Have you ever tossed something in the trash, only to realize later that it could have been useful? We often throw away everyday items without a second thought, missing out on their hidden potential.
With a little ingenuity, ordinary household items can be transformed into organizers, cleaners, craft supplies, and more – all while reducing waste and keeping clutter in check.
Would you believe that bread clips make fantastic tiny scrapers, that tired old cosmetic brushes make excellent keyboard cleaners, or that plastic bottles can keep your yard wasp free?
These are just a few of the clever, practical ways to give everyday objects a second life before they ever reach the trash.
Below you’ll find a great collection of simple, effective, and eco-friendly reuse ideas to help you stay organized, save money, and cut down on waste. Lots here, enjoy!
40+ Things You Can Use Twice Before Tossing
You’ll be amazed at how much value is hiding in the things you already own!
Dry Cleaning Plastic Bags: Those thin plastic garment bags from the dry cleaners aren’t just for keeping clothes dust-free—they’re perfect for preventing wrinkles when traveling. Simply slip one over dresses, suits, or blouses before packing, and the slippery surface reduces friction, keeping your clothes smoother. For long-term storage, keep them out of reach of children and pets, as they pose a serious suffocation hazard.
Butter Wrappers: Before tossing that butter wrapper, put it to work! The leftover buttery residue is perfect for greasing baking pans, waffle irons, or even seasoning cast iron skillets. Store used wrappers in a small container in the fridge and pull one out whenever you need a quick, mess-free way to coat a surface.
Business Cards: Outdated or extra business cards have a second life as labeling powerhouses. The stiff, durable cardstock makes them perfect for labeling storage bins, boxes, or shelves—just tape or glue them on for an instant, readable tag. Keep a stack near your craft or office supplies to jot down quick notes, shopping lists, or makeshift bookmarks.
Strawberry Baskets: Plastic strawberry baskets can be super handy beyond the produce aisle.
Use them as mini organizers in drawers or pantries, rinse freshly picked garden veggies in them, or turn them into a fun bubble-blowing tool—just dip them in soap and blow through for a cascade of tiny bubbles!
Envelopes: Old envelopes have surprising second uses! Cut off a corner to create an easy bookmark sleeve—just slip it over the page you’re reading, and you’ll never lose your place. Larger envelopes are great for organizing receipts, sorting coupons, or even storing seeds for next year’s garden. Got blank space on the back? Perfect for to-do lists or grocery shopping reminders!
Cardboard Egg Cartons: Egg cartons are a goldmine for repurposing. Use them to start seeds indoors before transplanting, turn them into homemade fire starters by stuffing them with wax and dryer lint, or cut them up to make dividers for storing Christmas ornaments and small craft supplies. Got a golfer in the house? They also make handy storage trays for golf balls!
Tissue Boxes: Before tossing that empty tissue box, turn it into a dispenser for plastic grocery bags. Just stuff in your extra bags, and they’ll pull out one at a time, keeping your cabinets neat and clutter-free. These also work well as makeshift trash bins for your car, desk, or bathroom—just pop in a small liner, and you’re set!
Plastic Grocery Bags: Plastic bags are too useful to throw away! Use them as trash can liners in small bins, wrap paint rollers between coats to keep them from drying out, or protect fragile items when packing. If you have too many, check with local food banks, churches, or thrift stores—they often welcome donations to bag up supplies for those in need.
Bread Clips: Those little plastic bread clips? Surprisingly handy!
Use them to scrape off price tag residue, cleanly scratch lottery tickets, or label electrical cords—just write on them with a marker and clip them onto the wires.
Need to keep tape from losing its end? Stick a bread clip on the roll to mark the starting point every time.
Newspaper: Newspapers do more than deliver the news— they’re workhorses around the house! Use them to line litter boxes for easier cleanup, protect surfaces from messy craft projects, or stuff them inside wet shoes to absorb moisture overnight. Need cheap wrapping paper? A section of the comics or a crossword puzzle page makes for quirky, eco-friendly gift wrap.
Empty Spray Bottles: Don’t toss that used-up cleaning spray bottle—give it a second life! Wash it thoroughly, then refill it with homemade cleaners, water for misting houseplants, or a DIY fabric refresher spray. Just make sure to label it clearly to avoid confusion. Quick Tip: A clean spray bottle filled with water is great for deterring cats from climbing where they shouldn’t!
