Duct tape can do almost anything. That may sound like a hyperbole, but it's true. No matter what kind of chore you're trying to finish, you can almost always use duct tape to make the task even easier.
Whether you're cleaning, working on a home improvement project or just trying to make everyday life a little easier, duct tape has got you covered. Not literally, of course. Although duct tape is an awesome item to have on hand at all times, it's not recommended that you actually put it on your hand. (Unless, of course, you need to clean up a glitter spill.)
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Protect floors
If you have hardwood floors, then the last thing you want to do is scratch them. Unfortunately, this tends to happen when you're constantly sliding chairs back from the table during dinner. Avoid leaving scratches with a little bit of duct tape. Cut a square or two of duct tape for every chair or table leg and stick the tape to the bottom of the leg. Now the furniture will slide smoothly without scraping the floor. See video demonstration here.
If you have hardwood floors, then the last thing you want to do is scratch them. Unfortunately, this tends to happen when you're constantly sliding chairs back from the table during dinner. Avoid leaving scratches with a little bit of duct tape. Cut a square or two of duct tape for every chair or table leg and stick the tape to the bottom of the leg. Now the furniture will slide smoothly without scraping the floor. See video demonstration here.
DIY Everywhere
Open jars with duct tape
Did you know you can buy a kitchen tool to help you open jars? But why would you spend money on one when all you really need is something you likely already have? Just take a roll of duct tape, stick some on half of the lid and cut off the strip with a couple of inches of overhang. Fold down that extra bit, hold the jar with one hand, grip the extra bit of tape with the other hand and pull. The lid should pop off quickly and easily. See video demonstration here.
Did you know you can buy a kitchen tool to help you open jars? But why would you spend money on one when all you really need is something you likely already have? Just take a roll of duct tape, stick some on half of the lid and cut off the strip with a couple of inches of overhang. Fold down that extra bit, hold the jar with one hand, grip the extra bit of tape with the other hand and pull. The lid should pop off quickly and easily. See video demonstration here.
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Baby-proof electrical outlets
Babies are adorable, but they also tend to get into absolutely everything. One of their favorite activities seems to be seeing if they can stick something into an electrical outlet before an adult pulls them away. You can always stick in a plastic outlet cover, but eventually your kid will manage to pop it out of place. Instead, cut off a large enough section of duct tape to cover the outlet and do so. If you're still worried your baby will make it past that, add an extra layer or two to be on the safe side.
Babies are adorable, but they also tend to get into absolutely everything. One of their favorite activities seems to be seeing if they can stick something into an electrical outlet before an adult pulls them away. You can always stick in a plastic outlet cover, but eventually your kid will manage to pop it out of place. Instead, cut off a large enough section of duct tape to cover the outlet and do so. If you're still worried your baby will make it past that, add an extra layer or two to be on the safe side.
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Remove pet hair
There are plenty of ways to clean up pet hair. Most people just rely on their vacuums, which is great, until all of that hair clogs up the vacuum. If you're looking for an easier way to pick up all of the hair that's been shed, try this tip instead. Attach duct tape (sticky side out) to the sponge part of a paint roller and roll it over any surface that tends to attract pet hair. The hair will stick to the tape and you can easily take off and throw away the tape when you're done.
There are plenty of ways to clean up pet hair. Most people just rely on their vacuums, which is great, until all of that hair clogs up the vacuum. If you're looking for an easier way to pick up all of the hair that's been shed, try this tip instead. Attach duct tape (sticky side out) to the sponge part of a paint roller and roll it over any surface that tends to attract pet hair. The hair will stick to the tape and you can easily take off and throw away the tape when you're done.
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Pick up glitter
No matter how carefully you work on projects, you'll always end up with some stray glitter all over the place. The easiest way to clean up glitter is to cut duct tape, wrap it (sticky side out) around your fingers and grab the glitter with the tape. There's a good chance you can't pick up every piece of glitter, but you can get the majority of it this way.
No matter how carefully you work on projects, you'll always end up with some stray glitter all over the place. The easiest way to clean up glitter is to cut duct tape, wrap it (sticky side out) around your fingers and grab the glitter with the tape. There's a good chance you can't pick up every piece of glitter, but you can get the majority of it this way.
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Duct tape first aid
Sometimes you might not have a bandaid on hand. Use duct tape to deal with minor wounds such as scratches or splinters.
Sometimes you might not have a bandaid on hand. Use duct tape to deal with minor wounds such as scratches or splinters.
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Duct tape shoelaces
Replace broken shoelaces with ones made of duct tape. Not only do they hold the shoe on the foot, but they are waterproof, so they won't tighten and create unmanageable knots.
Replace broken shoelaces with ones made of duct tape. Not only do they hold the shoe on the foot, but they are waterproof, so they won't tighten and create unmanageable knots.
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Duct tape on blisters
Moleskin or medical tape and gauze or cotton are best, but if the first-aid kit is lacking, duct tape protects blisters from rubbing more on the shoe's heel. If a clean rag or piece of cloth is available, tear off a piece and place it over the blister prior to putting the duct tape over it. If the tape is placed directly on the blister, the wound will tear when the tape is removed.
Moleskin or medical tape and gauze or cotton are best, but if the first-aid kit is lacking, duct tape protects blisters from rubbing more on the shoe's heel. If a clean rag or piece of cloth is available, tear off a piece and place it over the blister prior to putting the duct tape over it. If the tape is placed directly on the blister, the wound will tear when the tape is removed.
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