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  1. Real Simple
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  3. New Uses for Old Things at Home
  4. 50 All-Time Favorite New Uses for Old Things

50 All-Time Favorite New Uses for Old Things

By Real Simple Staff
Updated January 07, 2019
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Ketchup bottle as batter dispenser
Credit: Mark Lund
New uses for old things give used-up items—think antiques, empty containers, office supplies, and more—a new purpose. These repurposed items get a second life, and clever upcyclers have new cool gadgets, gizmos, and decorations, plus new ways to solve daily problems. Old things can be found in home offices, kitchens, craft rooms, and more. Upcycling ideas for these things just take a little creativity, a little patience, and a fresh perspective.

RELATED: Fresh Ways to Reuse Things in Your Kitchen

Putting old things to good use is a favorite pastime at Real Simple. The Real Simple version of upcycling reuses old things, sure, but it also puts standard tools such as colanders, toothbrushes, and more to work in new ways. With these new uses, every item in the home can have fresh potential, and the need to buy a brand new tool for every minor issue lessens slightly.

Some new uses for old things solve particular problems, like trash can smell, while others use old things—think combs or rubber bands—in dynamic ways that cut down on plenty of annoying little issues. Out of hundreds of new uses for old things, the upcycling ideas for repurposing household items here are some favorites. Put them to the test around the house, and prepare to be amazed by what old things can do.
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Picture Frame as Vanity Tray 

Picture frame used as a vanity tray
Credit: Sang An

Repurpose an old frame for a vanity tray that’s pretty as a picture. Place a piece of colored paper or fabric inside as a finishing touch.

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Twister Mat as Tablecloth

Twister mat used as a party tablecloth
Credit: James Baigrie

Protect the dinner table during a kid’s party, so right-hand-red Kool-Aid spills and left-hand-blueberry pie blobs don’t become permanent features.

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Toothbrush as Corn Cleaner

Toothbrush removing corn silk
Credit: James Baigrie

Use a clean toothbrush to remove stray threads of silk from freshly shucked ears of corn. The bristles will lift them away quickly and efficiently.

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Colander as Ice Bucket

Orange colander holding ice
Credit: Aya Brackett

At a party, stash ice in a colander set on top of a bucket or a bowl. Water will drain out, and guests will get only the solid stuff.

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Cardboard Roll as Hair Clip Holder

0705water-tap-bangles
Credit: Monica Buck

Stop searching high and low for hair clips and elastics: Store them tidily on an empty TP tube.

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Cardboard Coaster as Gift Tag

Coasters used as gift tags
Credit: Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Pick up interesting cardboard coasters at restaurants and bars you visit along your travels. Punch a hole near the edge, thread some ribbon through, and voilà: homemade gift tag.

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Chalk as Moisture Absorber

Dinner set on a table.
Credit: Monica Buck

Tie up a few pieces in cheesecloth and store them with your good silver to slow any tarnishing.

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Vegetable Oil as Shoe Shiner

Vegetable oil and patent leather shoe
Credit: Burcu Avsar

Vegetable oil will put a shine on leather shoes. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt, then run a soft cloth with a drop of oil over the surface to (literally) add polish.

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Matchbox as Sewing Kit

Matchbox filled with sewing supplies
Credit: Mark Lund

Tuck a few needles, pins, and thread into a matchbox for an instant sewing kit.

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Drink Carrier as Condiment Kit

Six-pack box used as a condiment holder
Credit: Beatriz da Costa

Cart condiments to a backyard barbecue. Slot flatware, ketchup and mustard in the compartments for easy transport.

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Cassette Case as Cord Corraller

Headphones in a cassette case
Credit: Mark Lund

Have an old cassette case hanging around? (Oh, you know you do.) Coil iPod earphones and tuck them in to keep wires uncrossed.

