Most people have a small collection of zip ties lying around, which seems strange because there aren't really that many uses for them, right? Actually, zip ties can come in handy for a variety of tasks ranging from traveling to gardening. They're also efficient tools for cleaning and organizing.
Before you throw out zip ties, take a moment to check out this list. You might find a zip tie hack or two that benefits you.
Lock and secure a suitcaseWhen you're traveling, the last thing you want to worry about is someone getting into your suitcase when you're not looking. A simple solution for this is to line up suitcase zippers and slide a zip tie between them. This will stop other people from opening your suitcase and prevent the zipper from sliding open if the suitcase is jostled around on the plane or in a car trunk. When you arrive at your destination, unlock the zip tie and slide it back out of the zipper loops.
Make a drain snakeCleaning out a drain is quite possibly one of the most disgusting parts of cleaning the bathroom, but it's a necessary task when the water won't drain properly from a sink or bathtub. If you find yourself dealing with a clogged drain and you don't have a drain snake handy, don't worry about it. Try the technique with a zip tie shown below.
Hold clothes together while movingMoving is kind of a pain, but one of the worst parts is transferring one outfit at a time into a bag or suitcase. Instead of going to all that trouble, slide several hangers together and wrap a zip tip around the hooks. Tighten the zip tie and easily transport multiple outfits at once.
Support heavy plants in the gardenGardening can be a relaxing way to spend your time until you walk out to your garden to find that several of your plants are drooping under their own weight. Give them a little extra support by sticking a bamboo cane into the soil next to a heavy plant and securing the plant to the cane with a zip tie. Now plants can stand up straight in a way that won't hinder continued growth.
Keep cords from getting tangledKeeping cords organized is difficult enough, but the task becomes even harder when they all start to tangle around each other. To help cords stay organized, gather them into an untangled bunch and tighten a zip tie around them. Once they're all held together, wrap other zip ties around the main one and between each cord. Now they'll all stay together but won't have the ability to tangle.
Deep clean toilet siphonsYou probably clean your toilet regularly, but how often do you clean the toilet siphons? Trust me – it's time to take care of that chore. Learn how in the video below.
Deep clean broomsBrooms and dustpans can get really gross after a few uses, but most people just stick them back in the closet until they're needed again. Doing this, however, just spreads dirt and germs. Next time you finish sweeping, try the method demonstrated in the video below instead.
