If you go shopping often, you probably have a lot of plastic bags lying around your home. Plastic bags are way more useful than you would think. They aren’t just for picking up dog poo or for use as makeshift trash bags.
We’ve collected 55 of the best uses for plastic bags that you wouldn’t necessarily expect. So before you throw them away, why not try one of these 35 ways to reuse them. You can recycle and save money on other household items.
My family keeps all of the plastic bags from our trips to the grocery store – we all know that they are not great for the environment, so we might as well make the most use out of them that we can.
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1. Transport Plants
If you want to be able to transplant your plants and you are looking for a way to protect the roots while you move them, place them in plastic bags. You can even add a little dirt and water to the bags to keep the plants from wilting or going into shock during the transplant.
It can sometimes be hard to find or make the perfect pet bed. You want to find something that will be comfortable for your dog or cat but also easy to clean. Instead of stuffing your pet beds with normal stuffing or filling, use plastic bags instead. You won’t have to toss them into the washing machine; you can just wipe them down or even spray them off with the hose when you need to clean them. The bags will also help keep the bed from smelling bad.
If you know how to crochet, you can take a bunch of plastic bags, crochet them together, and create a mat. The mat will be waterproof and works well to put under sleeping bags or on a chair. Or you can just put them in the yard and enjoy a nice, peaceful nap outside.
If you like to spend a lot of time outside gardening, your jeans or pants probably get pretty dirty. Keep some plastic bags on hand and put them over your pants to help protect them and keep them clean. This may also make the work a little more comfortable.
If fruit is close to being ripe on your trees and you want to keep critters or insects from them, you can tie plastic bags around the fruit and protect them until they fall. Just remember to check them daily since they won’t last long in a plastic bag once they have ripened.
Plastic bags make affordable packing material. Simply save them and then put them in your envelopes or boxes before you ship. If you use enough of them, they can keep all your items safe during shipment.
Plastic bags can be turned into reusable bags if you tie them or crochet them together. Simply loop and braid them until you have a larger bag that you can use over and over without having to worry about tearing. You will cut down on the amount of plastic you use this way, too.
If you have gaps around your air conditioner or pipes and need to block them off, you can use plastic bags to fill in the spaces. They help keep out the wind and even water to some extent. They can be used for short periods of time and replaced with new bags or something else later.
Sometimes, it’s hard to get your paint cans to seal properly so the paint stays good and doesn’t dry out. Before you pound the lid on the can, put a plastic bag over the top of it. Then, pound the lid onto the can and the bag will help it seal. Your paint will last longer, too.
There’s nothing worse than having your mirrors freeze over in the winter. Even if you get your windows thawed, the defrost doesn’t work on the mirrors. Put bags over your mirrors, and you can prevent the ice from sticking to them. Just take the bags off when you are ready to drive.
Putting polish on your wooden furniture can be difficult and messy, but when you use plastic bags to apply it, it’s much easier. The plastic bags not only work well to apply it but also make cleanup easier. Just toss the bags away when you are finished.
If you have a stuffed animal that needs to be re-stuffed, instead of using filling, just use plastic bags. For smaller animals, you can cut up the bags, so they will fit inside the animals easier.
Plastic bags make great trashcan liners, especially for smaller trashcans that you might keep in the bathroom or an office. You can just toss them with all the trash in them. Or if you have them in a can that only collects paper, dump it into a bigger container once it’s full and reuse the bag.
If you or a family member has a cast on, you probably worry about getting it wet. You can wrap the cast in a plastic bag to protect it from the rain. Some people even cover a cast in multiple bags and then are able to take baths and go swimming.
Cleaning a litter box can be nasty and messy. Instead of scraping through the litter, just put a plastic bag under the litter as a liner. When it’s time to change it, just take the bag up and toss it in the trash. Put a new bag down and repeat as needed.
Instead of buying bags to collect dog poo, just use plastic bags instead. Put your hand into the bag and use it like a glove to pick up the poo, and then turn the bag inside out and tie it. Toss it in the trash, and you’re done.
If you are on vacation and have wet clothes or swimsuits that you need to pack in a hurry, a plastic bag can come in handy. Put the wet clothes in them and then pack them as normal. The plastic bags will keep the other clothes from getting wet.
Sometimes baby bottles and sippy cups can leak around the seal. You can use a bag to seal it. Simply put the plastic around the seam and then put the lid back on. The lid will fit tighter, and the liquid won’t leak out.
