It’s a habit many of us have – we save old newspapers or magazines with the intention of pulling them out at a later date and reading them all over again.
The thing is, we rarely do this and let the piles of paper gather dust.
So here’s how to get those newspapers and magazines out of storage and put them to good use.
1. Cleaning windows
Using newspaper to clean windows works better than a cloth for preventing streaks. For even better results, use a vinegar-and-water solution instead of a chemical cleaner.
2. Cat litter box liners
Place sheets of paper in the bottom of your cat’s box, under the litter. You’ll save on litter, and any odours and wetness will be absorbed.
3. Barbecue cleaner
Turn off the barbecue and allow it to cool. Soak the newspaper in water, lay the sheets over the warm BBQ, close the lid and leave for approximately an hour. Then simply remove the paper and wipe the grill clean.
4. Weed killer
If you have weeds in your garden, cover the flower beds with newspaper and soak them with water. Then cover the paper with compost or mulch. Eventually the paper will smother the weeds, and the organic matter will help your garden flourish.
5. Fire starter
Don’t have any firestarters around? Use crumpled up bits of old newspaper to start a fire.
6. Ripen tomatoes
Wrap green tomatoes in sheets of newspaper, place in a box and put a lid on top – they will ripen up quickly.
7. Shoe deodoriser
Crumple up balls of newspaper and stuff them into smelly shoes. Leave overnight and discard – and any odours will have disappeared.
8. Gift wrapping
Wrap birthday gifts with old newspaper. It can look quite nice, especially if paired with a colourful ribbon or card.
9. Clear up broken glass
First, pick up and dispose of the larger pieces. Then carefully blot the surrounding area with a few sheets of wet newspaper – the shards of glass will stick to the damp wad of paper.
10. Unscrew a broken light bulb
Use a wad of newspaper to unscrew a hot light bulb and prevent burning your fingers.
11. Knee pad
Use old newspaper as a knee pad when gardening or scrubbing floors.
via Design Shimmer
13. Placemat
Need a new placemat but want something a little funky? This placemat is easy to make and looks fab.
via The Pink Couch
14. Wedding bouquet
If your daughter or granddaughter needs a bouquet for her wedding day, why not suggest she makes it? This DIY version only costs a few dollars to make.
What you’ll need:
Directions:
via Pop Sugar