The pool noodle has been a family staple in the summertime since it came on the market in the 1980s. Now, it's nearly impossible to go to the pool or beach and not see several of them in or around the water.
Recently, pool noodles have been spotted being used outside of the water. As it so happens, the summer toy is quite useful around the house. You'll never believe that you've been living without these incredible pool noodle life hacks.
Keep Boots In Great Condition With Noodle Boot Shapers
There is an easy and cheap way to get your knee-high boots to stop flopping all over the entryway or closet -- pool noodles! No need to buy expensive boot shapers ever again. All you have to do is run to your closest Dollar Store and grab one noodle.
You can then cut the noodle to the appropriate length for each boot. Talk about a simple way to keep your boots in good condition for a long time.
Life-Size Lincoln Logs
Step-up your kids' playtime by making life-size Lincoln Logs for them to build their dream fort! All you need to do is buy at least 15 pool noodles, cut them in half, and put a notch on both ends of the "logs."
This easy craft will give your little one hours of fun! And don't worry, if you like things being uniform, pool noodles do come in brown so you can make the "logs" look authentic.
A Door Stopper
With this noodle hack, you'll never have to worry about your young one slamming their fingers in the door, or the door making a loud banging noise because it swung closed too fast. All you have to do is cut a section of a pool noodle and slice it down the middle from tip to tip.
That way, it's easy to slide the noodle right onto the door, making a barrier between it and the door frame. Say goodbye to startling noises!
The Perfect Wreath Base For Any Season
By using a pool noodle as a base, you can create beautiful wreaths for any season! Just wire the noodle into a circle, seal the two ends together, and start picking out your accessories!
It's so easy to hook fake leaves, pumpkins, ornaments, and other objects into the foam noodle that you might get addicted to swapping out the decor. Don't blame us if you start spending too much money on wreath decorations at your local Michaels craft store!
Prevent Your Car Door From Hitting The Wall
More often than we'd care to think about, we bump the car door against the garage wall when getting out of the car. The garage can be a tight fit and especially if you have kids, or are unloading your shopping purchases, it's easy to accidentally bump the wall and scratch the car's paint, or worse.
Screwing a pool noodle against the wall at the height of the car doors is an easy hack to prevent any accidental scratches on the car or wall.
An Educational Tool To Teach Fractions
Calling all math teachers! Here is an easy, fun, and cheap way to teach your students fractions. All that has to be done on your part is to cut and label the noodles appropriately. The bright colors will keep young kids' attention, and they'll want to play with the new "toy."
Who says playing and learning can't go hand in hand? With this easy trick, your students will all be mathematical geniuses in no time.
A Headrest For Those Long Road Trips
This hack will make you a true believer in the versatility of pool noodles. What is the one thing most non-drivers want on a long road trip? A headrest for when you start nodding off!
All you have to do is cut off a section of the noodle and slice it from end to end. That way it's easy to slip right onto the seat belt. Wrap a soft shirt or towel around it and you have yourself a makeshift pillow!
A Gripper So A Pail Doesn't Slice Your Hand
For those labor workers out there, you know how uncomfortable it can be to carry a heavy pail. The metal handle does nothing in ways of grip and can even painfully slice right through delicate skin.
Here is a hack to get your hands through the day intact. Use a tiny section of a pool noodle to wrap around the metal handle. The noodle will supply a nice grip and you won't have to worry about metal cuts and burns!
Ready-To-Use Squeegee
Have you ever spilled something in the garage with no way of cleaning it up, aside from the lone sponge that's been sitting in a dirty bucket for months? Hopefully, this hack will help with your messy situation!
Grab a pool noodle and a heavy-duty garden rake. Measure the noodle against the prongs of the rake and cut. Next, slice the noodle from end to end, slip in onto the prongs, and voila! You have a ready-to-go and easy-to-use squeegee.
Keep The Kids Safe On The Trampoline
Trampolines can be a bit hazardous for young kids. So if there was a way to make them a fraction of a bit safer, wouldn't you want to know about it? A great safety hack for anyone with a trampoline is to use pool noodles to cover the metal springs and frame.
This way, no one will get their feet pinched by the springs or get accidentally tossed into the metal poles and hurt themselves. It won't prevent all injuries, but at least it gives parents a bit less to worry about!
Floating Candles To Set The Mood
Whether it's for your backyard pool, pond, or even for your own personal enjoyment in a nice bath, floating candles are a terrific way to set a relaxing mood. And who knew making homemade floats could be so easy?
Go out to the store and buy a noodle in your favorite color and cut it into about three-inch-thick sections. Trace a votive candle outline in the center of one of the pieces, cut a hole, and place the candle inside. Now you have glowing candle floaties!
Stop Finding A Graveyard Of Toys Under The Couch
What if we told you there is a way to stop your kids and pets from losing their toys underneath the couch? And that it's a fix as easy as running to the Dollar Store and grabbing a pool noodle? That's right, use a pool noodle to block the gap between the floor and the couch.
It will make your life a lot easier when it comes time to clean. That is, unless you like finding a graveyard of random toys under the couch.
