At Least 10 Uses For Cardboard Tubes
According to Co-op America, Americans use over 26 billion rolls of toilet paper each year.
From Readers Digest - rd.com
Extend vacuum cleaner reach
Can't reach that cobweb on the ceiling with your regular vacuum cleaner attachment? Try using a long, empty wrapping paper tube to extend the reach. You can even crush the end of the paper tube to create a crevice tool. Use duct tape to make the connection airtight.
Make a sheath
Flatten a paper towel tube, duct tape one end shut, and you have a perfect sheath for a picnic/camp knife. Use toilet paper rolls for smaller cutlery. (works if you have to ship them too)
Keep electrical cords tangle-free
Keep computer and appliance cords tangle-free. Fanfold the cord and pass it through a toilet paper tube before plugging in. You can also use the tubes to store extension cords when they're not in use. Paper towel tubes will also work. Just cut them in half before using them to hold the cords. (this works!)
Make a fly and pest strip
Get rid of pesky flies and mosquitoes with a homemade pest strip. Just cover an empty paper towel or toilet paper roll with transparent tape, sticky side out, and hang where needed.
Use as kindling and logs
Turn toilet paper and paper towel tubes into kindling and logs for your fireplace. For fire starter, use scissors to cut the cardboard into 1/8-inch (3-millimeter) strips. Keep the strips in a bin near the fireplace so they'll be handy to use next time you make a fire. To make logs, tape over one end of the tube and pack shredded newspaper inside. Then tape the other end. The tighter you pack the newspaper, the longer your log will burn. (going to try this - will let you know...)
Make boot trees
To keep the tops of long, flexible boots from flopping over and developing ugly creases in the closet, insert cardboard mailing tubes into them to help them hold their shape.
Make a plant guard
It's easy to accidentally scar the trunk of a young tree when you are whacking weeds around it. To avoid doing this, cut a cardboard mailing tube in half lengthwise and tie the two halves around the trunk while you work around the tree. Then slip it off and use it on another tree.
Protect important documents
Before storing diplomas, marriage certificates, and other important documents in your cedar chest, roll them tightly and insert them in paper towel tubes. This prevents creases and keeps the documents clean and dry. (this works, have much stored this way)
Start seedlings
Don't go to the garden supply store to buy biodegradable starting pots for seedlings. Just use the cardboard tubes from paper towels and toilet paper. Use scissors to cut each toilet paper tube into two pots, or each paper towel tube into four. Fill a tray with the cut cylinders packed against each other so they won't tip when you water the seedlings. This will also prevent them from drying out too quickly. Now fill each pot with seed-starting mix, gently pack it down, and sow your seeds. When you plant the seedlings, make sure to break down the side of the roll and make sure all the cardboard is completely buried. (This works, but consider nuking them first to get rid of molds and such that can screw up planting. I found out the hard way.)
Store knitting needles
To keep your knitting needles from bending and breaking, try this: Use a long cardboard tube from kitchen foil or plastic wrap. Cover one end with cellophane tape. Pinch the other end closed and secure it tightly with tape. Slide the needles in through the tape on the taped end. The tape will hold them in place for secure, organized storage.
Store fabric scraps
Roll up leftover fabric scraps tightly and insert them inside a card-board tube from your bathroom or kitchen. For easy identification, tape or staple a sample of the fabric to the outside of the tube. (we have a few too many scraps to make this pragmatic. We use 50qt containers.)
Store string
Nothing is more useless and frustrating than tangled string. To keep your string ready to use, cut a notch into each end of a toilet paper tube. Secure one end of the string in one notch, wrap the string tightly around the tube, and then secure the other end in the other notch.
Keep linens crease-free
Wrap tablecloths and napkins around cardboard tubes after laundering to avoid the creases they would get if they were folded. Use long tubes for tablecloths and paper towel or toilet paper tubes for napkins. To guard against stains, cover the tubes with plastic wrap first.
Keep pants crease-free
You go to your closet for that good pair of pants you haven't worn in a while, only to find an ugly crease at the fold site from the hanger rack. It won't happen again if you cut a paper towel tube lengthwise, fold it in half horizontally, and place it over the rack before you hang up your pants. Before hanging pants, tape the sides of the cardboard together at the bottom to keep it from slipping. (going to try, will let you know...)
Keep Christmas lights tidy
Spending more time untangling your Christmas lights than it takes to put them up? Make yuletide prep easier by wrapping your lights around a cardboard tube. Secure them with masking tape. Put small strands of lights or garlands inside cardboard tubes, and seal the ends of the tubes with masking tape. (We do this and it WORKS)
Protect fluorescent lights
Keep fluorescent light tubes from breaking before you use them. They will fit neatly into long cardboard tubes sealed with tape at one end.
