101 Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things

Unexpected New Uses for Laundry Room Items

A few surprising spins on utility-room essentials can give you new appreciation for laundry day

Unexpected New Uses for Laundry Room Items
Mark Lund
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Bleach Bottle
  • Pick up a scoop. Cut diagonally across the middle of an empty, clean bottle and use the half with the handle to scoop up fertilizer, rock salt, or pet waste.


  • See your garden grow. Slice the bottom off an empty, clean jug to make a miniature greenhouse for seedlings. (Place the bottle open-side down over the plants.)


  • Start a home gym. Fill two empty bottles with sand and use as dumbbells.


  • Keep them afloat. Tie empty bottles together to use as buoys or to mark the deep part of a swimming area.


  • Speak up. Cut off the bottle’s base to make a megaphone for refereeing pickup soccer games in the park.


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