By Gail Marsh
Plastic wrap can be frustrating to work with, so I’d decided to save space and aggravation by removing it from our RV. Then I remembered all the unusual ways that it comes in handy, and I pushed the box back into the RV kitchen drawer. Here’s hoping some of these tips and hacks will convince you to use plastic wrap while RVing, too.
Keep the RV fridge clean
I love this hack! Begin with clean refrigerator glass shelves. Cut plastic wrap a bit longer than the length of the fridge shelf and then apply the wrap. Smooth the surface and tuck the extra wrap under the shelf. If a spill occurs, simply remove and replace the plastic wrap. (Hint: This tip also works with RV shelves. I place cling wrap directly on the shelving and follow up by adding a “grippy” shelf liner.)
Protect your cell phone
We love hiking and biking as we travel in our RV. If there’s a chance for rain, we wrap our cell phones in the wrap. It protects the phones from potential water damage and the phones are still usable.
Keep bananas fresh
Wrap plastic wrap around the stem of a bunch of bananas. The wrap will keep bananas fresher longer. Some folks insist that wrapping the entire bunch of bananas will prevent ethylene from escaping and preserve bananas even longer. (I haven’t tried the total wrap idea. The stem wrap keeps them fresh enough for us because we eat bananas daily!)
Prevent spills
On travel days, I unscrew our shampoo bottles (and other containers of liquid) to place cling wrap over the mouth of the bottle. Then I replace the bottlecap. This ensures that liquids remain inside the bottles even if they tip over during travel. (Hint: Use this tip when packing a suitcase to prevent liquid from spilling on clothing.)
Stay warm
Plastic wrap applied over RV windows will help keep drafts out during frigid temps. Use painters’ tape to hold the wrap in place. (Hint: Do this when the glass and metal frame are dry.)
Trap fruit flies
Rid your rig of annoying fruit flies. Put a piece of fruit in the bottom of a cup. Cover the cup with plastic wrap. Use a pen to poke a small hole in the plastic. Fruit flies will be attracted to the fruit but will not be able to find their way out of the cup.
Hold tight to tools
If you wrap plastic wrap around hand tools (like a hammer) it will help you grip the handle better.
Keep ice cream fresher longer
Prevent ice crystals from forming on your ice cream. Tightly place plastic wrap over the container opening before placing the lid on the ice cream.
After-Christmas fun
Finally, we use plastic wrap for a fun holiday game appropriate for all ages. Go to your dollar store and purchase small, inexpensive items like lip balm, individually wrapped small candies, pencil/pens, packs of gum, and more. Begin by wrapping plastic wrap into the shape of a ball. Place one prize on the ball of wrap and then add a layer or two of additional wrap around it. Add another small prize on top of that and add another layer or two of plastic wrap. Continue in the same manner and keep rotating the plastic wrap and adding prizes until you form a large ball shape.
To play the game, you’ll need a stopwatch or someone to watch the clock. Give the plastic wrap ball to the first person. Explain that s/he will have ten seconds to unwrap part of the ball. During that time, the person may keep whatever prize(s) that’s released from the plastic wrap. (Hint: You can make the game more challenging by insisting that adults wear gloves while unwrapping.)
Use the comments to add more tips or hacks for using plastic wrap while RVing, please!
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I cut a piece of plastic wrap to fit the key pad on the microwave. It helps keep it clean.
As far as being hard to work with. We found a box that has a zipper type cutter instead of the traditional serrated metal one. You can pull it from the box and lay it out on the counter top or table and “zip’, it’s cut and ready to use.
BTW, we have reused this box many times. Just remove the new roll and put it in this box.
HI Bob: Do you have any info on that box?! PW is the most frustrating kitchen item I have to deal with. The typical factory box always wrinkles and tears the wrap rendering it useless. Walmart? Target? Thanks.
Hi, Doug. I get my plastic wrap from Costco (Kirkland brand, Stretch-Tite). It has the zipper-type cutter and doesn’t cling to itself too bad. Of course, being Costco, there’s quite a bit in one box (750′) so lasts for years (for me). And it’s very reasonably priced. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Thank you Diane… 750′ would last more years than I have left – I think!
I’ll check that out tho…….
Hi, Doug. Yep, I can’t remember how many years ago I bought mine, and I don’t think I’ll ever need to buy another roll.🤣 Have a great day.🤗 –Diane
Glad to hear that I wasn’t the only one…
We play the ball wrap every year at our Holiday party. We have 2 dice we play with and the person rolls until they get “DOUBLES”, then they get the ball. Then pass dice to next person in the circle. Goes fast, and gives everyone a chance to try! Cash is also a nice addition to the ball wrap!
Thank you for the hints, Gail! I hope that you had a good Christmas and a wonderful, blessed, and grand new year. Safe travels!
I use plastic wrap on my rolls of Christmas wrapping paper. It helps keep the rolls rolled up and doesn’t tear the paper like rubber bands can.
Who has ice cream around long enough for ice crystals to form ?
I after all these years and following the directions for tearing a clean sheet, end up with a mess in my hands.
I keep my scissors in my other hand.
Try using dice with the plastic wrap ball. The first person has to roll doubles to get the ball and so on. It’s hilarious watching both players. One trying to get the plastic off and the other trying to roll doubles to get the ball.