If you think bubble wrap is just for padding out moving boxes and for sending delicate parcels in the post, you'd be wrong! There are lots of practical ways to put it to use around the home - you'll wonder how you lived without it before!
Before sending excessive amounts of plastic packaging to landfill, check out these nifty ideas...
1. DIY insulation
If you have a particularly draughty spot in your home, you can use bubble wrap as extra insulation. You'll be able to cut your heating bills quite drastically without spending a fortune renovating. Line walls, windows, and close gaps with a sheet of bubble wrap.
2. Steering wheel cover
If you suffer from road rage or if you're an anxious driver, having something to pop will help to de-stress.
Just take some pieces of bubble wrap and tape it securely around the wheel.
3. Comfortable camping
If your sleeping bag is less than comfortable, lay some thick sheets of bubble wrap on the ground and then sleep on top. After all, a comfortable bed will keep the snoring at bay!
The bubble wrap will provide insulation from the cold floor below. You'll also find it's very comfortable - a bit like a blow-up bed!
4. Insulate drinks
If you like to take a hot beverage on the go, but the heat never sticks around for long enough, insulate your travel mug with some bubble wrap. You'll be surprised by just how much heat it locks in.
5. Fancy dress costume
Stuck in a pinch? Make yourself a fetching costume out of bubble wrap. You're sure to get a lot of attention, but we can't guarantee any prizes for best-dressed!
6. Cushion your garden tools
Always getting blisters from using your garden tools? Brooms and spades don't have the most comfortable handles, so why not add some additional cushioning with bubble wrap?
7. Foot support
Do your feet ache after a long day? Make yourself some extra shoe support with bubble wrap.
Take a pair of your shoes and trace out the bottom onto the bubble wrap. Cut around the shapes, removing an extra inch or so from the edge. Pop the insoles into your shoes and try them out!
8. Fridge shelf liners
Want a more clean, organised fridge? You could buy shelf liners, but why not make your own using bubble wrap? Bubble wrap is perfect for keeping fruit from getting bruised and for cushioning eggs.
Cut to size and lay on top of each shelf. Replace as necessary to keep your fridge hygienic.
9. Beautiful artwork
Use bubble wrap to stamp paint onto paper. This hack is great for painting with kids, but also looks magnificent printed onto fabrics for a unique tablecloth or cushion.
10. Bubble wrap rollers
This is a great hair hack! Take a piece of bubble wrap and roll it up until it resembles a roller. Starting at the tip of your hair, take a section and begin winding your hair around it. Once you reach the scalp, tie the ends of the bubble wrap together in a knot.
Leave them in overnight or until your hair is dry to reveal beautiful curls. You'll achieve damage-free curls without splashing out on a fancy set of rollers.
11. Safer storage
If your fine china is stacked in a cupboard, you might want to think about giving it some proper protection. Take some bubble wrap and cut it to the size of your plates. Sandwich the gap between each dish to prevent scratches and chips.
12. Entertain your kids
If your kids are bored, find a way to play with bubble wrap. It can provide hours of fun if you use your imagination. Here's some inspiration:
- Set a timer and see how many bubbles everyone can pop
- Make a sumo suit out of bubble wrap and wrestle
- Jump on the bubble wrap to pop the bubbles
- Fashion some bubble wrap shoes.
- Make a bubble wrap hopscotch
13. Bubble wrap calendar
Looking for something productive to do when you're bored? Download and print a template to make your own bubble wrap calendar. Instead of crossing off days, you can pop the bubbles.
14. Protect your shoes & bags
If you've ever got to the bottom of your wardrobe and found a flattened pair of shoes or a crumpled bag, you need a better way to store your shoes.
Use bubble wrap to stuff your accessories and help them maintain their shape, no matter what lands on top of them!
15. Protect your plants
Protect your plants from harsh weather conditions by loosely wrapping them in bubble wrap. Because the wrap is see-through, it'll act as a mini greenhouse.
16. Supportive cushions
Does your back need a little bit more support in the office or while driving? Pad out a cushion cover with bubble wrap.
17. Upgrade your shopping bags
Do you ever worry about your frozen shopping melting before you get it to the freezer? If yes, it's time you upgrade your bags! Make a bag liner out of bubble wrap, and glue it to the inside. It'll provide extra insulation to keep your food cold.
Do you know any clever uses for bubble wrap? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
I triple wrap my compost bin with unwanted bubble wrap from shops veg boxes, (recycling as well) in winter.
Great idea, Sue!
Just pop it, thats what its for
That certainly is one of the joys of bubble wrap!
Bananas wrapped in Bubble wrap can be kept in the Fridge without going black
Great idea, Marianne! Bubble wrap will stop fruit from bruising too.
Great tips! Thank you!
You're very welcome, Cheri!
Put a strip or two depending how wide it is across the windscreen in cold weather, it works just as good as the ones you buy, put the bubbles on the underside. then just shake it when you take it off.
Great idea, Margaret! Thank you.
1. Sometimes toddlers get under heavy furnitures and may even hurt their heads, so it's better to have some cushioning underneath and what could be better than a bubble wrap. 2. Now this is something I've painfully experienced in my childhood...that moment when little fingers are accidentally crushed by tall doors, so door edges can be lined up with bubble wrap or may be a plastic foam sheet would be a better solution.🙄
Good idea!
Can't understand this tip??
Placing bubble wrap underneath heavy furniture can provide cushioning and prevent toddlers from hurting themselves, and lining door edges with bubble wrap or foam sheets can prevent little fingers from being accidentally crushed by tall doors. We hope that helps!
Thanks for all the great tips,keep on popping 😁
You're welcome!
When we moved my Mum some years ago she had lots of ornaments and breakables. I went to all the local supermarkets and asked them if I could have their bubble wrap (it comes in boxes of fruit). They were happy to let me take it and I didn’t need to buy any! If you don’t ask you don’t get.
That's fantastic! A great way to recycle, too.
I use it to wrap my outside garden tap and pipes in the winter
Great suggestion!
I use bubble wrap to insulate my greenhouse over the winter to protect delicate plants. I line the inside walls and roof. It works well but you need a lot of it.
That's a great idea!