12 Clever Ways To Repurpose Extra Safety Pins Around Your Home

Safety pins are a must in every house. From quick clothing fixes to first aid essentials, these small metal objects can do wonders for you. However, these tiny tools are even more versatile than you may think. Safety pins can act as organizers, pinning pairs or sets together. They can be used to scrape grime out of tight places, or become an integral part of a festive seasonal craft decoration.

There are different types of safety pins like traditional, curved, button, heavy duty, and bulb that come in a range of sizes. Many safety pins are made from stainless steel or rust-resistant nickel or brass. Each style has a different function depending on the project and weight needed. It's good to remember that with enough force, the pin can pop open, so always make sure the pin stays closed in whatever project you're using it, to avoid getting pricked. Before starting these projects, it's important to keep your safety pins organized and easy to find. One of the easiest ways to keep them on hand is to store them in a lidded container with dividers for different sizes. Another way is to create a chain by pinning them to each other. From home decor to keeping your curtains closed, here are 12 ways you can repurpose extra safety pins around your home.

Keep different items in your home organized on a budget by using safety pins. There are many ways they can work as organizational tools. You can pin fabric items like towels, rags, and clothing together. You can even hang the safety pin on nails and wall hooks to secure items like keys, jewelry, keychains, belts, and hats. Open the pin to hold together hair ties, rubber bands, and even charging wires like a clip. Just remember to have different size pins depending on how thick the objects are you are trying to bring together. 

Create one-of-a-kind fashion accessories by crafting safety pin jewelry. There are so many different pieces you can make from these small metal pins, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and belts. You can take it to the next level by adding bling and personality by painting the pins different colors and adding beads, charms, ribbons, or thread. Before using older or previously used safety pins, sanitize them, particularly with earrings. Safety pin jewelry is a great activity for girls' night or maybe even your next business venture.

Easily display wall decor by using safety pins as hangers. This hack works best by either gluing the safety pin on the back of an object (like a decorative plate) with hot glue or superglue, or by pinning the safety pin to the back of a picture frame or painting like a makeshift frame holder, then hang it on to a sturdy nail. However, it is important to remember that safety pins are not intended to hold heavy items. So limit this hack to lighter, smaller items.

Never scour your home for those pesky, loose keys again by keeping them on a safety pin. Open up the pin and slide it through the holes at the top of the keys. Place a ribbon or hair tie on the pin to make it easier to find in a backpack or purse. Once you return home, hang it on a nail or hook on the wall. Organize further by placing labels under each hook for multiple key sets.

As a clever laundry tip to help stop losing socks, a safety pin is the perfect item to keep clothing items together. All you need to do is pin one end of your socks or gloves together. The pins keep clothes matched in both the washer and dryer, where so many socks go mysteriously missing! Keep the pin in when putting your clothes away so you never have to go hunting for the mate in a drawer. Remember to remove the pins before you wear anything to avoid ripping fabric or poking yourself.

Stop grimy buildup in small nooks and crannies by using a safety pin to clean it. This works great for calcium deposits in shower head nozzles as well as spice and herb buildup in kitchen jars. Open the safety pin and pick away until the holes and gaps are cleared. You can use the safety pin to clean small seams on appliances or between the stove and counter. Just remember to keep a cleaning solution and rag on hand to wipe off your pin and the area after you're done. 

Hate the gap in the middle of your curtain where sunlight streams in? Never be surprised by the sun again: Curtains stay completely closed using safety pins. This trick is super simple because all you need to do is secure the safety pin in the middle of the curtain opening. For heavier fabrics, you may want to use two pins, one in the middle and one closer to the bottom. To keep the pin hidden and to avoid any visible damage, clip it from the back side facing the window.

Using a safety pin is a great way to get rid of static on laundry. Some of your clothes, like the ones made from synthetic fabrics, are more susceptible to static electricity, causing your clothes to cling in unflattering ways and make those popping and zapping noises when you move. You can stop this by placing safety pins on the hemline or on the inside of your clothes. Get rid of static electricity in the dryer by adding pins to a towel or rag and tossing it in. Or attach a safety pin to your dryer balls for the same effect.

There are two ways you can use a safety pin on a zipper. First, you can place one on clothing where the zipper is missing or the teeth aren't closing. This is a quick, temporary fix. Safety pins also work as a replacement zipper pull if that's broken off. Also, never struggle zipping up a dress again when you can attach a safety pin tied to a string on a zipper pull. Shimmy the dress on and pull the string up, and the zipper along with it.

One of the most annoying things is having your sheets or blankets fall off your bed. While there are revolutionary clips that keep duvet covers and bed sheets in place, you can do the same thing on a much cheaper scale by sticking with safety pins. For this hack, you will need four safety pins that are strong enough to pierce through your sheets and mattress. As you place your sheets on your bed, you'll stick a safety pin into the mattress and sheet at each corner, keeping them together.

Don't have enough clothespins to dry your laundry outside? There is no need to worry because safety pins work as a quick, temporary fix. This hack works best with lightweight or smaller items so it doesn't drag the fabric or pop the pin. Open the pin, attaching the clothing to it and then close it around the clothesline. However, you don't want to keep your safety pins outside for too long since sun and moisture can damage or rust the metal over time.

If you are an avid crafter, stock up on safety pins to make dazzling home and holiday decor. Let your creative juices flow when using safety pins to create decorations like sculptures, wall art, and other decorative pieces. Grab beads, ribbon, charms, and other crafting supplies to make unique pieces. You can even create DIY Christmas decorations and ornaments with safety pins. If you're worried about pricking yourself with so many safety pins, have a thimble on hand (literally) for protection.