Pool noodles are the hot DIY item of the summer (and frankly, of every season). Not only are they cheap and widely available at most big-box stores, but they’re also incredibly versatile, capable of fixing countless common problems around the house. Here are three creative ways you can put pool noodles to work.
1. Prevent Pants From Creasing
Do your dress pants get creased when hanging in your closet? A pool noodle can help by providing a larger, rounder surface for them to hang on. First, cut your noodle slightly shorter than the length of the hanger’s pants bar. Then, cut a slit lengthwise down your newly shortened noodle, slip the pants bar inside, and you’re done. With the pool noodle’s help, your pants won’t crease like they do when hanging over the thin bar on most hangers.
2. Fill Buckets Easily
Unless you have a faucet with a long pull-down sprayer, filling a bucket in the sink can be a real pain. Many buckets are too tall to fit under faucets, and attempting to fill them often results in water spilling everywhere.
Pool noodles can help. First, make sure your noodle doesn’t have any cracks or slits in it where water could escape. Then, place one end of the pool noodle into the bucket and slide the other end over the head of the faucet. Now you have a super-long spout for filling buckets with ease.
More from our network
House Outlook is part of Optimism, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
3. Cover Outdoor Extension Cords
Even outdoor extension cords can degrade when exposed to the elements. Give yours an extra layer of protection with a pool noodle or pipe insulation. Cut a 1-foot section from your pool noodle, then use a box cutter to make a vertical slit all the way down one side. Slide the cord into the pool noodle through the slit, making sure the plug connector is completely covered. While this won’t totally waterproof your outdoor extension cords, it will provide greater protection and prevent the ends from pulling apart as easily.
