Don’t Toss Out Old Cheese Graters: Here Are 10 Brilliant Ways to Re-Use Them

At some point, almost everyone has an old cheese grater tucked away in a drawer or cabinet. Maybe the handle broke. Maybe it rusted slightly. Maybe you upgraded to a newer model or received one as a gift. Whatever the reason, the old grater gets pushed aside—unused, forgotten, and one day destined for the trash.

But before you toss it out, stop.

That humble cheese grater is far more versatile than you might think.

With its durable metal construction, sharp perforations, and sturdy shape, an old cheese grater can be transformed into everything from stylish home décor to clever garden tools. In fact, repurposing everyday kitchen items like cheese graters is one of the easiest ways to embrace creativity, reduce waste, and add unique touches to your home.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 brilliant and practical ways to reuse old cheese graters, whether they’re box-style, flat, or handheld. Some ideas are purely functional, others decorative—and a few may surprise you.

Let’s turn that “junk drawer item” into something extraordinary.

---

Why Old Cheese Graters Are Perfect for Reuse

Before diving into the ideas, it’s worth understanding why cheese graters are so ideal for upcycling.

They are:

• Made of durable metal

• Heat-resistant

• Naturally textured

• Already perforated

• Easy to hang, mount, or modify

Unlike plastic items, metal graters age gracefully. Even a bit of rust or patina can enhance their charm—especially in rustic or industrial-style décor.

And because they come in different shapes and sizes, they’re incredibly adaptable.

---

1. Turn an Old Cheese Grater Into a Rustic Candle Lantern

One of the most popular and visually striking ways to reuse a cheese grater is as a candle lantern.

How It Works

Box graters and tall graters are especially well-suited for this. Their holes allow candlelight to shine through, creating beautiful patterns on surrounding walls and surfaces.

How to Do It

• Clean the grater thoroughly

• Place a small jar candle or LED candle inside

• Set it on a heat-resistant surface or hang it using wire

Where It Works Best

• Outdoor patios

• Farmhouse-style interiors

• Dining tables

• Entryways

The result is cozy, warm, and unexpectedly elegant.

---

2. Create a Unique Hanging Herb Dryer

If you grow or buy fresh herbs, an old cheese grater can become a functional herb-drying rack.

Why It Works

The holes provide airflow, which is essential for drying herbs evenly and preventing mold.

How to Use It

• Tie herb bundles with string

• Hang them through the holes

• Suspend the grater in a dry, airy space

Best Herbs for This Method

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Oregano

• Sage

• Lavender

This reuse idea blends utility with rustic charm and looks fantastic in kitchens.

---

3. Use It as a Garden Tool Organizer

Gardeners often struggle to keep small tools organized. An old cheese grater can help.

How It Helps

The perforations are perfect for:

• Hanging gloves

• Holding small hand tools

• Organizing twine or plant labels

How to Set It Up

• Mount the grater on a fence or wall

• Use hooks, nails, or zip ties

• Hang items through the holes

This solution keeps tools visible, accessible, and off the ground.

---

4. Transform It Into a Planter or Flower Holder

Yes—you can plant in a cheese grater.

Why It Works

The holes provide drainage, which is ideal for small plants or succulents.

How to Make It Work

• Line the inside with moss or coconut fiber

• Add soil

• Plant small succulents, herbs, or flowers

Where It Shines

• Window sills

• Outdoor patios

• Garden shelves

Rusty or weathered graters add even more character to this look.

---

5. Make a Creative Desk Organizer

Flat or handheld graters can be repurposed into clever organizers for office or craft spaces.

What It Can Hold

• Pens and pencils

• Scissors

• Paintbrushes

• Markers

• Small rulers

How to Set It Up

• Stand it upright in a container

• Mount it vertically on a wall

• Use hooks through the holes

It’s a simple way to add personality to a workspace while staying organized.

---

6. Turn It Into Wall Art or Decorative Sculpture

Old cheese graters have strong visual texture, making them ideal for wall décor.

Ideas to Try

• Arrange multiple graters in a gallery-style display

• Paint them in complementary colors

• Combine them with wooden frames or signs

Style Matches

• Farmhouse

• Industrial

• Vintage

• Eclectic

This is a great option for graters that are no longer food-safe but still structurally intact.

---

7. Create a Bird Feeder

A box grater can become a charming bird feeder with minimal effort.

How It Works

• Insert suet, seeds, or bread

• Hang the grater from a tree branch or hook

Why Birds Love It

• Easy access

• Good airflow

• Secure structure

Just make sure to clean it regularly and use bird-safe food options.

---

8. Use It as a Soap Holder or Bathroom Organizer

In the bathroom, a cheese grater can be surprisingly useful.

Uses Include

• Soap holder

• Sponge dryer

• Razor organizer

• Small towel hanger

Why It Works

The holes allow water to drain, helping soap and sponges dry faster and last longer.

This is especially effective in rustic or industrial-style bathrooms.

---

9. Turn It Into a Lamp or Light Fixture

For the more adventurous DIYer, a cheese grater can become a stunning light feature.

How It’s Done

• Use a grater as a lampshade

• Insert LED lighting

• Mount it safely with proper wiring

Important Note

Always use LED bulbs, as they don’t generate heat.

The light patterns created by the holes are dramatic and eye-catching.

---

10. Use It as a Craft or Texture Tool

Cheese graters can even be useful for creative projects.

Craft Applications

• Clay texturing

• Paint effects

• Paper embossing

• Mixed-media art

The unique patterns can’t easily be replicated by store-bought tools, making this reuse especially appealing to artists and crafters.

---

Cleaning and Preparing Old Cheese Graters for Reuse

Before repurposing, always clean the grater thoroughly.

Cleaning Tips

• Use warm water and dish soap

• Scrub with a stiff brush

• For rust, try vinegar or baking soda paste

• Dry completely to prevent further corrosion

Once cleaned, your grater is ready for its second life.

---

When Not to Reuse a Cheese Grater

While most graters can be repurposed, skip reuse if:

• The metal is severely rusted through

• Sharp edges pose safety risks

• The structure is unstable

In those cases, recycling the metal may be the safest option.

---

Why Reusing Matters

Repurposing everyday items like cheese graters isn’t just about creativity—it’s about sustainability.

Reusing:

• Reduces landfill waste

• Saves money

• Encourages mindful consumption

• Adds character to your home

It also shifts how we see everyday objects—not as disposable, but as adaptable.

---

The Joy of Seeing Objects Differently

Once you start reusing items like cheese graters, you’ll notice something interesting happen.

You begin to:

• See potential everywhere

• Value materials differently

• Appreciate craftsmanship

• Feel more connected to your space

A simple kitchen tool becomes a conversation piece, a practical solution, or a work of art.

---

Final Thoughts

Old cheese graters may no longer belong in your kitchen drawer—but that doesn’t mean they’ve reached the end of their usefulness.

From lanterns and planters to organizers and décor, these humble tools offer endless creative possibilities. With a little imagination, you can give them a second life that’s just as valuable as the first—if not more so.

So the next time you come across an old cheese grater, don’t toss it out.

Look at it again.

You might just see something brilliant waiting to happen.