Unusual Uses: Ziploc Bags 10 New Ways
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Nov 2nd 2009 12:00PM
- Filed under organization and storage
Photo: Barkdog, Flickr
1. Compact wet wipe storage. Like traveling light with your baby or toddler? Me, too. I never bought a bulky diaper bag and I also ditched the plastic wet wipes container early on. Instead, I always carry a baggy with a small stash of wipes, which takes up only the tiniest amount of space in my messenger bag.
2. Diaper changing mat. Speaking of diaper duty, a gallon or larger size Ziploc makes a perfect super-compact changing pad. No, it's not padded (unless you add an old t-shirt or something), but it will keep your tot's head off icky public diaper changing surfaces.
3. Corral odds and ends. Pop loose kids' toys, craft items, electronic doo-dads and home improvement leftovers in Ziplocs, and label with permanent marker. The bags take up much less room than plastic storage containers, which I love, plus you can identify their contents with a glance.
4. Homemade ice cream. Combine ingredients in a baggy and shake it all around for a few minutes. A delicious frozen confection should by your end result. Mmm, sounds like yummy fun ... and a great kids' rainy day activity to boot.
5. Baking essential. If you're making a crumb crust pie, place graham crackers in a Ziploc then pulverize with a rolling pin. You can also use them to pipe frosting. Just cut a small hole in one corner and have at it.
6. Store pantyhose. Instead of a tangled mess, contain pantyhose in Ziplocs. It's a cleverly compact way to keep them organized, yet close at hand.
7. Gum remover. Place ice cubes in a Ziploc and rub the gum. As it hardens, you will be able to chip and scrape it off your clothing/carpet.
8. Clean rusty shower head. Shower head sporting an unattractive alkaline build-up? If it's difficult to unscrew from the wall, don't. Fill a Ziploc with white vinegar and secure around the shower pipe with a rubber band. Don't you love no-scrub cleaning solutions?
9. Homemade heat pack. Fill a bag with rice and microwave for a couple minutes then apply to aching muscles. Aaaah.
10. Tea bag organizer. You want your tea bag assortment to stay orderly, right? Here's a brilliant Ziploc solution that keeps your tea efficiently contained and also prevents flavor sharing.