Styrofoam Food Trays: With a good wash, Styrofoam trays can become surprisingly useful. Wrap them in foil and use them as sturdy serving trays for homemade baked goods, or turn them into paint palettes for kids’ crafts. Cut them into shapes for DIY stamps, or place them under heavy furniture legs to prevent scratches on hardwood floors.
Pantyhose: Pantyhose might rip easily, but they’re incredibly durable for other uses! Cut into strips to create gentle plant ties for staking tomatoes and climbing vines, or place a bar of soap inside a section and tie it to an outdoor faucet for a handy garden scrubber. Got soap slivers that are too small to use? Toss them into a pantyhose foot, tie it up, and use as a sudsy exfoliating scrub in the shower.
Paper Towel & Toilet Paper Rolls: Tangled cords and string lights? Not anymore! Slide extension cords, holiday lights, or charging cables into an empty paper towel roll to keep them neat and tangle-free. You can also cut the rolls into small rings and use them to hold rolled-up wrapping paper or posters in place. Bonus Tip: Decorate them and turn them into fun craft organizers for pens, brushes, or knitting needles!
Mesh Produce Bags: Those stretchy mesh bags from onions, potatoes, or citrus? Don’t throw them out!
Wad them up into a scrubber for washing dishes or scrubbing outdoor furniture.
They also work as bird feeder bags —just fill with suet and hang in a tree. Got wrapping paper rolls that keep unraveling? Slip a mesh bag over them to keep everything tidy!
Citrus Peels: Before tossing that lemon or orange peel, think again! Dry them and store them in a jar to make homemade citrus-scented cleaning vinegar—just soak the peels in white vinegar for two weeks, strain, and you have an all-natural cleaner. Toss peels into the fireplace for a fresh, citrusy aroma, or simmer them in water with cinnamon sticks to naturally fragrance your home. Need an extra zing in recipes? Freeze peels and grate them as needed for zest!
Foam Peanuts: These lightweight packing peanuts have more uses than just shipping! Use them to cushion fragile holiday ornaments in storage or fill the bottom of large plant pots to improve drainage without making them too heavy. If you have extras, check with local shipping stores—they may accept them for reuse!
Brown Paper Bags: Once they’re too worn for carrying groceries, brown paper bags still have plenty of life left! Twist them into fire starters for fireplaces or camping trips, use them as a natural way to ripen fruit (just place unripe bananas or avocados inside), or cut them into DIY book covers to protect school textbooks. They also make fantastic eco-friendly gift wrap—just add some string or a hand-drawn design for a rustic touch!
Laundry Bottle Caps & Scoops: Large detergent bottle caps and measuring scoops are too sturdy to waste! Wash them out and repurpose them as sandbox and beach toys for kids, bathtub scoopers, or pet food measuring cups. They’re also handy in the garden for measuring out fertilizer or potting soil, and you can even glue a few together to make a fun DIY sorting game for kids!
Plastic Water Bottles: Plastic bottles are incredibly useful with a little creativity! Cut one in half to make a DIY funnel, poke holes in the cap for a gentle watering can, or use the bottom as a mini seedling planter for gardening.
If you’re into crafting, try making a self-watering plant system—just invert the top half into the bottom, add soil, and watch your plants thrive!
Bonus Tip: They also make fantastic wasp traps!
Cereal Box Liners: That waxy bag inside your cereal box? Super useful! Clean and reuse it for separating meat patties before freezing, wrapping sandwiches, or storing bread crusts for homemade croutons. They also make excellent microwave splatter guards—just lay one loosely over a bowl to keep food from popping everywhere. Plus, they’re great for rolling out dough without sticking!
Used Tea Bags: Your cup of tea isn’t the only thing they’re good for! Dry out used tea bags and tuck them into shoes, drawers, or gym bags to absorb odors naturally. The tannins in tea also work wonders for soothing puffy eyes—just chill a couple of bags and place them over closed lids for a refreshing treatment. Need an eco-friendly glass cleaner? Brew weak tea with old bags and use it to wipe down mirrors and windows for a streak-free shine!
