I Leave a Taco Holder on My Counter All the Time, and It’s Actually Brilliant

My mom taught me most of what I know about taking care of a home. Some lessons were direct, like scouring the kitchen sink every night, while others I learned because that’s just the way things were done in our childhood home. One rule that stuck with me: avoid dirty counters at all costs. Even the smallest honey spill can spread from the counter to the milk carton, then the fridge handle — and before you know it, everything’s sticky.

So when I came across an Apartment Therapy article about a clever taco holder hack that promised to keep counters cleaner, I knew I had to try it.

The original idea came from creator Sofia Perez-Peña, who shared an Instagram Reel showing how a ceramic taco holder could double as a spoon rest. In the video, a wooden spoon and spatula are separated neatly in the holder’s shell-shaped slots.

A few weeks ago I spotted a stainless steel taco holder at a thrift shop (this one from Amazon is similar), and immediately thought of that hack. Instead of saving it for taco night, I placed it on my countertop — and it’s been there ever since.

This tiny tool has made a surprisingly big difference. Now every time I cook (which, in a household of seven, is often), I use it to hold my spoons, spatulas, and measuring tools. Each utensil gets its own slot, which keeps everything upright and off the counter (no more laying spoons on paper towels or wondering which spatula touched what). The taco holder keeps my counters clean, prevents cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and gives my busy prep area an instant sense of order. When I’m done, I just toss the holder in the dishwasher.

I’ve already told friends and family members about it, because honestly, this under-$10 find has completely changed how I cook (and clean).