If you’re like me, TikTok has become a go-to source for tidbits of wisdom and quirky life hacks that manage to get you hooked. However, it’s not too often that one of these hacks permeates beyond the realm of amusing videos, and into our daily lives. One such rare gem of a hack, however, has become an unstoppable force in my kitchen.
We’re not talking about trendy recipes like the baked feta pasta or the feta fried eggs, though. While these are delish, they don’t fall into the category of ‘hack.’ A hack has to simplify your life and leave you wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?” And that’s precisely what this hack does – it’s related to a familiar kitchen item: the humble ketchup bottle.
Now, I know you’re thinking, what’s so life-changing about a ketchup bottle? Well, here’s the story. My husband introduced me to the idea of repurposing a ketchup bottle as an oil dispenser. Ridiculous, right? That was my reaction too. However, eager to try it out, we emptied, cleaned, and filled a Heinz bottle with vegetable oil. Now, several months down the line, it’s safe to say there’s no turning back.
To make it clear – this isn’t just any old ketchup bottle. It’s the kind with an inverted design and a unique seal – the cross-shaped silicone valve. This distinctive structure has solved an issue that was long an annoyance in our kitchen: the greasiness left by vegetable oil bottles in our pantry cupboard. The smooth flow of oil, regulated by the bottle’s design, eliminates the chances of over-pouring, stops any excess oil from dripping down the sides, and keeps the cap squeaky clean.
Needless to say, the days of annoyingly greasy pantry shelves and slippery oil bottles are long gone. And the best part? The oil dispensing process is now entirely mess-free. Just apply light pressure if you need a small amount and voila – your perfect measure of oil is ready for use.
I’m sure you’re curious to try it out, so here’s how you go at it. First, empty a ketchup bottle and clean it thoroughly. This means inside and out – again, we don’t want any lingering ketchup flavor in our oil. Then dry it out completely. This drying part is pivotal; it’s crucial to get rid of every last droplet of water before you pour in the oil. Once it’s all dry, decant your oil into the clean ketchup bottle. Using a funnel can help make this process much smoother.
That’s it – a simple, yet practical hack that might not be as glamourous as some viral food fads, but definitely proves to be more helpful in the day-to-day life in the kitchen. As for the messy pantry shelves and the dread of the inevitable oil-spill clean-up? They are tales from the past. Now, every time I reach out for that ketchup-turned-oil-bottle, I’m reminded of how the simplest ideas can truly transform our everyday life. It’s a neat little reminder that sometimes, think you out of the bottle, and everything will fall into place.
So, folks, next time you empty a ketchup bottle, think twice before trashing it. You may have just found your next favorite kitchen hack. And trust me, once you try this, you’ll be wondering what took you so long to get onboard the ketchup-bottle-as-an-oil-dispenser train. Just remember the golden rule of selection – the bottle design matters! Make sure you opt for the inverted style with the cross-shaped silicone valve for the cleanest and most efficient results.
Happy cooking and happy hacking! Here’s hoping that your kitchen endeavors are greased up perfectly, sans the mess, thanks to a little ketchup bottle that could!