Glass Jars: Glass jars are one of the most versatile items to repurpose! Use them for storing pantry staples, holding homemade salad dressings, or organizing craft supplies like buttons and beads. They also double as rustic drinking glasses, DIY candle holders, or even a chic way to display flowers. Feeling crafty? Paint or etch them for personalized storage!
Old Toothbrushes: A worn-out toothbrush still has plenty of scrubbing power! Use it to clean grout lines, tile edges, and hard-to-reach corners in the bathroom. It’s also great for scrubbing jewelry, cleaning keyboards, or removing stubborn dirt from shoes. Keep one in your toolbox for getting grease out of small crevices, and another near your sink for scrubbing under your fingernails after gardening!
Milk Jugs, Laundry Bottles & Plastic Jugs: Milk jugs can easily be transformed into practical tools! Cut off the top, and you have a sturdy scoop for pet food, birdseed, pots for seedlings or even gardening soil.
Poke holes in the cap to make a DIY watering can for plants, or cut the jug into strips for cheap, durable plant markers.
They also work as emergency funnels for pouring liquids without a mess!
Old Socks: Single socks don’t have to be useless! Slip one over your hand to make a reusable dusting mitt for blinds, baseboards, and furniture. Fill a sock with rice, microwave it for a minute, and you have a DIY heating pad for sore muscles. Need to pack something fragile? Wrap delicate items like glassware in socks for extra padding when moving or shipping.
More Old Socks (Swiffer Hack!): Forget buying disposable Swiffer pads—old socks work even better! Stretch one over a Swiffer mop head, and it will trap dust and dirt just as well (and you can wash and reuse it). Another great use? Stuff socks with cedar chips and tuck them into drawers, closets, or shoes to keep things smelling fresh and deter moths!
Silica Gel Packets: Those little silica gel packets that come in new shoes and electronics? Keep them! They absorb moisture, making them perfect for protecting important documents, preventing rust in toolboxes, or keeping camera gear dry. Toss a few into your gym bag or suitcase to keep odors and mildew at bay, or place one in a container of dried herbs to keep them from clumping (food safe only).
Old Shower Curtains: Don’t throw away an old shower curtain—there are so many ways to repurpose it! Use it as a drop cloth when painting or crafting, a picnic or beach blanket, or even a waterproof car seat cover for pets. You can also cut it down and use it to line drawers, protect outdoor furniture, or cover firewood to keep it dry.
Single Gloves: Lost a glove? Don’t toss the remaining one! Slip it over your hand for a reusable dusting mitt that works great for blinds, baseboards, and car interiors. It also makes a handy jewelry or coin pouch—just tuck valuables inside, secure with a rubber band, and store them safely. Need a quick stress reliever? Fill the glove with uncooked rice, tie it closed, and you have a DIY stress ball that’s perfect for squeezing away tension.
Old Candles: Don’t waste leftover wax—melt it down and make new candles! Simply remove the old wick, combine melted wax from multiple candles, and pour it into a new container with a fresh wick. Leftover candle wax also has practical uses—rub it on stiff zippers to make them glide smoothly or apply to shoelaces to make them water-resistant and fray-proof.
Shampoo & Conditioner Bottles: Once empty, shampoo and conditioner bottles can be transformed into super useful containers.
Cut off the top, smooth the edges, and you’ve got a DIY organizer perfect for holding pens, toothbrushes, razors, or even makeup brushes.
Want something even handier? Leave the back intact, cut a hole near the top, and turn it into a hanging phone holder—perfect for keeping your device off the counter while it charges.
Takeout Containers: Takeout containers are too useful to toss! Wash them out and reuse them for meal prep, freezer meals, or lunchboxes. The sturdy plastic ones are great for storing small items like sewing supplies, craft materials, or even batteries. Need an easy way to keep your junk drawer organized? Use these containers as dividers for office supplies, hair accessories, or kitchen gadgets!
Old Jeans: Don’t throw out worn-out denim—it’s gold for DIY projects! Cut it into patches for mending jeans, jackets, or bags, or sew together pieces to make a sturdy tote bag. The fabric is great for craft projects, from coasters to placemats. Even small scraps can be used to reinforce weak areas in other clothing or turned into a stylish DIY keychain!