Star Wars Lightsabers So Everyone Can Learn The Power Of The Force
Nothing says 'easy kid's birthday party' more than a Star Wars lightsaber craft table. Since pool noodles typically run from $1-$3 at your local Dollar Store, they're super cheap and easy to buy in bulk. All you need is a variety of different colored noodles, some duct tape, and markers!
Let each kid design their own laser sword and unleash their inner Jedi knight. If anything, you'll learn who the trouble-makers are by seeing who picks a red noodle!
Protect Your Car Doors' Paint Job
Stop hitting your car door on the side of your garage. There is an easy pool noodle hack to ensure you keep your car's paint job pristine. Either attach a part of the noodle to your garage or keep a section in your car so you can slip it onto the door before opening it fully.
Just section off a bit of noodle and slice it from end to end. The noodle will easily slip onto your door and allow you to get out of a tight garage or parking space without fear of banging up your paint job!
Save Money On Heating Bills With This Draft Blocker
This nifty little hack will have you saving some money on your bills come the winter months! Just cut a pool noodle to the exact dimensions of your door, cut it from end to end, and slide it right under your door.
It is an inexpensive and yet very effective draft blocker that will have you cozy in your room in no time. We definitely recommend using this hack in any room with tile floors -- they tend to get the coldest!
Child-Proof A Fishing Pole
For those fishing families out there, one of the worst things to happen on a trip is a little kid throwing their pole overboard and watching it sink to the bottom of the ocean or lake. Have no fear, we have a hack!
Use a pool noodle to create a float for the fishing pole. Just in case your little one feels like throwing things overboard, you won't have to watch as the expensive piece of equipment sinks out of reach.
Keep Your Fishing Poles Organized
Any avid fisherman should know about this handy pool noodle hack that will keep their fishing poles upright and organized. Cut slits into the noodle, spacing them about four inches apart so the poles aren't too close together. Then you're going to want to screw the noodle to the wall.
It's not mandatory, but if you want to protect the end of your pole from the garage floor, put a piece of wood underneath the noodle. You'll never have to worry about your pole falling over and breaking again!
Stop Banging Your Toes On The Legs Of Your Bed
There's nothing worse than getting up in the middle of the night only to stub your toes on the legs of your bed. Well, we're here to help! Wrap pool noodles around each of the metal legs.
That way, your toes are safe from any unwanted shooting pain and you're free to get out of bed in the middle of the night to get a glass of water without worrying. It's a win-win for everyone!
An Extension Cord Organizer That Fits Perfectly In Your Closet
With pool noodles, there's no reason for your extra extension cords to be knotted in the back of your linen closet. One noodle can be used as at least three separate organizers. All you need to do it cut the noodle into three or four equal sections, cutting a slit to the middle from either end.
Then fold up your cord and slide it right into the organizer! This hack will keep all your cords knot-free.
Keep Your Garage Floor Clean From The Elements
If you live in a place where it snows or rains a lot, then you know that your garage floor can become a pseudo watering hole. Have no fear, pool noodles are here! Grab a few pool noodles from your local Dollar Store, some duct tape, and a large tarp.
Affix the noodles to the bottom of the tarp, flip it over, and place it on the floor of your garage. Now, whenever you drive your car into the garage, the melted snow and rainwater will fall straight onto the tarp! It's a much easier cleanup.
Organize Your Broom Closet
If you're like us, then every time you open your broom closet at least one (or six) things fall out onto you. Don't worry, we have an organizational hack that will make it so you don't have to cower in fear about the inevitable broom to the face.
For this hack, you're going to want to cut the pool noodle flat on one side. That way you can affix it to the wall. Then cut vertical triangles for the broom, mop, and other cleaning tools' handles.
A Delicates Clothes Hanger
If you like keeping your delicate clothing, like sweaters and nice slacks, in good condition, then you need a delicates hanger. You don't want your nice clothing stretching out or creasing now, do you? You might have dry cleaner hangers with the thin foam padding but we're here to tell you that you need to step your game up.
We're talking pool noodle padding over the hanger rung. With that much cushioning, there is no way any of your clothing is getting ruined!
A Floating Cooler So You Can Stay In The Water
This hack brings the noodle back to its natural habitat, the pool. But there are other fun ways to use noodles in a pool, aside from floating on them! Measure a noodle around four parts of a plastic container, cutting each section of the noodle accordingly. String the noodle sections together and tightly secure them around the container.
This will help the bin stay afloat and not capsize, leaving you to enjoy an afternoon in the pool without having to get out for a beverage.
A $1 Wrist Rest
Say goodbye to uncomfortable typing in your workplace. Let us introduce you to a hack that is both ergonomically friendly while also cheap! Granted, you could probably run out and buy a wrist protector for $10-$15, but why do that when you can spend $1 on a pool noodle and $9 on lunch?
We're just trying to help you be economic over here. So grab a pool noodle, cut it to the length of your keyboard, and then cut it vertically so it is a comfortable height for your hands.
