How to Store Tongs Safely in the Kitchen Drawer: 5 Steps [DIY]

Storing tongs safely in your kitchen drawer is not just about keeping things neat. It’s also about ensuring easy accessibility and minimizing mishaps in the kitchen.

The process of storing tongs in the kitchen drawer involves using a cardboard tube to keep them securely in place. But before you tuck your tongs away, cleaning and drying them thoroughly is the initial key to maintaining their condition.

After that, you will need to place the tongs into the cardboard tube and store them safely in your kitchen drawer.

We will discuss in detail how to store tongs safely in the kitchen drawer and the best way to organize tongs when storing them.

How to Store Tongs Safely in the Kitchen Drawer: Steps to Follow

Here are the steps you need to follow in order to safely store tongs in your kitchen drawer:

• Step 1: Gather all the materials needed
• Step 2: Clean and dry your tongs
• Step 3: Prepare the cardboard tube
• Step 4: Insert the tongs into the cardboard tube
• Step 5: Store the tongs in the drawer

Step 1: Gather All the Materials Needed

Before storing your tongs, gather all of the necessary materials. As a result, you will have everything at your disposal and ready to go at all times, saving you time and effort.

You’ll need a pair of kitchen tongs and an empty cardboard tube from a paper towel or plastic wrap roll.

Ensure that the cardboard tube is slightly larger than the closed length of your tongs, allowing them to fit snugly and safely inside.

Step 2: Clean and Dry Your Tongs

Now, thoroughly rinse and dry them after cleaning to ensure they’re ready for safe storage in the kitchen drawer. There are several ways in which you can clean your tongs.

One method is to simply use the soap method. Fill a sink or a basin with hot water. Add a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap to the water.

Submerge your kitchen tongs in the soapy water. Allow them to soak for a few minutes to loosen any food residue.

After that, use a rough sponge or a brush to scrub away any remaining grime or residue. Rinse the tongs thoroughly with clean water. Dry them completely using a clean towel.

You may also use natural solutions. Prepare a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and lemon juice.

Submerge your tongs in this solution and let them soak for a while. Use a sponge or brush to scrub away any dirt or grime gently.

Ensure the tongs are rinsed with clean water to remove any residue. Use a clean towel to dry them thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cardboard Tube

After cleaning and drying your tongs, it’s time to prepare the cardboard tube. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a utility knife to make a clean, straight cut across the tube.

Ensure that the cut is even and free from any jagged edges to prevent any potential safety hazards when inserting the tongs.

When cutting the cardboard tube, ensure the length is a little longer than the closed length of your tongs to ensure the tube is properly prepared for safe storage.

Step 4: Insert the Tongs Into the Cardboard Tube

Ensure your tongs are closed securely before inserting them into the cardboard tube. If your tongs have a built-in locking feature, simply lock them by raising the arms and pressing them together.

But, some tongs may not have a locking feature. In this case, you can use a plastic ring from a screw-top bottle to secure the tongs.

Slide the plastic ring up the handle from the hinge end of the tongs to lock them. After locking the tongs, slide them into the cardboard tube, ensuring that they fit snugly without any movement.

Step 5: Store the Tongs in the Drawer

After placing the tongs inside the cardboard tube, it is now time to store them safely in your kitchen drawer. You can place the tube horizontally or vertically in the drawer, depending on the available space.

How to Organize Tongs When Storing in the Kitchen Drawer?

When organizing your tongs in the kitchen drawer, you have to consider several things.

1. Placement

When organizing your tongs, you have to consider their placement. It’s not just about throwing them in any available spot. 

You want to make sure your tongs are easily accessible so you don’t have to disrupt the rest of your kitchen tools when needed.

Placing your tongs towards the front of your drawer is a good practice. This ensures that they are within easy reach when you need to use them.

Additionally, keeping them in the front makes them visible and allows you to quickly grab them without having to search through other utensils.

2. Orientation

Another crucial factor to consider when organizing tongs is their orientation. You must ensure that all tongs face the same direction within the cardboard tube.

