When pool noodles first came on the market, they were only seen in pools or lakes and rivers. Kids used the 4- to 6-foot Styrofoam toys to float, splash and play in the water. While they’re great for that, over the years people have discovered additional uses for these dollar-store miracles. They can help with laundry, gardening, baking, and so much more. Here are just a few of the ways you can use pool noodles to make your life easier.
Prevent creases in line-dried clothing: Cut a slit along the side of a pool noodle, slide it over the clothesline and drape your clothes over the noodle. This will allow your clothes to hang-dry outside — smoothly.
Wall protection: You have to crate your pup whenever strangers come into the house, but he moves around, causing the crate to bump up against the wall. To avoid leaving behind a scuff, try this: Cut the length of a pool noodle to fit over the part of the crate that rests closest to the wall. Then slice it lengthwise and place over the crate’s sharp edges. The soft bumper will prevent the crate from touching the wall.
Keep cleaning tools upright: A mop organizer can keep your broom and mops from sliding down to the floor — and you don’t need to buy a pricey gadget when you can make your own with a pool noodle! To do: Slice a section of the noodle and cut multiple hourglass shapes in a row out of one side of the foam. Then place adhesive tape on the opposite side and secure the noodle to the wall. The cleaning tools’ handles will fit snugly in the open cuts to stay upright.
Storing a rake: After raking up those pesky leaves, instead of leaning your rake against the wall of your shed or garage, where it can fall, potentially causing injury, reach for a pool noodle to make a protective ‘case’ for the sharp tines. To do: simply cut down the center of the noodle with scissors, then place it over the tines of the rake, then store.
Outsmart drafts: On chilly days, the last thing you want to deal with is cold air seeping in under your front door. To block the airflow, make your own draft stopper. Simply cut a pool noodle to the width of your door, then slice down the center and place the noodle under the door where you feel cold air coming in.
Prevent technology pain: When time at the computer leads to wrist pain, pool noodles to the rescue! Instead of buying a pricey wrist rest, cut a pool noodle to the width of your laptop or keyboard, then cut it in half vertically and place, cut side down, on your work surface for instant pain relief.
