Cling film is useful, but it's used once and thrown away, it rarely seals properly on steel bowls, and it tears or tangles when you pull it off the roll. If you store leftovers every day, a few reusable alternatives save money and plastic, and they're quicker too.
1. Stretch silicone lids
Stretch silicone lids are flexible silicone discs that stretch over the rim of a bowl and grip it. One set fits a range of round bowls, steel katoris, mugs, jars and tins.
- Choosing a size: pick a lid slightly smaller than the rim so it stretches snugly over it.
- Fridge and freezer: they're fridge and freezer friendly, so they work for leftovers, chutneys and batters.
- Cut fruit and vegetables: stretch a lid over half a lemon, onion or melon to keep the cut side covered.
- Cleaning: wash them in warm soapy water or on the top rack of a dishwasher.
They work best on round rims. On square containers, use the container's own lid.
2. Containers with their own lids
Steel dabbas and glass containers with matching lids are great for leftovers that need to stack in the fridge. Keep each lid with its container, and you'll never be left hunting for the right one.
3. A plate on top of a bowl
The oldest trick in the Indian kitchen still works for short-term storage in the fridge. It doesn't seal, though, so food dries out faster and can pick up fridge smells.
4. Beeswax wraps
Fabric wraps coated in wax can be moulded around cheese, bread or a sandwich. They need gentle washing in cool water and aren't meant for raw meat or hot food.
Tips for storing leftovers safely
- Let hot food cool for a short while before covering and refrigerating it, but don't leave it out for hours.
- Label anything you'll keep for more than a day with the date.
- Use cooked leftovers within a couple of days, and reheat them until piping hot.
Find more ways to keep your kitchen organised in our Storage & Organization collection.