Broken Crayons: Those short, broken crayons still have life left! Melt them down to create brand-new multi-colored crayons—just place pieces in a silicone mold and bake at 250°F for 10 minutes. They’re also great for wax art projects—just shave crayon bits onto paper, cover with wax paper, and iron on low heat for a colorful stained-glass effect. Want an easy candle hack? Melt crayons into wax for custom-colored homemade candles!
Old Greeting Cards: Give greeting cards a second life! Cut them into gift tags for presents, use the pretty designs to create DIY bookmarks, or repurpose them into postcards by writing on the blank side. They also make fun flashcards for kids—just glue a plain sheet to the back and write vocabulary words, math problems, or memory prompts!
Wine Bottles: Empty wine bottles? They’re full of potential! Turn them into stylish vases or candle holders for rustic decor. For a gorgeous lighting effect, drop in a string of fairy lights to create a cozy, illuminated centerpiece.
Plastic Wrap & Aluminum Foil Boxes: Before tossing these boxes, put them to work! The long, sturdy shape makes them ideal drawer organizers—just remove the serrated edge and use them to hold pencils, utensils, or craft supplies. Keep one for storing spare pieces of plastic wrap, wax paper, or foil rolls to keep everything neat. The serrated edge can also be repurposed as a handy twine cutter in the garage!
Old Makeup Brushes: Tired, well-used makeup brushes still have plenty of use!
Use them for dusting keyboards, cleaning delicate figurines, or brushing crumbs out of small crevices (car detailing anyone?). They’re also perfect for cleaning jewelry.
Bonus Tip: A soft makeup brush works wonders for gently removing lint from clothing and fabric furniture!
Old T-Shirts: A soft old T-shirt is one of the best things to repurpose! Cut it into cleaning rags for dusting and polishing, or turn it into reusable makeup remover pads by cutting small circles and stitching the edges. Want a sustainable grocery bag? Sew the bottom closed, cut off the sleeves, and you’ve got a DIY tote bag—strong, washable, and completely free!
Old Pillowcases: Pillowcases aren’t just for bedding! Use one as a laundry bag or garment bag for delicate clothing when traveling or to protect dresses and suits in storage. They also make fantastic pet beds—just stuff one with old towels or fabric scraps and sew it shut. Feeling crafty? With a few stitches, you can turn a pillowcase into a simple, lightweight tote bag for laundry or groceries!
Empty Candle Jars: Once your candle burns down, don’t toss the jar—they’re perfect for storage! Clean out the wax by freezing it, then pop out the hardened bits. Use the jars for cotton swabs, makeup brushes, or office supplies. They also make excellent succulent planters, or elegant homemade candle holders.
Reusing and repurposing doesn’t have to be difficult — it’s all about seeing everyday objects in a new light! Whether you’re looking to save money, stay organized, or reduce waste, these simple second-use ideas can make a real difference in your home. Start small, try a few, and before you know it, you’ll be rethinking everything you throw away.
I use old ketchup bottles to put my vegetable oil in, so I can squirt in what I need when I’m cooking.
Great idea! Been looking for a useful oil bottle for ages as the store ones always dribble!
A good thing to clean mirrors and windows with is rubbing alcohol. It gets them really shiny.
When you have a lot of hairspray buildup on your hair use a little baking soda in your shampoo. It gets rid of the buildup and makes your hair squeaky clean.
I use the plastic grocery bags for mailing items and cushion for storing items too… I am to cheap to buy bubble wrap!
pop popcorn. plain .. it is light weight. I ship my sister items to California all the time with it. Then she feeds her birds when she gets something from me.
Steyr,
I’ve used my husband’s CD/DVD spindles to store unused cables. It keeps them from getting dirty and tangled, but it can only store only certain sizes and lengths.
My father always kept the cereal liners for crushing crackers, cereal, nuts, etc., with the rolling pin. The edges of the nuts don’t poke through as easily and if you end up with extra you can just leave them in the bag.
I carefully open a plastic dhl delivered package and when needed, turn the plastic inside out and use it to mail any item that would fit. Best example is books or if you want to return an item you bought on-line and destroyed the original packing when you were opening it.