Make a kazoo
Got a bunch of bored kids driving you crazy on a rainy day? Cut three small holes in the middle of a paper towel tube. Then cover one end of the tube with wax paper secured with a strong rubber band. Now hum into the other end, while using your fingers to plug one, two, or all three holes to vary the pitch. Make one for each kid. They may still drive you crazy, but they'll have a ball doing it!
Instant megaphone
Don't shout yourself hoarse when you're calling outside for a child or pet to come home right now. Give your vocal cords a rest by using a wide cardboard tube as a megaphone to amplify your voice.
Make a hamster toy
Place a couple of paper towel or toilet paper tubes in the hamster (or gerbil) cage. The little critters will love running and walking through them, and they like chewing on the cardboard too. When the tubes start looking ragged, just replace them with fresh ones.
Preserve kids' artwork
You want to save some of your kids' precious artwork for posterity (or you don't want it to clutter up the house). Simply roll up the artwork and place it inside a paper towel tube. Label the outside with the child's name and date. The tubes are easy to store, and you can safely preserve the work of your budding young artists. Use this method to hold and store your documents, such as certificates and licenses, too.
Build a toy log cabin
Notch the ends of several long tubes with a craft knife and then help the kids build log cabins, fences, or huts with them. Use different-sized tubes for added versatility. For added realism, have the kids paint or color the tubes before construction begins.
Make English crackers
Keep the spirit of holiday firecrackers but cut out the dangers associated with burning explosives. Use toilet paper tubes to make English crackers, which "explode" into tiny gifts. For each cracker, tie a string about 8 inches (20 centimeters) long around a small gift such as candy, a balloon, or a figurine. After tying, the string should have about 6 inches (15 centimeters) to spare. Place the gift into the tube so the string dangles out one end. Cover the tube with bright-colored crepe paper or tissue and twist the ends. When you pull the string, out pops the gift.
From AssociatedContent.com
Store Wax Candle Tapers
I used to store wax candle tapers in a drawer too. Except, bouncing around in a drawer often left them broken, chipped, and soiled. Instead, wrap your wax candle tapers in tissue paper. Then slide them into a recycled toilet paper or a paper towel cardboard tube. Now your tapers will be protected in between uses
Paintbrush Holder
The problem with just storing paintbrushes in a drawer is that their brush ends tend to become flared, and the bristles become bent out of shape. They can also get soiled. Place your small paintbrushes inside recycled toilet paper or paper towel cardboard tubes, and your problem is solved!
Homemade Bird Feeder
Personally, I love to watch wild birds. I keep a few feeders, plus some bird baths, in my yard for them. I used to buy suet blocks in the winter time so the birds can get the fat they need to help stay warm. Instead of providing suet blocks, why not feed the birds by using cardboard tubes you have recycled? The kids can help you do this too!
Make sure the tubes are clean and have no toilet paper left on them. Poke a hole in one end and tie a long string to it. Then, cover the outside of the tube with peanut butter. Roll the peanut butter in bird seed, and you're ready to hang your homemade bird feeder outside for your feathered friends! (marginal success with this. They'd rather have it FULL than just coated.)
Make A Homemade Pencil Holder
This is a good project for your kids as well. Homemade Pencil Holders make great gifts for Mother's Day or Father's Day. All they need is three toilet paper cardboard tubes and some paint to start with. Have them paint the outside of the tubes. Allow the paint to dry, then set the tubes upright together in a triangular shape. Glue the tubes together, and allow the glue to dry. Then, glue the tubes to a piece of cardboard.
Finally, your kids can finish decorating their homemade pencil holders with colored markers, glitter, ribbons, stickers, crayons, et cetera.
Make Homemade Funnels
You can recycle cardboard tubes from rolls of toilet paper and paper towels by using them as funnels around the house. Of course, since they are made of cardboard, you can't put wet things in the funnel. Dry things such as bird seed, sand, flour, sugar, et cetera, work well.
To make your homemade funnel, simply cut two slits opposite each other in one end of the cardboard tube. To use the funnel, push the slitted end together until it fits into the container you want to pour something into. Then, insert the funnel and pour the item.
Store Pantyhose
Since pantyhose and mesh knee highs are made of a delicate nylon material, they tend to snag and tear easily. To protect you pantyhose or knee highs while they're stored in your drawer, recycle cardboard tubes for the job!
