Pool Noodle Hacks So Good You’ll Rush to the Nearest Dollar Store
Who knew the humble pool noodle could be so versatile? This summer staple isn’t just for floating anymore. Clever DIY enthusiasts have discovered dozens of ingenious ways to repurpose these inexpensive foam tubes for projects all around the home. Get ready to be amazed by these 30 brilliant pool noodle hacks that will have you running to the nearest dollar store!
1. Keep Boots in Great Condition With Noodle Boot Shapers
Say goodbye to floppy, creased boots taking up space in your closet. Cut a pool noodle to fit inside each boot shaft to keep them standing tall and wrinkle-free. This cheap hack works just as well as expensive boot shapers but costs a fraction of the price.
2. Create Life-Size Lincoln Logs for Epic Fort-Building
Take fort building to the next level by making giant Lincoln Logs from pool noodles. Cut noodles in half and notch the ends to create interlocking pieces. Kids will love constructing life-size cabins and castles with these oversized building blocks.
3. Make a Simple Door Stopper to Prevent Slams and Pinched Fingers
Protect little fingers and prevent loud door slams by slicing a section of a pool noodle lengthwise and sliding it onto the edge of a door. This creates a soft barrier between the door and frame for quiet, safe closings.
4. Craft the Perfect Wreath Base for Any Season
Create beautiful seasonal wreaths using a pool noodle as the base. Simply shape the noodle into a circle, secure the ends, and decorate as desired. You can easily swap out embellishments to match any holiday or season.
5. Prevent Car Door Dings in Tight Garage Spaces
Mount sections of a pool noodle on your garage wall at car door height to create a cushioned barrier. This prevents accidental dings and scratches when opening car doors in tight spaces. Your car’s paint job will thank you!
6. Use as an Educational Tool to Teach Fractions
Make math fun and tangible by using colorful pool noodle sections to demonstrate fractions. Cut noodles into various lengths to represent different fractions for hands-on learning. Kids will enjoy this interactive approach to a tricky subject.
7. Create a Comfy Headrest for Long Road Trips
Fashion a cushy headrest for car passengers by cutting a short section of pool noodle and slitting it lengthwise to fit over the seatbelt. Cover with a soft cloth for a makeshift pillow, perfect for napping on long drives.
8. Make a Comfortable Gripper for Heavy Pail Handles
Prevent hand pain and blisters when carrying heavy buckets by wrapping a section of a pool noodle around the handle. This creates a soft, ergonomic grip that makes hauling much more comfortable.
9. Craft a DIY Squeegee for Quick Garage Cleanups
Create an oversized squeegee by attaching a pool noodle to a garden rake. Cut a slit in the noodle to fit over the rake tines. This handy tool is perfect for quickly clearing water from garage floors or driveways.
10. Improve Trampoline Safety With Noodle Padding
Make trampolines safer by covering exposed metal parts with sections of pool noodle. This provides extra cushioning over springs and frame edges to help prevent injuries during bouncy play sessions.
11. Create Floating Candle Holders for Magical Ambiance
Set a relaxing mood with floating candle holders made from pool noodle sections. Cut circles from noodles and carve out spaces to hold tea lights or votives. These dreamy floating candles are perfect for pools, ponds, or baths.
12. Block the Toy Graveyard Under the Couch
Stop toys from disappearing under furniture by using pool noodles as gap blockers. Cut noodles to fit snugly between the floor and bottom of couches or chairs. No more lost toys or difficult retrievals!
13. Craft Star Wars Lightsabers for Jedi-In-Training
Host an out-of-this-world Star Wars party by making lightsabers from pool noodles. Let kids customize their own with colored duct tape and markers. May the Force be with your crafting skills!
14. Protect Car Doors in Tight Parking Spots
Keep a section of a pool noodle in the car to use as a buffer when opening doors in tight spaces. Slip the noodle over the door edge before opening to prevent dings and scratches in cramped parking lots.
15. Create an Inexpensive Draft Stopper for Doors
Block cold air from sneaking under doors with a pool noodle draft stopper. Cut a noodle to fit the width of the door and slit it lengthwise to slide easily into place. Stay cozy and save on heating bills!
17. Organize Fishing Rods for Tangle-Free Storage
Prevent lost fishing poles by attaching sections of a pool noodle as floats. If a young angler accidentally drops their rod overboard, it will bob on the surface instead of sinking to the bottom.
17. Organize Fishing Rods for Tangle-Free Storage
Create a fishing rod organizer by cutting slots in a pool noodle and mounting it on the wall. This keeps poles neatly separated and prevents tangled lines. Add a wooden base to protect rod tips.
18. Cushion Bed Frame Corners to Prevent Stubbed Toes
Wrap pool noodle sections around sharp bed frame corners to create a soft barrier. This prevents painful toe stubs and shin bangs when navigating around the bed in the dark.
19. Make Cord Organizers to Tame Tangled Cables
Keep extension cords tidy by creating organizers from pool noodle sections. Cut slits in the ends to hold coiled cords securely. This prevents knots and makes storage a breeze.
20. Create a DIY Garage Mat to Contain Melting Snow
Make a waterproof parking mat by attaching pool noodles to the edges of a tarp. This contains melting snow and mud, keeping your garage floor clean and dry during messy weather.
21. Organize Cleaning Tools With a Wall-Mounted Holder
Tame the chaos in your broom closet by creating a wall-mounted organizer from a pool noodle. Cut slots to hold broom and mop handles securely in place for easy access.
22. Craft a Padded Hanger for Delicate Clothing
Prevent shoulder bumps and creases in delicate garments by padding regular hangers with sections of a pool noodle. This DIY solution is gentler on clothes than wire hangers.
23. Build a Floating Cooler for Poolside Refreshments
Create a floating drink station by attaching pool noodle sections around a plastic storage container. This keeps beverages cold and within easy reach while you relax in the pool.
24. Make an Ergonomic Wrist Rest for Comfortable Typing
Improve your computer setup with a DIY wrist rest made from a pool noodle section. Cut to fit your keyboard and slice lengthwise for the perfect height. Your wrists will thank you!
25. Insulate RV Water Lines to Prevent Freezing
Keep your RV’s water flowing in cold weather by insulating pipes with pool noodles. Cut noodles to fit around water and sewer lines to prevent freezing during chilly camping trips.
26. Craft a DIY Phone Holder for Hands-Free Viewing
Create a custom phone stand by carefully carving a pool noodle. Use an X-acto knife to cut grooves that hold your device securely for comfortable viewing at any angle.
27. Make Comfy Armrest Covers for Outdoor Furniture
Prevent scorching hot armrests on metal patio furniture by covering them with sections of a pool noodle. Cut spirals to wrap around curved armrests for a perfect fit.
28. Create a Drawer Stopper to Prevent Silverware Spills
Stop silverware trays from sliding around by placing a section of a pool noodle behind the organizer. This prevents noisy spills when opening and closing drawers too forcefully.
29. Make a Paintbrush Holder for Tidy Crafting
Keep paintbrushes organized and drip-free by cutting slots in a pool noodle section attached to the rim of a cup or jar. This clever hack contains messes during art projects.
30. Cushion Ladder Rungs for Comfortable DIY Work
Make long periods on a ladder more bearable by padding the rungs with pool noodle sections. This provides cushioning for your shins and knees during extended projects.
ManMadeDIY Staff