Great ideas! I use the plastic leftover bags from the grocery store not only for garbage can liners, but we use them for lunches and when we scoop the cat litter boxes and then i always have one with for when we walk the dogs.. work much better then a scooper.
Also washing aluminum foil that isn’t really use (my grandma does this), or saving the plastic trays from microwave meals.. The ones who are washable can be reused a few times.
I save my old butter and plastic containers, wash them and use them as leftovers or cat water bowls.
I would think twice about using old laundry detergent caps to measure food items. I would be concerned about leftover traces of the chemicals that could make someone sick. I do hand wash and recycle margarine tubs to measure dry cat food, however.
Also, to avoid ziploc from getting dirty (especially grease from meats, cooked veggies etc), I wrap before in Saran Wrap. Saran Wrap is cheap enough to use if you buy the supermarket brand. That way, you just give a fast rinse to the bags.
I saw the post about recycling water bottles. That is a great idea but be careful. My mom works at a hospital and they warn about drinking from bottles that have sat for several hours (especially in a warm car) because of the bacteria build up (think backwash yuck!!) Anyway, be sure to only reuse bottles after washing them, and think about how many hours you have had a bottle opened when you are drinking out of it. That can really make you sick!! Wash those bottles often!
I don’t know if it is ok to use brand names here so I will try to make this generic. In the summer I like to reuse soda bottles and sports drink bottles by washing them out, filling with water and putting in the freezer. If you get to them before they are totally frozen they are good for ice cold water. Just remember not to fill them all the way or the bottoms of some of them get warped and won’t sit flat. We are a large family and we never have enough bottles when I put them in the freezer.
I read somewhere (can’t remember now) that drinking water that has been frozen in a plastic bottle or water that has been heated in a car, is dangerous.
When my children were little, I would save the 2 liter soda bottles for water play. I would poke a hole in the lid, fill them with water, and my children could squeeze them and squirt each other with water. We didn’t play with guns, and the water bottles worked better than squirt guns anyway.
i reuse the plastic bags that you get at the grocery store for fresh vegetable. i turn the bag inside out and use it for sandwiches of whatever i need a bag for at the moment
I love these tips.
I’d only add that I re-use dry-cleaning bags by tying off the end (that the hole for the hangers is in) and then using it as a medium size trash can liner.
Many of these tips I”d heard before but had forgotten…. so thanks for the reminders!
We used the egg cartons for paint palettes when I was a kid. Kids can mix their own colours in the unused sections, and it is easy to clean up.
We also have a local guy who has chickens and asks for the egg cartons to put eggs in to sell. You give him his old ones back as well, so you could see if anyone local has chicken eggs for sale and if they’d like them 🙂
He just writes on the inside of the lid ‘Please return carton’
We used to have chickens when we lived outside the city limits and I would have gladly traded a dozen free range eggs for a stack of egg cartons you could ask about bartering them.
I’d like to add to the bread bag clip reuse idea. The really thick ones that come on potato bags make excellent scrappers to clean the inside of your aquarium. Just be careful to not get too close to the silicone seal in the corners.
I rinse out cereal bags,let them air dry, fold and store flat til needed. Great for doing shake’n’bake in. Also when freezing meat, cut to the width you need and put 2 layers between each piece of meat. Makes it really easy to seperate the meat when you want a piece. Also, can use for crushing nuts, cereal, bread to make small pieces of crumbs.
Craft ideas for cereal bags-clean, dry, grate crayon pieces on, fold over itself, cover with paper towel/clean cloth and iron/press. Makes beautiful designs. You can then cut into shapes/designs to hang in the windows, make boodmarks, hearts for Valentines day or whatever holiday.
I wash the swifter rags along with my husbands work clothes and reuse them many, many times, especially on the floors.
Have been reusing ziplock bags also for years .. turn inside out, wash, put in your microwave for 30 seconds to assure they are germ free.
I buy the hand sized spa type/cleaning towels and cut out a pattern for my swiffer and reuse them.They attract dirt and dust and rarely wear out.
