We just went through getting painted (what a job) three bedrooms, two and one half baths, kitchen, etc. We used an enormous amount of Bounty towels in the clean-up process. For some reason I saved all the tubes off the towels, why I don't know.
But I knew if I asked my Thrifty Fun friends, I would get some good ideas as to what they can be used for. I hate to throw things out, part of my problem. Thanks for any and all suggestions. Take good care.
Linda
By LINDA from New York City
What about filling them with the plastic bags from the grocer and stashing them in the car and in with gardening supplies. (07/02/2009)
By Meemaw
I thought this was a cool project using paper towel tubes:
http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2009/04/recycle-project-no-16-hurricane-cover.html (07/02/2009)
By LizO
They are good for storing your necklaces when you travel, or just at home if you don't have anywhere else to put them. Just thread one end of the necklace through, and clasp it shut. You can also cut them in half and do the same with bracelets as well. (07/03/2009)
Some ways I use them are; slice a line through one side and cap over wire clothes hangers to help slacks not get creases. Fill them with lint from your dryer for easy fire starters when camping. All of those rubber bands can go around them. Roll up your favorite magazine and slide inside to be able to store easier when your in your car waiting or doctors office etc. 2 taped together make cute play binoculars for kids.
(07/05/2009)
By Julie
Give them to a daycare. The teachers are always needing paper towel rolls for crafts. (07/05/2009)
By Teresa Tart
How about using them as a place to store electrical cords like extension cords and laptop computer cords, etc.? (07/05/2009)
By Barbara Pope
I slice down the side and then slip them over rolls of wrapping paper so I don't have to use tape to keep the paper from unrolling and getting messed up. (07/06/2009)
By tahlula
And if none of those ideas suit you, you can always compost them. (07/06/2009)
By Beth
Paper towel tubes work very well to extend the reach of your vacuum: one end in the vacuum, the other probing into those hard-to-reach places.
You can also use them to store fabric, if you're a seamstress or tailor.
If you can't think of anything to do with your paper towel tubes, though, you can always Freecycle them. (07/09/2009)
You can always donate them to a daycare or school for art projects. I always gave my empty powdered formula cans to my sons school and they appreciated it. (07/10/2009)
By Michele
I use mine for stuffing the rag dolls I make. Simply insert the tube into the opening and put the stuffing through the tube. It helps in those hard to get places such as the legs and the arms. (07/30/2010)
By Sue Hinely
I reuse paper towels, but not usually with another food product. Great for spills and other accidents.
(07/30/2010)
By rosie
They can also be used:
By Dianna M.
Wow! I never gave thought to all of these uses. I especially like putting them on hangers for pants and over the wrapping paper roll.
Great tips! (07/30/2010)
By Paula
When I change out silk flower arrangements around the house, I fasten a vase worth ends with a rubber band or twister and then insert into the towel tube, which then can be stored upright in a box with the rest. You pull out the tube of flowers you want to use and all stays neat and uncrushed. (07/30/2010)
By Grandma J
I have a big mug that I use for a pencil holder on my desk. I cut a paper towel tube into short sections and put as many sections as possible into the mug to keep the pencils standing upright. It seems like more pencils fit in the mug and I can separate the pens from the pencils and the "etc." that end up in it. (07/30/2010)
By tazfan
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!