Clever Pool Noodle Hacks That Make It Easy To Keep Your Home Clean And Organized
Pool noodles are so versatile for so many tasks around the home, we sometimes forget they're actually made for fun in the water. They can block a draft, serve as the base for DIY decor pieces, and even insulate pipes. There are so many household uses for these foam rods that we've put together a list of our favorite pool noodle hacks for keeping your home clean and organized. Most of these repurposing ideas require nothing more than a noodle and a utility knife. What's better is that they're all beginner-friendly, so you don't need to be a master crafter to accomplish any of these hacks.
Modifying pool noodles, especially ones you intend to throw away, is a great way to keep them out of landfills. This is because they're made with polyurethane foam, which is hard to recycle. They're also difficult to destroy, which makes them a burden for garbage dumps. However, at the same time, this very characteristic also makes them a resilient crafting tool. By using them to address an organizational or cleaning-related struggle, you can create a lasting solution. Furthermore, pool noodles can be found at cheap prices (including at Dollar Tree for $1.25), so these tricks could help you save money.
Floor squeegee
Drying a floor after mopping takes time, and the more water or cleaning product you use, the longer it will take to dry. Large amounts of water will also leave deposits on your freshly-cleaned floor. A DIY noodle squeegee will help you corral excess water. For this project, you'll need a rake, a utility knife, and a foam noodle. Cut the noodle to size and create small incisions that line up with the rake prongs. Next, press the rake into the incisions so the prongs are firmly implanted in the foam. If needed, add zip ties around the noodle for extra security.
Fishing rod storage
Fishing rods are thin and prone to bending when stored incorrectly. To prevent tangling, bending, or other damage, store fishing rods inside a pool noodle. All you need to do is thread the rods up and through the openings. You can cut a thin line along the length of the noodle for some extra room. However, try not to fill the foam too much as it defeats the purpose, and the noodle will not be able to support the rods. Another alternative is to mount a pool noodle horizontally above a holder, then cut small notches and push the vertically-standing rods into the foam.
Paint tray mess stopper
Make cleanup after painting so much easier with the help of a pool noodle. Cut a portion of the noodle that's long enough to cover the back edge of your paint tray. Then, create a slit down the middle so it can slide over that edge. This bumper will prevent extra paint from sloshing out of the tray. It also works as a brush or roller rest when they're not in use. To ensure your brushes and rollers stay in place, cut out small notches in the noodle for their handles to rest inside.
Floor protectors
You may have heard of the tennis ball trick to protect your floors, but pool noodles work just as well without adding extra weight. Cut the foam into pieces that are large enough to go underneath the feet of furniture or anything else that might scuff your floor when being moved. You may need to secure the pieces with tape if you wish to use this method long term.
Cleaning product wall storage
Rather than mounting multiple hooks for hanging items like brooms and mops, put up a noodle instead. Mount it horizontally to the wall with screws — or mounting putty if you're worried about creating holes. Then, cut a series of vertical lines, each within an inch and a half of the next. Ensure the lines are as thin as possible so they support the weight of whatever you store there. Slide the handles between the slits for instant wall storage.
Wall protectors
Furniture that moves, whether purposefully like a rocking chair that rocks or accidentally like a sofa that slides when someone sits down, can cause wall damage. A foam noodle makes a great barrier between moving furniture and the wall. Horizontally attach it to the wall in a place that's high enough to create a gap but still low enough so it cannot be seen. Affix it with mounting putty to further protect the wall from damage.
Drawer adjuster
Silverware and catch-all drawers are prone to mess. So, many of us get organizers, but they often come in one standard size. This can cause the organizers to slide around any time the drawer is opened or closed, which can be annoying. Luckily, you can keep drawer organizers in place with a sturdy piece of foam, and part of a pool noodle works perfectly. Measure the width of the drawer and cut the foam to match that measurement, then snugly place it between the back of the drawer and the organizer. This will keep the organizer in place every time you open the drawer.
Frame, TV, or mirror protector
Whether you're moving or storing items away for later use, fragile items need special protection. Pool noodles are great for protecting picture or painting frames, flat-screen televisions, mirrors, and other items that may have delicate edges and sides. Cut the noodle to match the sides of what you want to keep safe, but make your incision at an angle so it fits snugly against the other sides. Then, make a long cut in each piece so you can fit the foam over the sides.
Creaseless hangers
Some hangers can leave annoying creases in your clothing. The weight of the garment pulls against the hangers, thus resulting in tension lines or creases. Adding pool noodles to the tops of your hangers will ensure that the fabric hangs with less pressure on the hanger. Simply cut two 2-inch pieces for either side of the hanger shoulders and create a slit in the middle to place them over top. For pants, add a 6-inch piece of pool noodle to the bottom bar.
Vacuum hose extension
Have you ever been vacuuming underneath your couch and found it nearly impossible to get to every spot? A noodle will act as a hose extender when attached to the end. The stiff shape makes the hose easier to control when attempting to vacuum debris from out-of-reach spaces. If you find that there is less suction due to the thickness of the foam, adjust the thickness of the hole that attaches to the hose and secure it with duct tape so that no air can escape.
Washing machine or dryer gap filler
It's incredibly easy to lose things behind your washing machine. Sometimes it's rogue dryer sheets, while other times it's that sock you've been missing. Regardless of what you might lose in the gap between the machine and the wall, a foam noodle will prevent further loss. Simply place an appropriately-sized noodle between the wall and the appliance. To keep it in place, add wall putty or another wall-safe adhesive to the foam that touches the wall.
Ladder guards
Foam guards will protect your interior or exterior walls from dings and scratches caused by ladders when trying to hang them on the wall for organization. You can place foam around the sides and top of the ladder. To create side guards, trim the material and cut a slit down the side, then open the slit slightly so you can mold the noodle around the metal. You can line the entire side or focus on the parts that connect with your home.
Cleaning knee pads
When you've got a cleaning task that requires you to be on your knees like scrubbing the bathtub or cleaning out the garden, provide yourself with more comfort by DIYing a budget-friendly kneeling pad. The kneeler will prevent stress on your kneecaps when cleaning, organizing, giving furry friends a bath, or gardening. To create the pad, cut a noodle into thirds and hot glue them together like a raft. You can adjust the width if you need more room, and you might also need an additional noodle.