I reuse the little aluminum tea light containers to scare birds away from my tomato plants. They don’t like the reflection. I make about 6 cuts along the sides to lay them down, poke a hole in one of the cut pieces and use twist ties to hang up on the cage or string that is supporting the plant. You can also do this with an aluminum pie pan no cutting necessary just poke a hole in the top.
I also use old receiving blankets for dish towels and cleaning cloths.
Use an old coffee can for storing kitchen utincels. Baby food jars as a coffee sugar spoon holder. Newspaper and coffee grounds/filters for compost. We used an old lamenated kitchen counter & 2×4’s from pallets to make a folding table in the laundry room.
just about anything that doesn’t rot can be reused if you get creative enough or the need presents itself.
Love all the ideas. Shredded mail makes great bedding for animals. I give mine to my urban chicken farmer son for his hen’s boxes and coop,
Just a note to Ken…plastic water bottles leach chemicals into the water. Invest in a metal bottle, eliminating the need to throw the other away.
Magazines- drop off at hospital or clinic waiting room. They always welcome new reading material.
Socks – Old cotton socks work great for dusting or cut them down the middle and they make great rags.
Socks – Stuff with plastic grocery bags and hang in pantry–pull out for easy use or keep in the trunk. It’s amazing how many times they come in handy!
My favorite hint over the years is when your soap starts to get small, get out a new bar and press the small, wet soap on the new one. This way you never throw out that sliver of soap.
you can also sew old socks together at the toes and reuse in your old mop,towels work great too.I take worn out kitchen towels fold them up and quilt them ,same with dish/clean rags,I also make hot holders that you would put a hot bowl in to take it from room to room without burning your fingers,and top them off with a loop of elastic to hang them on cupboard knobs-cause you know you can never find them when you need them.
another thing i do is buy and wash new window clings in a theme for birthday cakes and other occasions.Just lay them out on top of a frosted cake and pipe icing around the edges.It loos professional,but dont forget to remove clings before cutting.
Another use for cardboard paper towel rolls is to place onto the end of your vacuum hose and flatten the other end. It’s great to get under your fridge, washer and dryer, etc. when the crevice attachment just won’t do.
WOW! Now that’s a great idea!
I definitely would not recommend microwaving the cereal bag liners. They are most definitely made of plastic and may leach chemicals into whatever you are microwaving.
I do like the idea of using them to crush crackers and separate stacks of hamburger patties. Perhaps you could also use them to create a little greenhouse for your plants to keep them safe from frost? I guess as long as the bag is not opaque, it would work for that purpose.
I’m not exactly a “spring chicken”, so I expect the earth to last through my lifetime, but if we keep tossing trash into landfills, where will we put our grandchildren, and greats- and gr.greats-?
I always use canvas bags for planned grocery trips; not that hard, you just need to remember to pick-up the bags before leaving the house.
My second “land saver” is to use a plastic container when I pick up dinner to go: after my weekly trip to the library, I stop by a chicken restaurant, with my containers for chicken, beans, salad, and drink.
O-M-Gosh, I feel so virtuous …
God bless, Christine
Sometime the reusable grocery bags can have bacteria in them from chicken or other meats. I read to be careful, wash them or throw away.
Empty pop-up tissue boxes can be used in the car for garbage. Wrappers, used tissues/napkins, pop tops, etc. can be contained, and the car stays neat. Even if the box tips over, the mess is contained. The box can be tossed when it is full. No mess, no fuss.
Thanks for this tip. I have found litter bags for the car hard to find. It used to be that my credit union would give them away but no more.
some of these tips i already know, i guees from partly growing up with old fashioned grandparents. my grandma uses old metal containers from coffee, she takes out the other side with the can opener and places them around the tomato plants to keep from gophers eating at them. my grandma also takes 2 starwberry plastic containers and places the open ends together. with some glue to hold in place and you can place ur painting brushes in the holes to keep them seperated.
i’m looking forward to some the home made recipes for cleaning supplies when i run out of the stuff that have now. thanks for all the tips!
Its great to see people reusing these! It’s all about sustainability nowadays. All of your ideas are great.
Just to let you know that almost all Cereal Bags that are HDPE are recyclable and are commonly recycled as the Number 2.
