Genius Clothespin Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Earlier

Clothespins might seem like one-trick tools, but they’re more versatile than you think, able to solve all sorts of household problems. Whether you’re looking for better organization, an easier way to complete tasks, or just a clever trick to make daily life smoother, these hacks will help! Give them a try, and you may never look at clothespins the same way again.

1. Hold Nails in Place While Hammering

If you’ve ever banged your fingers while trying to hammer in a nail, a clothespin can help. Clip the nail with the clothespin and hold the pin instead of the nail itself. This keeps your fingers safe and gives you a steadier grip. It’s a simple trick, but it can make DIY projects much easier and safer. Plus, you won’t have to worry about those painful slips ever again.

2. Organize Tangled Cords

Cords can quickly become a mess when you have multiple in one spot. Whether it’s phone chargers, headphones, or appliance cables, a clothespin can keep them neat. Wind the cord into a loop and use a clothespin to hold it together. For extra organization, write the name of the device on the clothespin so you always know what every cable is for.

3. Keep Bags Sealed Tight

Forget those plastic chip clips, clothespins do the job just as well. Use them to keep bags of snacks, frozen foods, or baking ingredients sealed tightly. This prevents staleness, freezer burn, and spills in your pantry. The best part? They’re cheap, easy to replace, and work just as well as any specifically-marketed alternative.

4. Dry Small Items Without Losing Them

This is an elevation of the standard uses for clothespins, but they can help keep small clothing items together while they dry. Clip socks, gloves, or even small washcloths onto a hanger or drying rack so they don’t fall or get separated. This also works great for drying delicate items that shouldn’t go in the dryer. It’s a simple trick that keeps things from going missing and makes laundry day a little less frustrating.

Two pairs of socks hung up on a clothesline next to one another.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

5. Label Food Containers and Leftovers

Use a clothespin as a quick, removable food label. Clip it to the side of a container and write the date, contents, or your name on the pin with a marker. This helps prevent forgotten leftovers or mystery containers in the fridge. It’s also handy for meal prep, potlucks, or bulk food storage. Unlike stickers or tape, clothespins are reusable and won’t leave behind a sticky mess when you’re done.

A collection of tupperware containers.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

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Clothespins are for much more than hanging wet laundry. Whether you’re organizing, fixing, or just looking for a clever shortcut to life’s little daily tasks, clothespins can easily do the job. Give these hacks a try and you’ll find yourself reaching for clothespins more often than you ever expected.