Line Insulation For An RV So The Water Doesn't Freeze
If you have an RV and are planning on taking a trip to a cooler climate, this hack might just save you! Bring pool noodles to insulate your water and sanitation lines. You'll be thanking the noodles in the morning when neither line freezes up and you're able to utilize the water.
It's the little things that you don't think about, but there is no reason to ruin a perfectly good adventure because of frozen lines!
A Phone Holder For When There Aren't Enough Hands To Go Around
Depending on how old you are, you might need parental supervision for this phone holder hack. You're going to want to get creative and use an X-acto knife to cut the intricate groves into the noodle. There are plenty of tutorials online to show you a safe and easy way to do so!
Once you have your stand, the options are endless! Stand it upright to play games, or lay your phone on its side to watch videos.
Arm Rests That Won't Burn Your Skin Off In The Summer
There's nothing worse than walking out to your lawn furniture on a nice summer day only to get the skin burned off your arm because the metal chair has been sitting in the blazing sun all day.
A pool noodle can fix that problem. You'll want to cut the noodle in half and then cut each half like a slinky. Wrap one noodle around each armrest until its fully covered. Cut off any extra material.
The Drawer Organizer Your Silverware Deserves
This hack will make it so you never have to hear the dreadful sound of your silverware spilling all over the place again. Just measure the end of your silverware organizer to the end of the drawer and cut the pool noodle accordingly.
Slide the noodle right between the case and the back of the drawer and you'll never have to worry about shutting the drawer too hard! No matter how hard you slam it, that silverware isn't going anywhere.
Keep Arts And Crafts As Clean As Possible
One of the drawbacks of arts and crafts is the mess, especially when paints are involved. Something to help keep your countertops clean and tidy is putting a little bit of pool noodle on the side of a bowl and cutting slits into it to store paintbrushes.
This way, you stay organized and your furniture stays somewhat clean! Not to mention, when you clean the brushes dirty water won't go everywhere. It's the perfect drying station!
No Need For Ladder-Rung Leg Indents
Spending a lot of time standing on a ladder can be taxing to your knees and shins. That's where this next pool noodle hack comes in. If you're going to be standing on a ladder for an extended period of time, cut up a noodle and wrap the pieces around the ladder rungs that align with your knees and shins.
It will help take away some of the pain and make it easier to lean forward. A word of caution: only do this when you're standing still on the ladder, and remove the noodles before climbing up or down!
A Raft Made Of Noodles For The Pirate In The Family
Granted, one noodle is plenty to keep you afloat for a relaxing day in the pool. But we can't help but think this pirate raft looks cooler and way more luxurious than a single noodle. And it's super easy to construct!
All you need are a few noodles and some string to tie them all together, and you're good to go! Although the pirate flag isn't mandatory, we recommend it for reputation purposes.
Fix A Fender Gap
Sometimes you don't even realize that pool noodles are cheap fixes to very expensive problems. Blogger IntrepidXJ had to remove the inner fender lining to chop the fenders. Once he did that, he has a gap in the car that, if left alone, would have accumulated mud and other nasty build-ups.
Thinking quick, he chopped a pool noodle in the length needed to fit nicely in the fender lining. It fits the gap nicely and can be replaced at any time for cheap!
Foot Rest For Car Seats
Your kids are going to love this one! And so will you, if your children tend to kick the back of your seat when they're bored. Just use string or a bit of rope to attach a section of pool noodle to the bottom of a car seat and voilà -- now your kids have somewhere comfy to rest their feet!
It's easily adjustable, too, so this pool noodle hack will continue to do the trick as your kid grows.
Colorful Napkin Rings
If you're like us, you enjoy setting a festive table for every single holiday that comes along. But it can get expensive buying dishes, napkins, and all the accompanying accessories you need.
Pool noodles come to the rescue here, too. Just slice one up into thin strips and you have yourself some colorful (and inexpensive!) new napkin rings for your next get-together. We wonder if Martha Stewart knows about this clever dining table trick.
Pin Cushions
This pool noodle hack is a craft within a craft! First off, did you ever consider how perfect pool noodle foam is for a pincushion? You can make just about any style you want. There are two variations pictured here. One is cut into a delicate flower shape, while the other is just a section of a noodle. We've even seen people cover theirs with fabric.
Once you've finished making your custom pincushion, then the real crafting begins! What are you going to sew first?
Safely Store Your Quilts
If you have a lot of quilts and have been wondering how to store them all, then you're in the right place. Pool noodles make excellent holders for quilts. The round noodles keep the quilts smooth and prevent any wrinkling or folding that comes with storing them in boxes.
Just carefully wrap your quilt around the pool noodle, with the design facing out so you can see it easier when you want to retrieve it.
Stamped Wall Art
Custom wall murals can be very expensive to commission, and it's not a project you want to tackle on your own unless you're a really good artist. Right? Not so! Just look at this wall mural that's underway.
This crafty individual just used the tip of a pool noodle as a brush to create the illusion of palm fronds. The final result will be a wall that's covered in lush, tropical greenery. It's perfect for a dining room or any other area you want to feel like escaping to on cold days.