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LifeSaver as Birthday-Candle Holder

Cupcake with a candle held by a LifeSaver
Credit: Beatriz da Costa

One of readers’ all-time-favorite ideas: the LifeSaver as birthday-candle holder. (Candies in the original rolls provide the best fit―LifeSavers sold in big bags are larger and don’t work as well.)

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Tissue Box as Plastic Bag Holder

Tissue box filled with grocery bags
Credit: Beatriz da Costa

Forget unruly plastic bags that seemingly regenerate under your sink. An empty tissue box keeps them neatly corralled and ready for use.

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Shower Cap as Shoe Travel Bag

Shower cap used to protect shoes
Credit: Thayer Allyson Gowdy

A giveaway shower cap becomes the perfect wrapper for shoes when traveling, preventing them from dirtying clothes packed in your suitcase.

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Return-Address Sticker as Possession Labeler

Book labeled with return address label sticker
Credit: Mark Weiss

Brand anything as yours―books, binders, Tupperware, a stapler―with a return-address sticker.

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Window Decals as Drink Markers

Pitcher and glasses decorated with window decals
Credit: Anna Williams

Decorate (and distinguish) wine or water glasses at your next get-together with removable window decals.


Courtesy of reader Linda Winterhoff of Williamsburg, Virginia

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Soap Case as Camera Protector

Camera in soap case
Credit: David Prince

A hard plastic soap case is the perfect size to protect a camera stashed in a carry-on bag.

Courtesy of reader Amy Deml of Little Falls, Minnesota

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Mitten as Sunglass Case

Mitten as a sunglasses holder
Credit: Sang An

Put off-duty winter mittens to work as protection for summer shades.

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Plastic Bag as Paintbrush Saver

Paintbrush wrapped in plastic bag resting on open can of paint
Credit: Kana Okada

A supermarket bag, tightly secured with a rubber band, will keep a brush (or roller) moist for a day or two in between painting sessions: the end of dried-out bristles.

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Use Rubber Bands to Keep Clothes on the Hanger

Rubber bands wrapped around the ends of hangers
Credit: Quentin Bacon


No more worries of camisoles, sundresses, and other slippery garments slipping off hangers when you wrap the ends with rubber bands.

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Binder Clip as Key Chain

Binder clip as a key chain and money holder
Credit: Charles Maraia

A binder clip serves as a key chain/money holder you can clamp to your waistband for a purse-free morning walk.

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Ribbon as Old Lamp Shade Reviver

Lampshade decorated with ribbon
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Pretty ribbon revives an old lamp shade. Apply a thin layer of glue and press on each piece of ribbon, matching the ends neatly.

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Mouse Pad as Trivet

Mouse pad protecting a kitchen counter
Credit: Sang An

Save a countertop with an old mouse pad turned trivet. (Make sure it has a nonplastic coating.)

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Aluminum Foil as Paint Tool

Foil-covered doorknob protected against paint
Credit: Quentin Bacon

No more oops! moments when painting, if you cover doorknobs and hardware with aluminum foil.

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Hair Straightener as Clothing Iron

Straightening iron and dress shirt
Credit: Kana Okada

That straightening iron works on more than rambunctious hair: Use it to press between buttons, where a regular iron won’t fit.

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Plastic Bags as Knee Pads

Woman wearing plastic bags as knee pads
Credit: Kana Okada

Gardeners can go easy on their jeans with homemade knee pads. A couple of plastic bags tied on keep them grime-free.

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Contact Lens Case as Medicine Holder

Pills stored in a contact lens case
Credit: Frances Janisch

When traveling, eliminate clunky bottles for nonprescription meds from your purse by popping the pills into a contact-lens case.

Note: This is not a childproof method for storing your pills. Don't try this if you have small children who rummage through your purse.

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Towel Rod as Cleaning Supply Holder

Towel rack used as a toiletry organizer
Credit: Aya Brackett

Assemble a spray-cleaner arsenal by installing a rod in the closet or underneath the sink and then hooking the bottles onto it by their triggers.

