As summer comes to a close, many people find themselves packing away swimsuits, sunscreen, and pool toys until next year. Among these seasonal items are pool noodles, the colorful foam tubes that are a staple in swimming pools across the country. While they are inexpensive and often considered disposable, pool noodles have a surprising number of uses beyond the pool. Instead of tossing them out with the summer trash, why not explore creative ways to repurpose these versatile items?
Pool noodles are made from polyethylene foam, which is lightweight, flexible, and resistant to water. This makes them perfect for a variety of DIY projects around the house and garden. With just a little bit of imagination and some basic crafting skills, you can upcycle pool noodles into useful and fun items that will serve you well throughout the year. Here are ten brilliant ways to give new life to those forgotten pool noodles.
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1. Transform Pool Noodles Into Weatherproof Door Draft Stoppers
Draft stoppers are essential for keeping cold air out and warm air in during the colder months. To make a door draft stopper using a pool noodle, simply cut the noodle to the width of your door. Slice the noodle lengthwise, but only halfway through, so it can wrap around the bottom of the door. For added durability and aesthetics, cover the noodle with a fabric sleeve that matches your décor. This DIY draft stopper will fit snugly at the base of your door, reducing drafts and helping to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home.
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2. Create Custom Boot Shapers And Closet Organizers
Boot shapers are essential for maintaining the shape of your boots and preventing creases. Pool noodles can be cut to the height of your boots and inserted inside to keep them upright. Simply measure the height of each boot, cut the noodle accordingly, and insert it into the boot shaft. For closet organizers, cut pool noodles into smaller sections and use them to keep handbags, hats, or scarves in shape and organized. The foam material is gentle against fabrics, making it an ideal storage solution in your closet.
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3. Turn Noodles Into Safe, Colorful Bed Rails For Kids
For parents worried about their little ones rolling out of bed, pool noodles can be a simple and safe solution. Place a pool noodle under the fitted sheet, positioned along the edge of the bed. This creates a soft barrier that helps prevent falls. You can cut the noodle to fit the length of the bed and secure it in place with the fitted sheet. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure a safe sleeping environment and can be removed easily when not needed.
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4. Build Inexpensive Garden Plant Supports And Tomato Cages
Gardeners can benefit from the versatility of pool noodles by turning them into plant supports or tomato cages. Cut the noodles into sections and use garden stakes to secure them around plants that need support. The foam provides a gentle cushion for delicate stems, reducing the risk of damage. For tomato cages, cut noodles into rings and stack them around the plant, using stakes to hold them in place. This not only supports the plant but also adds a pop of color to your garden.
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5. Craft Floating Beverage Holders For Next Summer’s Pool Days
Enhance your pool experience by crafting floating beverage holders with pool noodles. Cut a noodle into smaller pieces, about 6 inches each, and use waterproof adhesive to form a circle. Leave a gap in the center for a cup or can. These floating holders can be customized with different colors and are perfect for keeping your drink within arm’s reach while you relax in the pool. They are reusable and can be stored easily for next summer.
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6. Make Padded Garage Wall And Car Door Bumpers
Protect your car doors and garage walls by using pool noodles as bumpers. Cut the noodles lengthwise and attach them to the garage wall at the height where your car door might open. This will prevent scratches and dents when opening car doors in tight spaces. Use strong adhesive strips or screws to secure the noodles to the wall. This simple hack can save you from costly repairs and is a practical use for leftover pool noodles.
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7. Design Kid-Friendly Hobby Horses And Play Swords
Encourage imaginative play by creating hobby horses and play swords out of pool noodles. For a hobby horse, bend a pool noodle into a U-shape and secure the ends together with duct tape. Decorate one end with a felt horse head, googly eyes, and yarn for a mane. For play swords, cut a noodle in half and wrap one end with duct tape to form the handle. These toys are lightweight, safe, and perfect for active play, providing hours of entertainment for children.
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8. Upgrade Outdoor Seating With DIY Cushion Bolsters
Enhance your outdoor seating with DIY cushion bolsters made from pool noodles. Cut a noodle to the desired length, then wrap it in outdoor fabric or a repurposed towel. Secure the fabric with adhesive or sew it for a more permanent solution. These bolsters can be placed on benches or chairs to provide additional comfort and support. They’re weather-resistant and can be customized to match your outdoor décor, making them a practical addition to your patio furniture.
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9. Fashion Simple Wreath Forms And Seasonal Décor Bases
Pool noodles can serve as a base for wreaths and seasonal décor. To make a wreath form, bend a noodle into a circle and secure the ends with duct tape. Then, wrap the form with ribbon, burlap, or fabric, and decorate with flowers, leaves, or ornaments according to the season. This cost-effective solution allows you to create custom wreaths for any occasion, and the lightweight nature of pool noodles makes them easy to hang and display.
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10. Use Cut Noodles As Cable, Pipe, And Storage Padding
Protect cables, pipes, and fragile items in storage by using pool noodles as padding. Slice a noodle lengthwise and wrap it around exposed pipes to prevent freezing in winter. For cables, cut noodles into sections and use them to organize and protect wires from tangling or damage. In storage, place cut noodles between fragile items to prevent them from shifting and breaking. This versatile use of pool noodles helps to protect and organize various items around your home.
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