Somehow, a few plastic grocery bags can turn into an entire drawer full before you know it. You keep them because they seem too useful to throw away, but eventually that growing stash needs a purpose.
The good news is those bags can come in handy for plenty of everyday jobs around the house. Before you toss or recycle the extras, pull a few from that overflowing drawer and put them to work with these 10 practical ideas.
Protect Paintbrushes Between Coats
If you’re taking a short break from painting, tightly wrap the wet brush or roller in a plastic grocery bag. It can help keep the paint from drying out while you wait for the next coat, saving you from washing everything between short breaks.
Line Small Trash Cans
Plastic grocery bags are just about the right size for bathroom, bedroom, and office trash cans. Keep a few near each wastebasket to avoid buying separate small trash bags.
Pick Up After Pets
If you have a dog, save those grocery bags for backyard cleanup or walks.
Pack Shoes in Your Suitcase
Slip shoes inside individual grocery bags before putting them into your luggage. It keeps dirty soles away from your clothes and saves you from buying special shoe bags.
Separate Dirty Laundry While Traveling
Toss a few empty grocery bags into your suitcase before every trip. As clothes get dirty, use the bags to keep worn socks, underwear, swimsuits, and other laundry separate from clean clothing.
Contain Messy Kitchen Scraps
Keep a bag nearby when peeling vegetables, cracking eggs, or cleaning out the refrigerator. Collecting scraps as you work makes cleanup easier and helps contain particularly messy or smelly garbage before it reaches the main trash can.
Keep One in the Car for Trash
Hang a grocery bag from a convenient spot in the car and use it to collect wrappers, receipts, tissues, and other small pieces of trash. When it’s full, you can remove the entire bag rather than digging through door pockets and cup holders.
Carry Wet Clothes
A grocery bag is useful when you’re bringing home wet swimsuits, muddy kids’ clothes, or damp towels. Keep several in your beach or pool bag so wet items don’t soak everything else you’re carrying.
Protect Items From Leaks
When you’re traveling, wrap shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, and other bottles that could leak in plastic grocery bags before packing them. It’s a simple extra layer of protection that could save you from opening your suitcase to a much bigger mess.
Use Them for Messy DIY Projects
Plastic bags make convenient disposable covers for small items when you’re painting, staining, or working on another messy project. You can also spread several underneath paint cans, glue bottles, or craft supplies to catch minor drips and spills.
