15 Uses For Bubble Wrap You Never Thought Of
Image Credit: Simon James via Flickr CC
Bubble wrap is a pliable, transparent, plastic material commonly used for packing fragile items. I currently use bubble wrap on my windows to keep the cold out and the heat in. I do this every winter to save money on my heating bill.
Bubble wrap can be an addiction for most kids because it makes a satisfying popping sound when compressed and ruptured. It is often used as a source of amusement. Below you will find 15 uses for bubble wrap. Who knew that bubble wrap would be so handy around the house and garden.
Cushioning for your toolbox
Simply line the bottom of your toolbox with a sheet of bubble wrap. This will prevent your tools from clanking together when you carry your toolbox around.
Mulch plants
Place a long sheet of bubble wrap the bubble side down on vegetable beds as mulch, securing the plastic in place with stones. Cut small slits into the plastic to accommodate seeds or your transplanted plants.
The great thing about using bubble wrap in this way is the radiant heat created by the plastic warms the soil an additional 3°.
If you’re wondering how you would water underneath the bubble wrap, simply use a drip line or soaker hose. Once your growing season has finished, wrap up the bubble wrap and store away until next year.
Make a handgrip for holding objects
This is geared mostly to people who have difficulty holding small things like pens and cutlery. Simply wrap bubble wrap around the body of the instrument or utensil, and secure in place with a piece of scotch tape or Sellotape. You can use this to get better grip on brooms, mops and rakes.
Help with your strawberry plants
If you have ever grown strawberries, you will know that preventing your strawberries from touching the ground is a pain in the butt. Bubble wrap can help you with this problem.
Simply cut a large doughnut shape and put it around the plant as a collar. This should prevent your strawberries from touching the soil.
Quick and easy inserts for your shoes
Simply place your foot onto some bubble wrap, draw around your foot and cut out. Place into your shoes. This is just a quick fix for tired feet. Your bubble wrap insert should last you about six hours.
Repel deer from your garden
Did you know dear will not walk on bubble wrap? I never knew this. Lay sheets of bubble wrap held in place with stones wherever you want the deer to be repelled.
Relieves stress
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Simply pop the bubbles to relieve tension, anxiety and aggression. I pretty much do this on a daily basis.
Cover your compost bin
Drape a large sheet of bubble wrap over the sides and top of the pile. This will keep the rain out when it is raining and the moisture in when the sun is out.
Simple kneepads
If you’re looking for quick and easy cushioning or to save your trousers from getting dirty while gardening, bubble wrap is your friend. Fold two or three sheets of bubble wrap and tape them to each knee with scotch tape.
Help with your perennials in the winter
This is a cool little trick. I personally have tried and can testify it works well. To save your perennials from freezing in the winter, line the inside of the planter with bubble wrap before planting. Do not line the bottom of the planter. If you do, your plants will not get any drainage.
Broken bones
If you ever find yourself with a broken bone because you had an accident at home, again bubble wrap will be your friend. Wrap bubble wrap around the injured arm or leg several times and secure it in place with scotch tape. This will immobilize the bone until you can get a cast.
Avoid blisters
Every fall I get blisters on my hands because I am constantly raking up the fall leaves. Bubble wrap can help you avoid these nasty, painful blisters. Wrap bubble wrap around the handles and you will have a nice soft grip and zero blisters.
Protect your car windshield in the winter
If you are like me and you hate getting up five minutes earlier in the morning to get the frost of your windshield, then bubble wrap will help you out tremendously.
Place a large sheet of bubble wrap on your windshield the night before and place your windshield wipers over it so it doesn’t blow away. When you wake up you will have a frost-free windshield and if you had a snowstorm, getting the snow off is so easy.
Sleeping bag padding
I love camping until it’s time to actually sleep. The hard ground is no match for a comfy bed. Don’t pay those hefty prices for sleeping bag pads. Use new or old bubble wrap and place under your sleeping bag before you go to sleep. This will help you in keeping you warmer.
Keep groceries cold
If you have a long trip home and don’t have a freezer bag, line your reusable grocery bag with bubble wrap. This will insulate your food and keep it cool.
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