In the winter, your windshield wipers can freeze and stop working. The best way to protect them and your windows is to wrap your blades in plastic bags the night before a big snow or ice storm or even during the day when the car isn’t being used. The bags keep the ice from freezing to the blades. Just remember to remove the bags when you ready to drive the vehicle.
When you roll out dough, it tends to stick to the counter, but if you put down some plastic bags, you can roll the dough out and it won’t stick. When you are done, just toss the bags with your dough scraps and extra flour, or you can store the dough in a bag for later.
Defrosting meat can be a messy task. All the liquid runs out all over the microwave, fridge, or counter where it is sitting. To save yourself a mess, just put the meat in a plastic bag and let it thaw out. The bag will collect the liquid, and you won’t have to wipe it up later.
Need to put flour or breading on your meat? Just put the coating in a plastic bag and then drop the meat into it. Shake the bag slightly and pull the meat out. When you are finished breading each piece of meat, just toss the bag in the trash.
If you have a pair of tight shoes or just have trouble getting your boots on, use some plastic bags as shoehorns. Simply put them in the shoes so it’s easier to slip them on, then pull the bags out. It works every time.
If you make homemade bread, you may find that you need a place to store it. Plastic bags work great. Save them and put your fresh bread inside to help keep it fresher longer.
When you pack toiletries in your luggage, you never know if they might leak out. The best way to protect your clothing is to pack toiletries in plastic bags. If they do leak, the liquid will stay in the bag, and you won’t have to worry about any stains or spills on your clothing.
If you have kids with dolls, plastic bags make great parachutes. You can tie strings to them and then tie them to the dolls. They can jump from trees, playhouses, or even staircases without any problems. Doll parachutes are sure to put a smile on your kids’ faces.
Collect a bunch of plastic bags and stretch them out vertically. You can braid them together or just tie them to together to create a rope. If you tie them properly, they will be strong enough to use as a jump rope.
Plastic bags make great storage options. You can put wreaths, wall décor, holiday décor, faux flowers, and more in the plastic bags and then store them in your closet, under the bed, or even in storage buildings. The plastic bags help keep bugs and rodents out of your stuff, too.
You can’t stuff outdoor pillows with your traditional stuffing, or else they will get mold and mildew. Instead, use plastic bags for the stuffing. Just collect enough to fill up each pillow. The bags will make your pillows water resistant, so they are perfect for the outdoors.
If you need to throw away some diapers but don’t want to just toss them directly in the trash, you can use a plastic bag to hold them instead. It will keep out the smell and can still be tossed in the trash.
Plastic bags can be used to protect flowers and plants. By placing a plastic bag over the flower pot, you can effectively protect your plants from freezing. However, it is important to not cover the plant with just plastic, as the plastic will damage the plant – make sure there is a layer of cloth in between.
Do you really want a dirty plunger to be touching your floor? When you finish using it, you probably just put it down beside your toilet. Instead of spreading germs, just put it in a plastic bag for storage.
If you are having a yard sale and want to give your customers a way to carry their belongings home, plastic bags come in handy. Just keep several of them on hand and use them to bag all the items your customers buy.
If you don’t like to constantly clean your dirty fridge shelves, just line them with plastic bags instead. You can just pull them off when they get dirty and throw them away. Continue to switch them out as often as needed.
If you ship packages or are moving and need a way to protect your valuables, plastic bags make great packing material. They can be stuffed into boxes to help line them, so fragile items don’t push against the sides or each other and break. They are cheaper than traditional packing materials, too.
Having a few plastic bags in your car can help with so many things. You can store dirty, muddy shoes or just use one to clean out accumulated litter every couple of weeks. Keep some bags in your glove compartment or under your seat so they’re at an arm’s reach.
Has your plastic bag collection gotten out of control? There are some folks who would love to take those off your hands. Stop by your local thrift store or flea market and ask if they’d like to use them for their customers’ purchases.
Another way to use plastic bags for and in your garden is to simply keep a few in your pocket when you’re tending to your fruits, flowers, or veggies. As you’re gardening, toss in any weeds, debris, or anything else that doesn’t belong for easy disposal.
“With a dog in my house, my bag-less vacuum cleaner needs emptying a few times as I vacuum. I use a plastic grocery bag as a container for the vacuum cleaner contents,” says The Gardening Cook.
