8 Simple Ways Rubber Bands Can Make Life Easier
Rubber bands don’t look like much, just small loops of stretchy plastic hiding in your junk drawer. But give them a little credit. These tiny tools can fix, fasten, and organize in ways that make everyday life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re trying to open a stubborn jar or tame a tangle of cords, rubber bands are the kind of simple item that can do a whole lot more than you think.
The Jar Grip Trick
We all know how frustrating it is to be twisting and straining at a jar lid that just won’t budge. The solution? Wrap a thick rubber band around the lid for instant grip. It gives your hand that little extra traction you need to finally twist it open without having to call for help. It’s one of those small, satisfying uses that will have you reaching for rubber bands every time you need to open a jar of pickles.
Keep Cutting Boards From Slipping
If your cutting board slides around while you chop, it’s not just annoying, it’s dangerous. Loop a rubber band around each end of the board to create a nonslip grip. The extra friction keeps it steady, even when your counter is damp. It’s a quick fix that makes cooking dinner safer and smoother, no fancy kitchen gadgets required.
Tame Loose Cords And Cables
Nothing makes a space look messier than a big tangle of cords behind the TV or under your desk. A few rubber bands can change that. Gather cords together and loosely loop a band around the bundle to keep them together and organized. It’s not glamorous, but it works. Plus, when you need to move things, it’s easy to undo and get the cords you need out.
Keep Paint Can Lids Clean
Next time you’re painting, stretch a rubber band vertically across the paint can from top to bottom so it runs over the open center. You can use it to wipe excess paint off your brush instead of scraping it on the can’s edge. That keeps the rim of the can clean, so the lid goes back on smoothly later. It’s a small thing, but it saves you from that messy, dried-paint nightmare all over your paint cans.
Save Slipping Hangers
If your clothes keep sliding off plastic hangers, you don’t need to run out and buy new ones. Instead, wrap a rubber band around each end of the hanger’s shoulders. The rubber adds grip, keeping wide-neck shirts and silky fabrics in place. It’s a two-minute fix that’ll make your closet neater, and it saves your favorite tops from ending up a crumpled mess on the floor.
Stop Spoons From Sliding Into Bowls
Ever set a spoon in a mixing bowl only to have it slide right in? Wrap a rubber band around the handle of the spoon, near the base, and it’ll stop right at the rim next time. It’s a small kitchen hack that saves you from messy fingers and fishing spoons out of batter or soup. Sometimes the tiniest adjustment makes a big difference.
Secure A Loose Screwdriver Grip
If your screwdriver handle has gotten slick or you’re working with a stubborn screw, wrap a rubber band around the handle for extra grip. You can even place one between the screw and the driver tip to prevent slipping in stripped screws. It’s a quick, practical fix that makes a frustrating job just a little bit easier.
Keep Lids And Bottles Leak-Free When Traveling
Before tossing shampoo or lotion bottles with a pump into your travel bag, twist the caps tightly and wrap a rubber band under the pump. This keeps them from being pressed while in your bag during travel and leaking all over your clothes. It’s such a small thing, but it saves you from that awful moment when you unzip your bag and realize your toiletries leaked everywhere mid-flight.
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Rubber bands are proof that, with a bit of creativity, the things we’d usually hrow out can make a big difference. They’re cheap, useful, and endlessly adaptable, making them one of those household items that earns its keep in many ways. So next time you spot a rubber band lying around, don’t toss it. Keep a few in your kitchen drawer or tool box. You might be surprised how often one comes to the rescue when you need it most.
Bliss Donahue-Power
