This post may contain affiliate links.
After wrapping up your latest woodworking project and taking a moment to appreciate your work, you encounter a familiar situation: a heap of sawdust. While sawdust, also known as wood shaving, is often considered a waste material, it has several practical and eco-friendly uses beyond the workshop.
So, before you reach for your broom and dustpan, here are 10 clever ways you can make the most of that sawdust within and around your home.
Fire Starter
Having trouble starting a fire in your firepit or wood-burning stove? Sawdust can be a lifesaver. The sawdust acts as a fuel, helping ignite the fire quickly and efficiently.
Absorbent for Spills
Accidental oil spill? Sawdust can help. Sawdust works wonders as an absorbent material. Sprinkle the sawdust over the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then sweep or vacuum it up. The sawdust will soak up the liquid, making the cleanup process much easier.
Composting Aid
Boost the efficiency of your compost pile by incorporating sawdust into the mix. Sawdust, which is an excellent carbon-rich material, can help balance the nitrogen-rich content of kitchen scraps and yard waste.
Also, the fine texture of sawdust promotes air circulation within the compost, preventing unpleasant odors and accelerating the decomposition process. Just remember to mix the sawdust with other compostable materials to maintain a healthy balance.
Pet Bedding
If you’re a pet owner, sawdust can be repurposed as bedding material for small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits. The fine texture of sawdust provides a comfortable surface for them to burrow and nest. Ensure that the sawdust is clean and free from any harmful chemicals or additives before using it as bedding for your furry friends.
Wood Filler
Don’t rush to the hardware store for wood filler when you can make your own using sawdust. Mix the sawdust with wood glue or a suitable adhesive until you achieve a thick paste-like consistency.
This DIY wood filler can be used to fill in gaps, cracks, or nail holes in your woodworking projects. Sand it down once it dries, and your project will look flawless.
Anti-Slip Traction
Slippery surfaces can be hazardous, but sawdust can help improve traction. Sprinkle sawdust on icy or slippery sidewalks, driveways, or even wooden deck surfaces.
The sawdust provides a rough texture that enhances grip and reduces the risk of accidents. It’s a simple and cost-effective solution for maintaining safety during slippery weather conditions.
Pathway Mulch
Transform your garden pathways with a touch of rustic charm by using sawdust as mulch. Spread a layer of sawdust along your garden paths, creating a soft and visually appealing walkway.
Keep the Weeds Away
Use sawdust to prevent weeds from growing in your driveway, walkway, or outdoor stairs. Just sprinkle the sawdust where needed, and let it quietly work to keep your walkways weed-free.
Pet Waste Absorbent
Cleaning up after your furry friends is a breeze with sawdust as a pet waste absorbent. Sprinkle sawdust over urine or solid waste in your pet’s litter box or outdoor area. The sawdust will quickly absorb the moisture and neutralize odors, making cleanup easier and more hygienic. Additionally, the sawdust can be composted along with other organic waste, reducing landfill contributions.
Getting Rid of Old Paint
It’s not always easy to get rid of old paint. In fact, most areas don’t allow you to toss out oil-based paint with regular trash. A neat trick is to mix sawdust into the paint to aid in drying out the can. Once it’s dry, seal the container and toss it away.
12 Unexpected Items in Your Garage That Deserve the Boot
Undertaking a garage cleanup may seem significant, but the rewards of reclaiming the space are substantial. This effort might even allow you to park your car again. Looking at all the stuff that has piled up over the years, you might not know where to start. You can start by getting rid of these 12 common items that usually clutter up garages.
12 Unexpected Items in Your Garage That Deserve the Boot
WD-40 Is Not Just For Squeaky Doors. Here are 10 Ways You Can Use It Around the House
For many of us, purchasing WD-40 is often prompted by the need to silence a squeaky door, only for the can to be shelved and forgotten. You’d be surprised to know that this well-known spray has numerous practical uses. Here are ten ways to make the most of WD-40 in your home.
WD-40 Is Not Just For Squeaky Doors. Here are 10 Ways You Can Use It Around the House
How to Winterize Your Home To Save on Energy Costs
As we get closer to winter, preparing your home for colder months ahead through winterization is a necessary and practical approach for homeowners. Winterizing your home is an excellent way to safeguard it against the harsh effects of cold weather and to cut down on high energy expenses. Here’s how you can winterize your home to save on energy costs this winter.
How to Winterize Your Home To Save on Energy Costs
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
Deborah Agor
Deborah Agor is a seasoned freelance writer known for her captivating storytelling and informative articles. With a diverse background in journalism, Deborah's versatile writing style covers a wide range of topics, from technology to health and wellness. Her dedication to delivering engaging content has seen her work with numerous top brands. When she's not writing, Deborah enjoys exploring nature and discovering hidden gems in her community.
