Bubble wrap is often used as a go-to solution for protecting delicate items when moving home, but with some creative thinking, there are many interesting uses for bubble wrap you may not be aware of. We’ve done the hard work for you and have come up with a few clever and unexpected ways to reuse old bubble wrap, saving you money and reducing waste. Before we look at our favourite uses for bubble wrap beyond the move, here’s some interesting history behind this incredibly versatile packaging material.
History of Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is a packaging material composed of small bubbles filled with air and sealed between two layers of plastic. It was first invented in 1957 and gained popularity as a way to protect delicate items during shipping and transport.
Although bubble wrap is a great option for protecting your items, it’s important to consider its environmental impact. Bubble wrap is made from non-biodegradable materials and can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. Furthermore, producing bubble wrap requires significant amounts of energy and resources, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental concerns.
It’s crucial for us as consumers to consider the environmental consequences of our consumption habits and take steps to reduce waste. A great way to achieve this is by finding inventive uses for bubble wrap instead of discarding it. This help to not only helps minimise waste but also prolongs the material’s lifespan and decreases the need to manufacture more products.
Best Uses For Bubble Wrap
1. Maintain the shape of your shoes, clothes and accessories
There are so many incredible uses for bubble wrap in your wardrobe. First, you can use bubble wrap to prevent hangers from denting or damaging your clothes. Simply wrap a few strips over the uneven areas of your hangers and then secure them with pieces of sellotape.
Secondly, you can also use bubble wrap to maintain the shape of shoes, handbags and hats while you store them in your wardrobe. Roll up bubble wrap, then stuff and mould your items into the desired shape. This is especially handy for long boots and big bags that get bent out of shape during storage.
2. Keep your fridge clean while protecting fruit and vegetables
Cut pieces of bubble wrap to the size of your produce drawers and use them as liners to keep your drawers clean. The puffy material will protect your fruits and vegetables from getting bruised and provide extra insulation to keep the contents chilled. If the Bubble Wrap gets dirty, just peel it out and replace it with another layer.
3. Uses for bubble wrap when baking
To create a honeycomb texture using tempered chocolate, use bubble wrap. Gently clean the bubble wrap and then pour warm-tempered chocolate onto it. Spread the chocolate evenly with a pallet knife and let it harden at room temperature. Carefully peel off the bubble wrap and use the resulting shards to decorate cakes, cupcakes and desserts.
4. Improve grip and prevent blisters while gardening
This is one of our favourite uses for bubble wrap for avid gardeners! Have you ever found yourself with sore or blistered hands after using brooms, rakes, spades, shears or other similar tools for a while? It’s not uncommon since the handles are usually made of wood or metal and don’t exactly mould to your grip. But here’s a handy trick, wrap some bubble wrap around the handle before you start working! It’ll act as a cushion and make things much more comfortable. All you have to do is secure it with some adhesive tape, and you’re all set.
5. Fun uses for bubble wrap to try with your kids
Have you ever thought about using bubble wrap to entertain your kids and inspire their creativity? We’ve got a super fun idea that we think you’ll love – a bubble wrap sheep! First, help your child cut a piece of bubble wrap into a rounded, wavy shape. Then let them paint it white and give it time to dry while you cut out some black cardboard for the head and front legs. Once the paint is dry, glue the front legs onto a piece of coloured card and then stick the sheep on top. Add the head and two googly eyes to bring your sheep to life! It’s a perfect project for a rainy day or a lazy afternoon.
Need more uses for bubble wrap? For more kid-friendly craft ideas using bubble wrap, read this blog: 10 Super Fun Crafts To Make With Bubble Wrap
6. Protect your furniture from dust
Are you putting some furniture away in self storage or heading off on a well-deserved holiday? Either way, you will want to make sure your furniture remains clean and dust free while not in use. One of the best uses for bubble wrap is to wrap your furniture instead of using sheets or cloth.
Wooden furniture can easily get damaged when moving it to and from your self storage unit, so it’s important to take some extra precautions. When packing wooden furniture, place thick wads of bubble wrap on the corners and wrap strips of it around the legs. This will help protect those areas from getting bumped or scratched.
Recommended: How To Store Wooden And Fabric Furniture
Self Storage with Space Centre
Looking for some extra storage space to keep your valuable items, kids’ crafts, or furniture? Self storage is a fantastic solution, and Space Centre has over two decades of experience in the industry. We’ve created an easy-to-use Price and Size Guide to help you find the perfect unit that meets your needs.
With locations across the UK in Bristol, Stroud, Gloucester, and Stonehouse, we’ve got you covered no matter where you are. If you have any questions about self storage, feel free to visit our website and reach out to our friendly team. We’re always happy to help!