After squeezing a lime or lemon, and zesting if you plan to use the zest, put the empty shells in the microwave and turn on high for half a minute or so (depending on the number). Open the microwave as soon as it pings to let the steam fill the kitchen with that citrus fragrance, toss the shells into your rubbish bin to help deodorize that too, and wipe down the damp inside of the microwave with a clean cloth. Three benefits in one.
Cereal liners again: I make my own shake & bake coating, so I use the cereal liners to toss my meat (chicken, chops, nuggets) in. Then just toss the whole thing.
does anyone know how to make a dish or pot and pan scrubber from the platic netted potato sacks ?
You can cut the netting into usable ‘yarn’ and knit or crochet a pot scrubber. If you’re looking for a super fast way, scrunch it up (think putting on long socks or pantyhose), twist into a figure-8, fold the halves together and secure with a twist-tie or rubber band. Instant pot-scrubber!
um, no, don’t use cardboard egg cartons for firestarters; they’re NOT clean cardboard, and may have all kinds of substances which can become hazardous and airborne into your house! when you burn them.
For the pieces of soap that is leftover in the shower (you just can’t use it any more) save up enough and run through a food processor on grate and if you add a little bit of water and clean sand you mold into a shape (you can mold around a rope if you like) let dry and you have a nice piece of garden soap. This is good for washing hands/feet after being in the dirt, the grit in the sand helps scrub your skin off.
Also, Paper grocery bags, if you have an over abundance (like me) my children make Christmas wrapping paper out of them. We rip them open at the seams and I iron them flat (on low). Once the bags stay flat I make stamps out of sponges for them and they go to town coloring, painting, glittering and stamping the bags. Then we let them dry and wrap gifts in them just like normal. This is an extra special treat for family members and gives the kids something to do. Once that is done they can still be used for fire starters or whatever!!
Last year a friend used newspapers to keep weeds down in her garden. I tried it and what a help it is. Have to use 7-8 layers which eventually break down but in the meantime, keep weeds down.
Also I line outdoor planting pots with packing peanuts in the bottom. Makes it much lighter to move the pot around and also provides drainage.
I can’t remember the last time I bought garbage bags. Between the dog food bags, cereal bags, and pellets for the pellet stove, I have more than enough. Plastic bags from grocery stores don’t work anymore–they either have holes in them or they aren’t strong enough. Many times I can’t even get my groceries into the house before they fall apart (with my groceries rolling all over the ground.) Now I use cloth bags I’ve picked up at thrift stores or garage sales.
Save broken plates, vases, flower pots, etc. and use to create your own fancy stepping stones. They have more meaning–each time you go out to the garden, you remember that plate, vase etc.
After using a lemon in cooking, take 1/2 and put it in the disposal, It cleans out any odors.
Plastic mesh that covers vegetables like onions etc,makes a great gift wrap. Use some tissue or gift wrap first, then stretch and tie the plastic mesh around that. Looks great!
If you flip potato chip bags that have the shiny silver inside,they make make great gift bags.Tie shut with lots of curling ribbon and your done.It will probably be near the first to be opened since it grabs your attention.Also if you cut a slit in a 2 or 3 litre clear pop bottle -down part of the length and squeeze the opening,you can use it as a showcase of gifts by placing them inside and toping with more curling ribbon.It’s very nice when done.A friend of mine uses saved newspaper and spray paints for christmas wrapping paper,she says why buy paper when you do buy the newspaper and just throw away wrapping paper after the gifts are opened.I try and use thrift store boughten or i make cloth bags instead of wrapping paper,you get infinite reuses from them and no garbage.
If you have brown paper grocery bags{haven’t seen them in years] you can make a picture frame look like leather.
What you do is- Soak the bags till very wet, then scrunch them up, then tear in not too small pieces, lay them on a wood picture frame to cover. When dry take them off and then glue them on again in randem patern, then stain. Let dry and they look like leather.
Caution:
It is OK to use plastic bags but …. plastic bags with printing on the outside should never be turned inside-out. Most of these bags are manufactured and printed in China and they are known to use lead-based paint.
I reuse sour cream containers to store baking soda in. I make holes on the top lid and then use the container as a shaker over the cat litter after cleaning. Then I leave the baking soda nearby the litter so the deodorizing continues.
