste and add convenience to your daily life.