What is sufficient for covering a vessel in accordance with the Sunnah?

Question:
Placing dates on the vessel?

Answer:
What is in it?
Q: Some people place a date when they have food left in a pot or something like that?
A: No, there is no basis for that. He should place a stick, or cover it if he has a lid.
Q: Does he expose the stick and mention the name of Allah?
A: He mentions the name of Allah.
Q: Even if the stick is small?
A: He places a stick and mentions the name of Allah on its two ends, or covers it and mentions the name of Allah, or ties the mouth of the water skin and mentions the name of Allah, or closes the door and mentions the name of Allah. All of these are among the means.