If you save parmesan cheese shaker containers you can use them for anything dry-even body powder.I use a squeeze bottle with the slit (like the jelly ones)for baking powder when doing dishes,as it increases your dish soap power.
This is a great tip with summer around the corner. Use the mesh vegetable bags to store outdoor, beach, or bathtime toys. When play is done, put toys in the bag and blast them with the hose or dunk them in the water to rinse of dirt, sand, or soap. Hang the mesh bag to dry for next time!
Although I normally buy my eggs in a cardboard pkg, I have a plastic egg container I use for my boiled eggs. No mistakes!
I use the mesh produce bags for cleaning tiny items in my dishwasher on the top shelf. Just fill and use a bread bag tie to keep things collected.
When I make my own liquid laundry soap or all purpose cleaner, I store it in an empty gatorade bottle. Easy to share with others, too!
You may find shredder paper welcomed at your local Humane Society. I take mine there for them to use in cages for the hamsters, gerbils, etc.
Emptying those bagless vacuum cleaners can be a mess. I like to take a drycleaner bag and tie a knot in the end that the hanger comes through, and invert it so the knot is on the inside of the bag. Then I usually go to the garage and empty the contents into the bag. It’s a great way to keep the area you are cleaning, dust free, since the bag is so long it really helps, and you don’t need to waste a regular kitchen garbage bag.
In the UK, we get small 1 pint bottles of milk from the supermarket and they have a fairly, sturdy plastic bottle with a screw lid. Clean out when empty and use for stock to put in the freezer. Larger 2 & 4 pint bottles; clean out, cut in half, fill bottom half with compost and pack down well, plant cutting in the compost and tape back the top half of the bottle. The seedling or cutting can be raised in the bottle as long as you water it and the bottled plant can even be wrapped up well and sent through the post. I have received small plants like this, with well established roots and I think this is a great little tip to pass on
I use the bread bag square plastic clips to hull strawberries. Works perfectly.
Leftover wax paper. I give it to the grandchildren to clean off the slide on the playground equipment. Makes it super slick
I use a small empty coffee can in the laundry room to place the dryer lint.I cut a small hole in the plastic lid. One small can holds several loads of lint. When it is full, I put the lint outside for nesting material for the birds. And since the can is within sight, the other family members use it instead of laying it on the dryer, and the can takes up much less space than a trash can.
Go one step further (adding baking soda to shampoo) and leave out the expensive shampoo! Put a couple of Tbls baking soda in a pint of water in a spray bottle, and the same amt of vinegar/water in another spray bottle. Spray the baking soda solution into hair and work it into scalp thoroughly. Rinse. Then spray the vinegar solution and work it in well. Rinse. It will NOT smell of vinegar once dry! Works great–might seem sticky for the first several days as build-up from hair products gets loosened and dissolved, but persist. Even oily hair does welll, because the oil glands slow down production when they’re not having to keep up with shampoo stripping the oils. CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP.
This one is from my Dad. He takes the plastic pants hangers from stores (the one’s they give you when you buy something) and cuts the clip from each side and sands the sides to make sure they aren’t sharp. We use them for “chip” clips. I love my chip clips and always need more!
my grand chilren and i used brown paper bags torn them up and used them for the leather affect for wall paper in my batroom just used wallpaper paste to apply. looks great we crumble them up by hand flated them all does look like leather
Used fabric softener sheets are good for getting deodorant off of your clothing. Just rub it on the deodorant stain and it will fade away!
Just a couple of things:
Paper coffee filters (unused) are great for cleaning glass (mirrors, etc.)
I crochet covers for my Swiffer – just crochet (or knit) a strip long enough to fit the bottom and to flip over the top on each side. You can either stitch it in place or pin it on. Either way, it can be thrown in the washer and reused many times. Picks up dust and hair better than Swiffer sheets, I think.) You could also use a sweater that “shrank” in the dryer. Cut a strip and do the same thing as with the crocheted strip.
Packing material – instead of foam peanuts you can use plastic zipper baggies. Blow them up as much as you can and zip closed. Pack item in box and line with air filled baggies.
Sounds like I’m watching a bad episode of hoarders.
Nah, just good old fashioned tip swapping! 🙂