"Repurposing" things - what have YOU done? Or what do you have that needs a purpose?

LameWolf

I'm a carer with a dog-boarding service; I also use a mobility buggy for dog walks, so to keep the dogs firmly attached to me, I thread the loop of their lead onto a webbing belt which I wear, that was free with a pair of DH's jeans, but which he doesn't use, preferring his leather belt.
So - one redundant belt being used.

I also find that sometimes the dogs' leads are a bit short for use with the buggy - but I've solved that by using the shoulder strap from a long-since-dead steam cleaner as an extension. I just thread the strap through the lead loop, pass one end under the webbing belt, and fasten the two ends of the strap together via their spring clips.

I also use an old fabric mobile phone case, which is way too big for my current mobile phone, to carry poo bags and a few business cards for the dog-boarding company I'm under contract with - that is also attached to the webbing belt as it has a handy strap on it to do this.

Still with the dogs - a few of my guests' food comes in 1 kg white plastic tubs with lids - I have kept a load of these tubs, and 12 are currently in use to store 2nd hand candle wax (from used candles, iyswim) while it waits to be made into new candles. 12 tubs because I currently have 12 colours of wax collected.

Smaller flat plastic dog food trays make super plant saucers to stand pots of herbs on the kitchen windowsill; and another is used to keep the day's pill boxes together - I take medication twice a day, and my husband has to take his four times a day, so we have quite a few pill boxes. I already had the boxes, which are pretty ones, so this saves buying one of those plastic pill organiser things.

Mee

calleyw wrote: »

Amazon. I get 4 x 5l bottles for about £13 ish.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golden-Swan-White-Vinegar-Litre/dp/B00TZT6GQE


Hope thats helps.


Yours


Calley x

Thanks for the info and recommendation.
I note the Chinese writing on the bottle so will check local Chinese and Korean shops before purchasing. Though delivery of such a quantity is tempting.

dreaming

Eyeore wrote: »

Hi MrsLW, to get sticky stuck off jars mix a tsp of bicarb with a little water to make a thick paste and dab over the sticky bits. Leave for 10-15 mins then wipe off! Sometimes for really stubborn ones you may need to wipe back and forth with your finger but it works a treat ��

I use jars as vases and storage.

I also use jars as vases - disguised by wrapping some garden twine round the top, or putting some glass beads in the bottom.
To get sticky residue off I wouldn't be without my handy can of WD40. Scuff the residue with a bit of sandpaper then either spray the WD40 strainght on to it, or spray onto kitchen roll/cloth thenwrap it over the sticky bit with a rubber band or string. Works about 99% of the time I would say.
I recently wanted to paint the ceilings and didn't have ladders tall enough (not that I go above the 2nd step anyway). I used the extending metal tube from my vacuum cleaner and taped the paint roller to it . The handle of the roller fitted into the tube and I had an extendable paint roller without having to buy yet another piece of decorating equipment. I also put cling film over my spectacles lenses to keep them from getting too spattered.

ouraggie

I use nail polish remover to get the label residue off empty jam jars.

I was in Lidl yesterday and snaffled some interlocking cardboard packing inserts inside a discarded big cardboard carton (their original purpose was to separate out 16 jars or bottles of some product or other during transit). I have just repurposed these to make drawer dividers in my underwear drawer! Need to get some more next time I go , for OH's sock collection!

gardener_ruth

Soda/cola bottles for wasp traps

Old towel cut up to make flannels and make up remover pads

Old envelopes for shopping/note lists

Lemons that have been squeezed for juice etc, cut into quarters and used in dishwasher for freshener instead of Finish freshener

Savvy_Sue

This is very minor, but it makes me happy.

Way back in 2005, I had some planned surgery, and received several 'gift bags' from friends with odd bits and pieces in to make my hospital stay and recuperation more pleasant. One of these bags - just a paper one with cord handles - is still in daily use today: it is the perfect size to keep medication in. Both handles have broken and been replaced, and the paper is now extremely thin in places. But still it holds together!

Another of these bags held sachets of shampoo etc collected as free gifts. I think that one may be in the airing cupboard ...

Hard_Up_Hester

I use a plastic milk bottle to keep my pegs in. I cut off the top and part of the side, leaving the handle intact. It holds lots of pegs and stands upright so the pegs don't fall out.

newark_bluebell

Love this thread. My daughter recently made a garden settee out of old pallets; I use plastic lids from coffee jars/Vanish tubs in cupboard under syrup tins and other sticky things to prevent mess. I use old Christmas cards as shopping lists as they don't get lost so easily in my bag. The plastic boxes that fruit and veg come in get used as containers for selling cakes at the Church coffee mornings.

Working_Mum

I realise I will often use things but not for their intended purpose!!

I have a 1950's glass floor tile which I use as a trivet for hot pots etc on my table.

I store my tall glasses inside cardboard wine boxes with handles you get from super-markets - easy to carry between store cupboard and table!

I shelved my hot water cupboard and use it to hang laundry so it can dry with the residual heat from the tank etc (also keeps it out of view so i can forget about it!!).

I store dishwasher tablets etc in a chipped Hornsea pottery flour container under my sink. keeps them dry and it looks nice!

I use an oil pourer for washing-up liquid (decanted form a larger better value size bottle!). Looks nice standing on the sink.

I save every bit of ribbon I can (from gifts/ boxes/ inside clothes) and use it to hang my Christmas decorations from my tree.

I give my odd bits of wool to a friend and she knits bunting which is quirky and gorgeous!!

I absolutely hate throwing anything away if I can find another purpose for i so am loving this thread! Thank you

silver-oldie

ouraggie wrote: »

I was in Lidl yesterday and snaffled some interlocking cardboard packing inserts inside a discarded big cardboard carton (their original purpose was to separate out 16 jars or bottles of some product or other during transit). I have just repurposed these to make drawer dividers in my underwear drawer! Need to get some more next time I go , for OH's sock collection!

Love this idea, hope you don't mind me using it.

I have 8 glass bottles/jars from Cirio Passata Rustica each held 350g, they are six and half inches tall. Too big for herbs and spices, not big enough for lentil etc, any suggestions as to how they could be re-purposed please?