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Hair Elastic as Flower Arranger

Hair elastics binding flowers in a vase
Credit: Gemma Comas and James Merrell

A clear hair elastic binds blooms together for a better arrangement in a wide-mouth vase. Stretch the elastic around the stems, then let the flowers fall naturally.

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Ketchup Bottle as Pancake Batter Dispenser

Ketchup bottle as batter dispenser
Credit: Mark Lund

Make no-mess pancakes with the help of a ketchup bottle: Pour in batter, then squeeze out precise portions.

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Rubber Bands as Glass Holder

Juice glass with rubber bands
Credit: Kathryn Barnard

Rubber bands give little fingers a better grip on a chilly or slippery glass.

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Popcorn as Eco-Friendly Packing

Box packed with popcorn and gift
Credit: Formula Z/S

Why pack with Styrofoam peanuts when you can pack with popcorn (plain and air-popped). No air popper? Be sure to cover the item with a plastic bag.

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Eyeglasses Case as Manicure Kit

Manicure kit in a glasses case
Credit: Kirsten Strecker

An unused glasses case makes a convenient storage spot for nail files, clippers and other manicure essentials while on the go.

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Cardboard Tube as Extension Cord Wrangler

Extension cord stored in toilet paper roll
Credit: Monica Buck

The cardboard tube from a spent roll of toilet tissue is a wonderfully simple tool for keeping extension cords tangle-free.

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Wine Box as Shoe Storage

Shoes stored in a wine bottle carton
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Warehouse your shoes in an empty wine-bottle carton wrapped in pretty paper.

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Lemon as Stain Remover

Woman cleaning a cutting board with lemon
Credit: Rick Lew

A lemon works to remove tough food stains from a plastic or light-colored wood cutting board. Squeeze on the juice of one half, rub it in, and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.

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Plastic Bag as Cookbook Saver

Cookbook protected by a plastic bag
Credit: Kana Okada

Avoid batter splatters and flour dustings on a cookbook by wrapping a plastic bag around everything but the page you’re using.

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Bobby Pins as Ironing Helpers

Bobby pins bolding pleats in place while ironing
Credit: Lucas Allen

Slide bobby pins onto a hem to hold pleats in place as you iron them.

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Play-Doh as Sparkler Holder

Play-Doh holding sparklers
Credit: Aya Brackett

Stick a sparkler in Play-Doh, then light it up. The container protects hands from flying sparks, preventing burns.

Courtesy of reader Peggy Gilchrist of Zanesville, Ohio

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Turkey Baster as Water-Changer

Vase of flowers and a turkey baster
Credit: Amy Wilson

Change dirty water in a flower vase by using a turkey baster to suction up the liquid without disturbing your arrangement. Add fresh water directly from the tap.

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Cork as Door Quieter

Kitchen cabinet with wine cork cushion
Credit: Gemma Comas and James Merrell

Silence cabinet doors that slam with cork sliced into thin disks and glued onto the inside corners.

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Plastic Easter Eggs as Snack Containers

Snacks stored in plastic Easter eggs
Credit: James Baigrie

Give Easter eggs a year-round use (and save on resealable bags) by filling them with snacks like crackers or Cheerios.

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Plastic Bags as Plant Pot Filler

Flower pot stuffed with plastic bag as filler
Credit: Kana Okada

Cut down on the amount of potting soil needed by crumpling plastic bags to fill the bottom of a deep pot (just be sure that you don’t cover the drainage hole, if there is one).

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Napkin Holder as Bill Arranger

Bills organized in a napkin holder
Credit: Mark Lund

Organize bills―arranged in the order in which they need to be paid off―in an unused napkin holder.

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Paint Chips as Place Cards

Paint chips as place cards
Credit: Aya Brackett

Fold the strips in half and prop them up as place cards, writing each person's name on a shade that suggests her best qualities (like "Inner Glow" or "Delicate Peach").

