4 Smart Ways You Can Reuse Paper Towel Rolls
Most people throw away empty paper towel rolls without a second thought, but these sturdy cardboard tubes can actually be surprisingly useful around the house. With a little creativity, you can give them a second life and solve some small daily problems at the same time. Here are a few simple, smart ways to reuse them.
Organize Cords and Chargers
Cords always seem to get tangled no matter how carefully you store them. A paper towel roll can help keep them in one place and untangled.
Measure out the length of the cable, cut the tube to size, then simply roll up your cord and slide it inside. This works for phone chargers, extension cords, even holiday lights! You can cut the tube to fit the size of the cord bundle and write on the outside to label it.
Make a Knife Sheath
Loose knives can be dangerous, be they in a drawer or a bag if you’re transporting them somewhere. A paper towel roll can act as a quick knife sheath to keep the blade covered and your hands safe.
Cut the roll to the length of your knife, carefully slide the knife inside, then tape it shut. It’s a great temporary solution if you need to bring a knife some place and want to be extra cautious.
Store and Dispense Plastic Bags
Plastic bags pile up fast, often getting shoved into a drawer or cabinet alongside the rest, but paper towel roll can help you store them more neatly.
Simply roll or fold your bags and stuff them inside the tube. When you need one, pull it out from the center like a dispenser. It’ll save a ton of space in your kitchen and make grabbing a bag much less of a hassle.
Prevent Creases on Hanging Clothes
Hangers can sometimes cause sharp creases on clothes, especially if they’re draped over the bottom bar, like pants often are, but you can use a paper towel roll to help prevent this.
Cut the roll lengthwise, wrap it around the hanger, and tape it so it stays in place. The roll adds a gentle curve that helps the fabric rest more naturally and prevents that harsh fold line.
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Not every solution needs to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes the simplest ideas work the best, like reusing something you already have. Paper towel rolls are one of those little things that usually end up in the trash but can be put to work in small, creative, helpful ways around the home, so give them a shot and see what other uses you can find!
Daniel Mitchell