From Readers Digest - rd.com
Extend vacuum cleaner reach
Can't reach that cobweb on the ceiling with your regular vacuum cleaner attachment? Try using a long, empty wrapping paper tube to extend the reach. You can even crush the end of the paper tube to create a crevice tool. Use duct tape to make the connection airtight.
Make a sheath
Flatten a paper towel tube, duct tape one end shut, and you have a perfect sheath for a picnic/camp knife. Use toilet paper rolls for smaller cutlery. (works if you have to ship them too)
Keep electrical cords tangle-free
Keep computer and appliance cords tangle-free. Fanfold the cord and pass it through a toilet paper tube before plugging in. You can also use the tubes to store extension cords when they're not in use. Paper towel tubes will also work. Just cut them in half before using them to hold the cords. (this works!)
Make a fly and pest strip
Get rid of pesky flies and mosquitoes with a homemade pest strip. Just cover an empty paper towel or toilet paper roll with transparent tape, sticky side out, and hang where needed.
Use as kindling and logs
Turn toilet paper and paper towel tubes into kindling and logs for your fireplace. For fire starter, use scissors to cut the cardboard into 1/8-inch (3-millimeter) strips. Keep the strips in a bin near the fireplace so they'll be handy to use next time you make a fire. To make logs, tape over one end of the tube and pack shredded newspaper inside. Then tape the other end. The tighter you pack the newspaper, the longer your log will burn. (going to try this - will let you know...)
Make boot trees
To keep the tops of long, flexible boots from flopping over and developing ugly creases in the closet, insert cardboard mailing tubes into them to help them hold their shape.
Make a plant guard
It's easy to accidentally scar the trunk of a young tree when you are whacking weeds around it. To avoid doing this, cut a cardboard mailing tube in half lengthwise and tie the two halves around the trunk while you work around the tree. Then slip it off and use it on another tree.
Protect important documents
Before storing diplomas, marriage certificates, and other important documents in your cedar chest, roll them tightly and insert them in paper towel tubes. This prevents creases and keeps the documents clean and dry. (this works, have much stored this way)
Start seedlings
Don't go to the garden supply store to buy biodegradable starting pots for seedlings. Just use the cardboard tubes from paper towels and toilet paper. Use scissors to cut each toilet paper tube into two pots, or each paper towel tube into four. Fill a tray with the cut cylinders packed against each other so they won't tip when you water the seedlings. This will also prevent them from drying out too quickly. Now fill each pot with seed-starting mix, gently pack it down, and sow your seeds. When you plant the seedlings, make sure to break down the side of the roll and make sure all the cardboard is completely buried. (This works, but consider nuking them first to get rid of molds and such that can screw up planting. I found out the hard way.)
Store knitting needles
To keep your knitting needles from bending and breaking, try this: Use a long cardboard tube from kitchen foil or plastic wrap. Cover one end with cellophane tape. Pinch the other end closed and secure it tightly with tape. Slide the needles in through the tape on the taped end. The tape will hold them in place for secure, organized storage.
Store fabric scraps
Roll up leftover fabric scraps tightly and insert them inside a card-board tube from your bathroom or kitchen. For easy identification, tape or staple a sample of the fabric to the outside of the tube. (we have a few too many scraps to make this pragmatic. We use 50qt containers.)
Store string
Nothing is more useless and frustrating than tangled string. To keep your string ready to use, cut a notch into each end of a toilet paper tube. Secure one end of the string in one notch, wrap the string tightly around the tube, and then secure the other end in the other notch.
Keep linens crease-free
Wrap tablecloths and napkins around cardboard tubes after laundering to avoid the creases they would get if they were folded. Use long tubes for tablecloths and paper towel or toilet paper tubes for napkins. To guard against stains, cover the tubes with plastic wrap first.
Keep pants crease-free
You go to your closet for that good pair of pants you haven't worn in a while, only to find an ugly crease at the fold site from the hanger rack. It won't happen again if you cut a paper towel tube lengthwise, fold it in half horizontally, and place it over the rack before you hang up your pants. Before hanging pants, tape the sides of the cardboard together at the bottom to keep it from slipping. (going to try, will let you know...)
Keep Christmas lights tidy
Spending more time untangling your Christmas lights than it takes to put them up? Make yuletide prep easier by wrapping your lights around a cardboard tube. Secure them with masking tape. Put small strands of lights or garlands inside cardboard tubes, and seal the ends of the tubes with masking tape. (We do this and it WORKS)
Protect fluorescent lights
Keep fluorescent light tubes from breaking before you use them. They will fit neatly into long cardboard tubes sealed with tape at one end.
