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Despite what Joan Crawford might have felt about them, wire hangers can really come in handy–and for more than just hanging clothes. If you’re anything like us, you have more than your fair share of wire hangers from the dry cleaner. Before you toss them in trash, however, here are eight new uses for them around the home.
1. Hang a plant. Want to turn in standard planter into a hanging plant? Simply wrap a straightened wire coat hanger around a 6- to 8-inch flowerpot, just below the lip. Then twist it back on itself to secure it and hang.
2. Unclog toilets. If your toilet is clogged, you can fish out the culprit with a straightened wire coat hanger.
3. Make a giant bubble wand. If you’ve got kids in the house, you know how much they love bubbles. Shape the hanger into a hoop with a handle and dip it into a bucket filled with bubble solution.
4. Hang flip flops. Keep flip flops off the floor by compressing the ends of the hanger, then bend back up in a hook shape.
5. Pick locks. If you lock yourself out of the house, you can use a straightened-out hanger to jimmy the lock and try to open the door. Just be sure not to damage the lock!
6. Get into small spaces. That feeling when something of value falls into a small area and your arm or hand can’t reach it. Straighten out a wire hanger and use it to fit into the space and retrieve your item.
7. Re-string sweatpants. It happens to the best of us. Use a straightened hanger, make a knot with the string and carefully guide it through.
8. Roast marshmallows and hot dogs. Simply place the food on a straightened hanger and cook (carefully!).
For more tips, check out how to clean your microwave with an orange peel and how to break in new boots.
