Grab a pool noodle & copy these brilliant hacks

Summer just wouldn’t be the same without those go-to pool noodles that keep everyone entertained and afloat in the water. The color, texture and buoyancy of these simple pool toys make them popular with children and adults alike. But beyond fun in the water, pool noodles can take on a variety of jobs around the house. With a few modifications, a pool noodle can easily be transformed into some pretty awesome uses.

Whether it keeps a door from slamming into a wall or prevents tall boots from flopping over in the closet, a pool noodle is all you need to get the job done. You can cut this foam log down to size for a quick childproofing fix or for art supply storage. Check out these efficient, innovative and budget-friendly pool-noodle repurposes for home organization and safety techniques.

Watching paint chip away on a wall as the door gets slammed time and again can be frustrating. It can also present danger for those who have little ones running around. Keep tiny fingers from being pinched and paint from being damaged by cutting a pool noodle in half, then cut it to the appropriate size to make a door stopper. The noodle's curvature keeps it in place when it's pressed onto the door edge, while the material's soft texture prevents damage to the wall or paint.  

A fabulous pair of tall boots can be all it takes to complete your stunning outfit. But if left unsupported in your closet, your boots will soon develop unsightly seams where the top-heavy fabric flops over. To avoid this situation and keep your boots in prime condition for longer when you're not wearing them, cut a pool noodle to the length of the boot's interior and simply slip it inside. The noodle is sturdy enough to keep the boot upright and easy to remove when it’s time for you to get dressed.

Over time, you've probably noticed that your jewelry and hair accessory collection has grown. Having amazing sets of accessories to choose from is fantastic when you're assembling that perfect look, but keeping track of everything can be far more difficult. Leave the stress of a misplaced earring, bracelet or headband behind by cutting off the end of a pool noodle and using it as a DIY organizer. Slide the noodle over a traditional jewelry rack for a wider space to position bracelets and necklaces. As an added convenience, this technique allows you to press earrings with studded backs directly into the foam for secure storage.

Creating an at-home workout space complete with exercise equipment is a convenient way for you to stay in shape without wasting time traveling to the gym. Once you’ve invested in the equipment to stay healthy, keep important accessories like mini-trampolines functional for longer by covering the edges with pool noodles. Cut a noodle or two in half to make a soft and secure barrier between jumping feet and sharp edges. If you store your trampoline in the closet and have to transport it after each use, the foam material is strong enough to protect the edges from doors or drops.

Children never fail to surprise their parents when it comes to an agile ability to get into dangerous situations — especially when they’re very young. Childproofing is an essential but often costly process to keep small fingers and toes away from potentially harmful results. To cover sharp corners and edges in your home, a pool noodle is a cost-effective way to get the job done. You can easily cut them down the middle and wrap them around railings that might prove hazardous. You can also cut the foam down to size to cover countertop edges, chair legs and more.

Creative inspiration can hit at any time, and it’s important to have the right tools readily available when it does. There’s no need to go out and buy containers for paintbrushes when a pool noodle can do the same job. Cut off the end of a noodle and wrap it in decorative paper for aesthetic appeal. The round design of the noodle's interior makes it an ideal container for art supplies, while the waterproof foam lets you whisk away any remaining moisture on your brushes once you've completed your art project.  

Taking time to carefully fold your dress pants and place them over a hanger is a good start, but it's often not enough to keep creases away. Keep outfits smooth and work-ready by sliding the end of a pool noodle over the bottom bar of a hanger, and use that to hold your dress pants instead. The pool noodle's width keeps wrinkles at bay and also keeps the sides of the pants from touching. This simple hack makes mornings less stressful and cuts down on any extra ironing time.