Make a kazoo
Got a bunch of bored kids driving you crazy on a rainy day? Cut three small holes in the middle of a paper towel tube. Then cover one end of the tube with wax paper secured with a strong rubber band. Now hum into the other end, while using your fingers to plug one, two, or all three holes to vary the pitch. Make one for each kid. They may still drive you crazy, but they'll have a ball doing it!
Instant megaphone
Don't shout yourself hoarse when you're calling outside for a child or pet to come home right now. Give your vocal cords a rest by using a wide cardboard tube as a megaphone to amplify your voice.
Make a hamster toy
Place a couple of paper towel or toilet paper tubes in the hamster (or gerbil) cage. The little critters will love running and walking through them, and they like chewing on the cardboard too. When the tubes start looking ragged, just replace them with fresh ones.
Preserve kids' artwork
You want to save some of your kids' precious artwork for posterity (or you don't want it to clutter up the house). Simply roll up the artwork and place it inside a paper towel tube. Label the outside with the child's name and date. The tubes are easy to store, and you can safely preserve the work of your budding young artists. Use this method to hold and store your documents, such as certificates and licenses, too.
Build a toy log cabin
Notch the ends of several long tubes with a craft knife and then help the kids build log cabins, fences, or huts with them. Use different-sized tubes for added versatility. For added realism, have the kids paint or color the tubes before construction begins.
Make English crackers
Keep the spirit of holiday firecrackers but cut out the dangers associated with burning explosives. Use toilet paper tubes to make English crackers, which "explode" into tiny gifts. For each cracker, tie a string about 8 inches (20 centimeters) long around a small gift such as candy, a balloon, or a figurine. After tying, the string should have about 6 inches (15 centimeters) to spare. Place the gift into the tube so the string dangles out one end. Cover the tube with bright-colored crepe paper or tissue and twist the ends. When you pull the string, out pops the gift.
From AssociatedContent.com
Store Wax Candle Tapers
I used to store wax candle tapers in a drawer too. Except, bouncing around in a drawer often left them broken, chipped, and soiled. Instead, wrap your wax candle tapers in tissue paper. Then slide them into a recycled toilet paper or a paper towel cardboard tube. Now your tapers will be protected in between uses
Paintbrush Holder
The problem with just storing paintbrushes in a drawer is that their brush ends tend to become flared, and the bristles become bent out of shape. They can also get soiled. Place your small paintbrushes inside recycled toilet paper or paper towel cardboard tubes, and your problem is solved!
Homemade Bird Feeder
Personally, I love to watch wild birds. I keep a few feeders, plus some bird baths, in my yard for them. I used to buy suet blocks in the winter time so the birds can get the fat they need to help stay warm. Instead of providing suet blocks, why not feed the birds by using cardboard tubes you have recycled? The kids can help you do this too!
Make sure the tubes are clean and have no toilet paper left on them. Poke a hole in one end and tie a long string to it. Then, cover the outside of the tube with peanut butter. Roll the peanut butter in bird seed, and you're ready to hang your homemade bird feeder outside for your feathered friends! (marginal success with this. They'd rather have it FULL than just coated.)
Make A Homemade Pencil Holder
This is a good project for your kids as well. Homemade Pencil Holders make great gifts for Mother's Day or Father's Day. All they need is three toilet paper cardboard tubes and some paint to start with. Have them paint the outside of the tubes. Allow the paint to dry, then set the tubes upright together in a triangular shape. Glue the tubes together, and allow the glue to dry. Then, glue the tubes to a piece of cardboard.
Finally, your kids can finish decorating their homemade pencil holders with colored markers, glitter, ribbons, stickers, crayons, et cetera.
Make Homemade Funnels
You can recycle cardboard tubes from rolls of toilet paper and paper towels by using them as funnels around the house. Of course, since they are made of cardboard, you can't put wet things in the funnel. Dry things such as bird seed, sand, flour, sugar, et cetera, work well.
To make your homemade funnel, simply cut two slits opposite each other in one end of the cardboard tube. To use the funnel, push the slitted end together until it fits into the container you want to pour something into. Then, insert the funnel and pour the item.
Store Pantyhose
Since pantyhose and mesh knee highs are made of a delicate nylon material, they tend to snag and tear easily. To protect you pantyhose or knee highs while they're stored in your drawer, recycle cardboard tubes for the job!
Labels: article, cardboard rolls, recycle, reuse
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