Sometimes lightweight summer shoes can lose their form if they’re not worn for a while. During the winter months, stuff them with plastic bags so that the toes can maintain their shape and they’re ready to wear come Spring again.
Here’s another simple but handy idea for using extra plastic bags. Be sure to bring a couple of them with you when you have a beach day, you can toss in any wet towels or swimsuits afterward to keep your car and other belongings dry.
Before you go out to mow the lawn, tie a plastic bag or two to the handle. This way, you can pick up any litter or debris when you see it so you don’t mow over it. This is perfect if you have lots of pinecones in your yard that you don’t want to run over.
Messing around under your car or its hood can become quite messy. Before you go twisting off that oil cap, be sure to use a plastic bag as a hand protector so you don’t get oil all over your skin. You can also use it to wipe the dipstick when checking the oil.
Need to cool some drinks for a picnic but don’t have a cooler? No problem! Just use a couple of plastic bags instead. First, you’ll need to double up the bags, then toss in some ice, and add your drinks! The double bag will prevent the melted ice from leaking everywhere and once you’ve enjoyed your beverages, now you have a trash bag handy too!
If you’re refurbishing or painting furniture, plastic bags make excellent ‘drop cloths’ to protect your floor. Just cut or rip them open and lay out underneath the furniture legs so you don’t get paint on those hardwoods, on your driveway, or in your garage.
Does your favorite recipe call for crushed crackers? Or maybe you’re making homemade breadcrumbs! Plastic bags come in handy for both of those things. Place a handful of crackers or stale bread into a plastic bag, tie it closed, then beat with a mallet or roll with a rolling pin until you have the consistency you’re looking for.
Even the best snow boots can’t prevent snow getting in from the top and making your thick socks all wet. After putting your socks on, slip over some plastic bags and tie them up before putting on your boots. Your feet will stay nice and dry.
“ok – put your hand inside the bag, like a glove – grab the mousetrap with the attached victim , use your other hand to pull your hand, trap and bag inside out, manipulate without touching trap or victim to loosen said victim and remove the trap, all without actually touching IT. tie the bag shut and toss in garbage. I’ve been known to throw it all away if it is unwilling to be separated!” said Donna Rae Spencer Guidry at The Gardening Cook.
Here’s a fun trick that you might find useful! Layer plastic bags between two sheets of wax paper then rub a warm iron over it. The plastic will shrink up, melt, and fuse together forming a tough, flexible sheet of plastic that you can use as a book cover–or whatever else you might need covering!
If you have stinky food scraps that won’t be picked up with the trash for a few days, throw them in a plastic bag and toss them in the freezer. This will keep your kitchen smelling fresh until trash day rolls around.
Need to grease a large baking pan with butter? Slip a plastic bag over your hand, scoop out the butter, and rub all over the pan without getting any on your hands! Just slip off the bag and toss it in the garbage when you’re done. No mess!
Here’s another handy trick if trash day doesn’t come for a while. If you have lots of baking grease or excess cooking oil, wait for it to cool completely then store in a plastic bag. Now you can toss in the trash without worrying it will spill out everywhere.
Brown paper bags are usually the go-to choice when packing lunches but since you have all those extra plastic grocery bags, why not use those instead? You can use them over and over again until they get holes or have become ripped.
Fill a plastic bag (without holes!) with some distilled white vinegar. Then, using a rubber band, secure it around your showerhead. It will remove any calcium or lime build-up while making it sparkling clean!
Outdoor padlocks can become frozen closed during the cold winter months. Protect them by wrapping a plastic bag around them come late fall. Now you won’t have to struggle with them if you need to open them.
A simple plastic bag has so many clever and nifty uses for your home, garden, and day-to-day life! Do you know of any others that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them!
55 Uses For Plastic Bags
Jenny Brown
03.18.19
If you go shopping often, you probably have a lot of plastic bags lying around your home. Plastic bags are way more useful than you would think. They aren’t just for picking up dog poo or for use as makeshift trash bags.
We’ve collected 55 of the best uses for plastic bags that you wouldn’t necessarily expect. So before you throw them away, why not try one of these 35 ways to reuse them. You can recycle and save money on other household items.
My family keeps all of the plastic bags from our trips to the grocery store – we all know that they are not great for the environment, so we might as well make the most use out of them that we can.
