Plastic wrap usually gets tossed into a kitchen drawer and forgotten until it’s time to cover leftovers. That thin sheet of cling film can actually come in handy for painting projects, travel, food storage, and a few everyday household problems.

Since it stretches, sticks, and creates a tight seal, plastic wrap can solve small messes without much work. Keep a roll nearby and try these simple uses the next time you need a quick fix.

Keep Paint Brushes Usable Between Breaks

If you need to stop painting for a few hours, wrap your brushes and rollers tightly in plastic wrap to keep the paint from drying. This lets you take a break without having to wash everything before you start again.

Slow Down Banana Ripening

Banana stems release gases that can speed up ripening. Wrapping the stems with plastic wrap can slow the process and give you a little more time before the bananas become too soft.

Protect Refrigerator Shelves

A spill inside the refrigerator can turn into an annoying cleanup job. Covering shelves with plastic wrap creates a removable layer that you can peel off and replace when it gets dirty.

Help Prevent Toiletry Spills During Travel

Shampoo, lotion, and other liquids can leak around bottle caps while packed in luggage. Place a small piece of plastic wrap over the bottle opening before putting the cap back on to create an extra barrier against leaks.

Keep Jewelry From Tangling

Necklaces and bracelets can quickly become a tangled mess inside a travel bag. Place each piece between sheets of plastic wrap and press around it gently to keep the jewelry separated until you reach your destination.

Seal Open Paint Cans Better

Paint can dry around the rim of an opened can, making it harder to close the lid tightly. Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the opening before putting the lid back on to create another layer between the paint and the air.

Extend the Life of Paint Rollers

If you plan to paint again soon, wrap the roller tightly in plastic wrap instead of washing it right away. Keeping the wrapped roller in the refrigerator can slow the drying process until you’re ready to use it again.

Trap Fruit Flies

Fruit flies are attracted to sweet liquids and the smell of fermenting fruit. Cover a small cup of vinegar or another suitable bait with plastic wrap, poke a few tiny holes in it, and the flies can get inside without easily finding their way back out.

Keep Flower Stems Fresh During Transport

Fresh-cut flowers can start to wilt if their stems dry out before they reach a vase. Wrap the cut ends in a damp paper towel, then cover the towel with plastic wrap to help hold in moisture during the trip.

Make a Spill-Resistant Cup

Plastic wrap can provide a quick cover for a cup when you want to reduce splashes and spills. Stretch it over the top and make a small opening for a straw, but keep in mind that it won’t turn an ordinary cup into a completely leakproof container.

Keep Lettuce Crisp Longer

Lettuce can wilt quickly when it loses moisture in the refrigerator. Place a damp paper towel over the leaves and cover the container with plastic wrap to help maintain a better balance of moisture.