Pool noodles are not just for swimming and fun water activities; they have a wide range of practical applications that can make your life easier and safer.
In this article, we’ll explore some amazing pool noodle hacks that you’ve likely never thought of!
Create DIY Custom Door Draft Stoppers
Don’t let the chilly drafts sneak into your home through doors and windows. You can customize a pool noodle to create an effective door draft stopper that will keep your home warm in winter and save on energy bills.
Simply measure the length of your door or window and cut the pool noodle accordingly. Next, slit one side of the noodle along its entire length, and slide it onto the bottom of the door or window.
The foam material in the pool noodle will conform to the irregularities of your door or window, providing an excellent seal against drafts.
Repurpose as Affordable Pet Toys
If you’re tired of spending money on overpriced pet toys, look no further than repurposing a pool noodle. Pool noodles can be transformed into various shapes like rings or balls by cutting them accordingly.
Moreover, if you own a pet chewer, dig a hole in the noodle and insert a treat to challenge their chewing skills.
Most importantly, pool noodles won’t harm your pets, as they are made from non-toxic foam materials. Be sure to supervise your pets while playing with these DIY pet toys, as small pieces could pose a choking hazard.
Bed Rails for Kids
Kids often toss and turn at night and may roll off their bed during sleep. A pool noodle can provide a simple yet effective solution for this problem.
Cut the pool noodle to the right length, and slip it vertically into a fitted sheet or mattress cover on either side of the bed. This will create a soft barrier that can help keep your child safe in their beds throughout the night.
Protect Your Car from Dings and Scratches
We’ve all struggled with tight parking spaces that leave little room for maneuvering without scratching or dinging our car doors. A pool noodle can be a handy solution in these situations.
Cut a noodle in half lengthwise and adhere it to the garage wall or pillar where you’d typically open your car door. This way, you’ll protect both your car and other vehicles parked nearby from unintended damage.
Organize and Store Gardening Tools
Gardening tools often end up scattered around the house or garage, making them hard to find when needed.
With pool noodles, you can create an effective gardening tool organizer by securing sections of the noodle to a wood or PVC pipe using zip ties. Slit each section of the noodle and insert your garden tools for easy access and improved organization.
Improve Home Safety with Pool Noodles
Prevent Injuries from Sharp Edges
Sharp furniture corners and edges at home pose a risk of injuries and bruises, especially if you have young children or elderly family members living with you.
By placing pool noodles on such edges, you can prevent potential accidents. Cut a piece of foam pipe insulation or a pool noodle to the required length, slit one side along its length, and slide it onto the edge for instant protection.
Slip-proof Your Stairs
Stairways can become slippery, particularly when wet. To reduce the chances of slipping and falling, cut a pool noodle lengthwise and place it on the edge of each stair step.
Use double-sided tape or glue to secure it in place. The foam material provides extra traction, reducing the risk of accidents.
Craft a Portable LED Work Light with Pool Noodles
Repurpose a pool noodle into a portable and versatile work light that you can easily carry around while working in dimly lit areas. To create this DIY work light, simply insert an LED flashlight into a section of pool noodle.
You’ll have a hands-free mini work light that can stand upright or be hung for your convenience. This hack is ideal for repair work, camping trips, or any situation where you require a lightweight, easy-to-transport light source.
Support Fragile Plants with Foam Stakes
Gardening enthusiasts know how stressful it can be when their delicate plants have trouble standing up straight or need support during the growing period.
Pool noodles can provide a cost-effective solution to this problem. Cut pool noodles into sections and stake them vertically into the ground using wooden dowels.
Tie string or twine between these foam stakes to provide support for your tall, fragile plants.
Create Fun and Functional Seasonal Crafts
Pool noodles are much more than just a summertime accessory. They can be used to create functional and festive decor pieces throughout the year. Follow these simple ideas:
- Halloween: Carve spooky jack-o’-lantern faces into pool noodle sections and insert LED tea lights for a safer alternative to candlelit pumpkins.
- Christmas: Wrap pool noodles with white and red duct tape like spiral candy canes, then attach them to yard stakes for a fun outdoor holiday display.
- Easter: Create DIY Easter baskets by shaping pool noodles into circles, taping the ends together, and attaching them to a sheet of cardboard or a plastic plate as the base. Decorate with ribbons, flowers, and other craft materials for a unique and affordable gift.
As you can see, there are countless ways to repurpose pool noodles and use them in your daily life. Try out these hacks today and witness how a simple foam pool noodle can make your life safer, simpler, and more enjoyable!
