- Katie Waldeck
- September 25, 2013
Unpacking? Receiving a lot of packages? Whatever the reason you’ve got plenty of bubble wrap around, don’t just toss it. Resist the urge to pop the bubbles, because there are plenty of clever ways to put bubble wrap to use. Click through to check out some ideas.
Around the House.
1. Insulate Drafty Windows. Here’s any easy fix for keeping your home warm and your energy bill down this winter: use bubble wrap! Spray some water onto the window and stick the bubble wrap, flat side facing you, on it. It’s an especially good trick for windows where you love the natural light, but also want your privacy.
2. Protect Walls. Do you have a door that hits a wall when it’s opened? Protect the wall from damage by putting a little bubble wrap where the handle hits it.
3. Protect Your Car Windshield in the Winter. When the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, the last thing you want to do in the morning is get all that snow and frost off your windshield. With a little bubble wrap in place before a winter storm, though, you won’t have to worry — not only will it insulate the windshield and prevent frost from forming, but it’ll also make snow removal a cinch.
More Great Uses.
4. Hold the Shape of Handbags and Purses If you’re not using a bag regularly, its shape can begin to sag. Keep it upright by lining the inside with bubble wrap.
5. Use as Sleeping Bag Padding. I love camping, until it comes time to actually sleep — the hard ground is no match for a comfy bed. No need to run out and by pricy pads — just save up some bubble wrap to place under your sleeping bag the next time you’re out in nature.
6. Protect Plants. Winter’s coming, and some of your outdoor container plants probably need some protection from the frost. Easily accomplish that by wrapping the container with bubble wrap and using string or tape to hold it in place. The soil will be warm all winter long!
7. Take on Shopping Trips and Vacations. Flea market maven? Thrift store junkie? If you love collecting delicate, breakable objects, bringing bubble wrap with you is a great way to securely bring your treasures home. You can’t be certain a seller will have any, after all. Bringing it along on vacation is a great idea, too, because nobody wants a snow globe to break in their luggage!
Food & Cooking.
8. Protect Delicate Produce. Peaches, pears, tomatoes and other delicate produce need not go to waste. Line your fruit bowl/crisper with bubble wrap to cushion them.
9. Keep Groceries Cold. Long trip home and don’t want the ice cream to melt? Line your reusable grocery bag with bubble wrap to insulate your food.
10. Keep Your Drink Cold or Warm in the car. Line your car’s cupholder with bubble wrap to keep your drink insulated.
11. Travel with Perishable Foods. Long drive on Thanksgiving dinner, and you’re tasked with making a hot appetizer? A friend asks you to bring a regional favorite back from your vacation, but you don’t want it to thaw or spoil? Just use bubble wrap to keep the food insulated
