The Surprising Thrifted Item Designers Are Using as Spoon Rests (and It Works So Well)

If you’re an avid thrift store shopper, you know there is nothing more exciting than scoring a unique item that you won’t find during your average shopping trip. While you might keep your eyes peeled, looking for specific items to use at home, some pieces can be repurposed beyond their original use, and one item in particular could be flying under your radar: ashtrays.

Even if you’re not a smoker, ashtrays can be given new life as spoon rests for your kitchen. Vintage styles, large and small, can be the perfect dish to keep spoons, ladles, and other kitchen utensils from making a mess (and are likely much more unique and stylish than a typical spoon rest you find in your grocery store).

We spoke with a thrifting expert on why using ashtrays as spoon rests is worth considering, as well as how to clean and disinfect them before displaying them in your kitchen.

Why Ashtrays Work So Well as Spoon Rests

While ashtrays may seem like an unusual choice for a spoon rest, their function and style make them an ideal option.

“Ashtrays are designed to hold messy things, which makes them surprisingly perfect for holding messy kitchen tools,” explains Cait Barker, co-founder of Bessette, a vintage home goods and embroidery store.

“Their raised edges keep drips contained, their glazed surfaces wipe clean easily, and their compact footprint fits perfectly next to a stovetop while adding a bit of vintage charm.”

Naturally, different spoon sizes will require different-sized and shaped ashtrays to accommodate them. For example, if you have smaller spoons, such as those used for espresso and tea, Barker recommends a smaller, shallower dish.

However, if you need a rest for larger wooden spoons or ladles, you’ll want to look for ashtrays that are larger and have more depth to keep the spoon in place (and not result in an overflowing mess.

You’ll also want to take material into account when thrifting an ashtray for this purpose: versions made of glass, metal, stone, or ceramic can withstand high temperatures and are easy to clean, and are likely to add a stylish visual component compared to plastic options.

You’ll also want to thoroughly inspect the item to ensure it doesn’t have any chips or cracks before making the purchase, especially for items made of ceramic or glass, which can be more prone to breaking.

Check for stains on the item; while you may be able to clean it yourself, determine if the price and style of the item are worth the extra effort.

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How to Disinfect an Ashtray So It’s Safe to Use

Before you put your new thrifted find to good use, it’s essential to clean and disinfect it first. Even if the item appears clean, it has likely been handled by others, so you will still need to disinfect it to remove germs and bacteria before use in your kitchen.

Here are a few steps to take to clean and disinfect your ashtray before use:

1. Wash in warm, soapy water: Gently scrub your item with warm, soapy water and a soft towel. You can alternatively place the ashtray in your dishwasher if the material is dishwasher safe. If you’re unsure, handwashing is the safest alternative.
2. Use a baking soda paste to remove stains: After the item has been cleaned, if stains or stubborn residue remain, create a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Allow to sit for several minutes before wiping away.
3. Create a bleach solution to disinfect: Finally, to disinfect, you can create a DIY diluted bleach solution to spray on the ashtray. Ensure the ashtray is wet before spraying, then leave the solution on for approximately six minutes. Rinse off with a damp sponge or cloth to remove the solution.