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Plastic Straw as Stem Extender

Bouquet of flowers in a vase
Credit: Mark Lund

Boost a meager bouquet to new heights by inserting short flower stems into plastic straws to give them greater stature.

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Shower Hooks as Storage

Handbags stored on shower-curtain hooks
Credit: Burcu Avsar

Shower-curtain hooks provide sturdy storage for heavier items, like purses.

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Cooking Spray as Snow-Shovel Assistant

Liberally apply cooking spray to both sides of a plastic or metal shovel before clearing away snow, and ice will slide right off instead of building up.

48 of 50

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Magnet as Tweezer Holder

Tweezers in a medicine cabinet
Credit: Sang An

Stop tweezers from going astray by installing a magnet on the inside of the medicine cabinet and they will always be at your fingertips.

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Lollipops as Cocktail Stirrers.

Lollipop in cocktail
Credit: Monica Buck

Give cocktails extra pop with lollies in complementary colors subbed in for stirrers.

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    1 of 50 Picture Frame as Vanity Tray 
    2 of 50 Twister Mat as Tablecloth
    3 of 50 Toothbrush as Corn Cleaner
    4 of 50 Colander as Ice Bucket
    5 of 50 Cardboard Roll as Hair Clip Holder
    6 of 50 Cardboard Coaster as Gift Tag
    7 of 50 Chalk as Moisture Absorber
    8 of 50 Vegetable Oil as Shoe Shiner
    9 of 50 Matchbox as Sewing Kit
    10 of 50 Drink Carrier as Condiment Kit
    11 of 50 Cassette Case as Cord Corraller
    12 of 50 LifeSaver as Birthday-Candle Holder
    13 of 50 Tissue Box as Plastic Bag Holder
    14 of 50 Shower Cap as Shoe Travel Bag
    15 of 50 Return-Address Sticker as Possession Labeler
    16 of 50 Window Decals as Drink Markers
    17 of 50 Soap Case as Camera Protector
    18 of 50 Mitten as Sunglass Case
    19 of 50 Plastic Bag as Paintbrush Saver
    20 of 50 Use Rubber Bands to Keep Clothes on the Hanger
    21 of 50 Binder Clip as Key Chain
    22 of 50 Ribbon as Old Lamp Shade Reviver
    23 of 50 Mouse Pad as Trivet
    24 of 50 Aluminum Foil as Paint Tool
    25 of 50 Hair Straightener as Clothing Iron
    26 of 50 Plastic Bags as Knee Pads
    27 of 50 Contact Lens Case as Medicine Holder
    28 of 50 Towel Rod as Cleaning Supply Holder
    29 of 50 Hair Elastic as Flower Arranger
    30 of 50 Ketchup Bottle as Pancake Batter Dispenser
    31 of 50 Rubber Bands as Glass Holder
    32 of 50 Popcorn as Eco-Friendly Packing
    33 of 50 Eyeglasses Case as Manicure Kit
    34 of 50 Cardboard Tube as Extension Cord Wrangler
    35 of 50 Wine Box as Shoe Storage
    36 of 50 Lemon as Stain Remover
    37 of 50 Plastic Bag as Cookbook Saver
    38 of 50 Bobby Pins as Ironing Helpers
    39 of 50 Play-Doh as Sparkler Holder
    40 of 50 Turkey Baster as Water-Changer
    41 of 50 Cork as Door Quieter
    42 of 50 Plastic Easter Eggs as Snack Containers
    43 of 50 Plastic Bags as Plant Pot Filler
    44 of 50 Napkin Holder as Bill Arranger
    45 of 50 Paint Chips as Place Cards
    46 of 50 Plastic Straw as Stem Extender
    47 of 50 Shower Hooks as Storage
    48 of 50 Cooking Spray as Snow-Shovel Assistant
    49 of 50 Magnet as Tweezer Holder
    50 of 50 Lollipops as Cocktail Stirrers.

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