Otherwise, they’ll shift around and create an unsightly and disorganized mess. This is particularly important when you have multiple tongs of various sizes in the same holder.

3. Separation

In addition to proper placement and orientation, separation is also essential when storing tongs in the kitchen drawer. Mixing tongs with other utensils within the drawer creates a cluttered look, making it difficult to find and access your tongs.

That’s why it’s a good idea to use dividers or organizers to create separate sections for different utensils. This will prevent tongs from mingling with other kitchen tools, such as spoons, spatulas, and knives. It will also make finding the tongs you need easier, quickly and efficiently.

FAQ’s: How to Store Tongs Safely in the Kitchen Drawer

We found that many homeowners have questions regarding the storage of tongs in the kitchen drawer. The following are some of the questions we think you may find helpful.

How can I prevent my tongs from rusting while storing them in the kitchen drawer?

To prevent your tongs from rusting while storing them in your kitchen drawer, you should keep them dry and moisture-free.

You can place a moisture-absorbing packet or silica gel inside the drawer to reduce humidity. Applying a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil to the metal parts can also help create a protective barrier against moisture.

Can I wash my tongs in the dishwasher?

You can usually wash your tongs in the dishwasher. Most tongs, especially those made from stainless steel, are dishwasher safe.

However, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions or any specific care recommendations that came with your tongs, as materials and design can vary. Some tongs may have additional components like wooden handles or non-stick coatings that a dishwasher’s high heat and water pressure could damage.

If your tongs are dishwasher safe, it’s generally a convenient and effective way to clean them. Nevertheless, hand washing with mild detergent and warm water is a gentler alternative to prolong their lifespan and maintain their appearance.

What are the different types of tongs available for cooking and grilling?

There are a variety of tongs are available for cooking and grilling, each suited to different tasks and environments.

Some common types of tongs include salad tongs, pasta tongs, serving tongs, ice tongs, scissor tongs, plating tongs, flat tongs, locking tongs, utility tongs, BBQ tongs, pom tongs, and coated tongs.

Salad tongs are ideal for gently serving salads, while ice tongs are intended for picking up ice cubes. Serving tongs are multi-functional and suitable for a variety of serving needs, and scissor tongs have a scissor-like mechanism for precise control.

Pasta tongs have teeth or prongs for gripping pasta while locking tongs can be securely closed for easy storage.

Plating tongs are used for delicate plating tasks, flat tongs are suitable for turning food in a pan, and utility tongs are all-purpose tongs for various cooking applications. 

BBQ tongs are designed for grilling, and pom tongs are used for garnishes, and coated tongs have protective coatings for non-stick cookware. These diverse tongs cater to a wide range of cooking and grilling requirements, making them indispensable kitchen tools.

What’s the ideal length for the cardboard tube when storing tongs?

When storing tongs, the length of the cardboard tube depends on the size of your tongs and your storage preferences.

Tongs come in various sizes, typically ranging from 6 inches for small kitchen tasks to longer versions, like 12 inches, which are versatile for indoor and outdoor grilling.

For general kitchen use, a cardboard tube extending slightly beyond your tongs’ closed length is recommended, ensuring a snug fit without forcing them. This size, often around 12-14 inches, accommodates most tongs while securely storing them in the kitchen drawer.

However, if you primarily use longer tongs for grilling, consider a longer tube that matches their size for convenient and safe storage.

Conclusion

Storing tongs properly in your kitchen drawer is essential for maintaining a well-organized and efficient cooking space.

Cleaning your tongs, preparing the cardboard tube, and arranging their placement will ensure your tongs are always at your fingertips. Using proper organization techniques, such as using dividers or hooks, you can ensure your tongs are easily accessible and free from damage.

To prevent rusting, ensure your tongs are completely dry before storing them, and consider applying a light coat of oil. While hand-washing tongs is generally recommended, some dishwasher-safe options are available.

Taking care of your tongs will help them last longer and make your cooking experience more enjoyable.