Don’t pack away your pool noodles just because summer is long over. These colorful foam tubes are surprisingly useful during the colder months. Made of durable, water-resistant polyethylene foam, pool noodles are excellent for insulation.
Instead of letting them gather dust, repurpose these inexpensive items to solve common winter problems. From protecting your pipes to saving your favorite boots, here are seven genius ways to use pool noodles this winter.
1. Create Custom Draft Stoppers for Doors
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One of the biggest culprits for high heating bills during winter is the cold air sneaking in under exterior doors. While you can buy dedicated draft stoppers, they can be pricey and don’t always fit the width of your specific door frame. A pool noodle offers a customizable, snug fit that blocks freezing drafts instantly.
Cut the noodle to the exact length of your door and cover it in a fabric that matches your decor (like an old flannel shirt for a cozy winter vibe). It creates a barrier that moves with the door, sealing the gap against the floor.
2. Keep Winter Boots Upright and Airy
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Winter boots like tall leather ones or suede mukluks can flop over when you’re not wearing them, which can cause creases, cracks, and let moisture sneak in. Plus, when they’re folded over, moisture can get trapped near the toes, leading to smells or even mold.
An easy fix? Grab a pool noodle! Cut it to match the height of your boots, pop it inside, and you’ve got yourself a DIY boot tree. The foam keeps the boots upright without stretching them, and the hollow center helps with airflow to dry out any dampness.
3. Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing
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Burst pipes are a homeowner’s nightmare, causing thousands of dollars in water damage. While professional pipe insulation is available at hardware stores, it is made of the same material as pool noodles, just sold at a higher markup.
For exposed pipes in basements, garages, or under sinks on exterior walls, a pool noodle is a perfect DIY shield.
Slice the noodle lengthwise and slip it over the pipe. The foam creates a thermal barrier that keeps the water inside from reaching freezing temperatures, ensuring your plumbing survives the coldest nights. (Note: In extreme cold, professional-grade insulation is recommended.)
4. Protect Windshield Wipers from Ice
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Few things are more annoying than rushing to work on a frosty morning and finding your windshield wipers frozen to the glass. Pulling them off can damage the rubber, leaving them useless when you need them most.
A simple fix: cut two pieces of a pool noodle, slit them down the middle, and slide them over your wiper blades before a snowstorm. The foam keeps the rubber from freezing to the glass and protects the wiper arms from ice and snow buildup.
5. Improve Grip on Cold Shovel Handles
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Shoveling snow is back-breaking work, but it can also be tough on your hands. Metal shovel handles conduct the cold, freezing your fingers even through gloves, and the repetitive motion can cause blisters.
Adding a pool noodle to the handle of your shovel (or even your snow blower) creates a wider, ergonomic grip. Slice the noodle, wrap it around the handle, and secure it with heavy-duty tape. This increases the diameter of the handle, which reduces hand fatigue and provides an insulating layer between your hands and the freezing metal.
6. Mark Driveway Edges for Snow Plows
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When snow covers your property, it’s hard to tell where the driveway ends and the lawn begins. This can lead to torn-up grass or broken sprinkler heads from snow plows or parked cars.
Instead of buying reflective stakes, you can use pool noodles as markers. Just stick a thin garden stake or dowel into the ground along the edge of your driveway and slide a bright neon pool noodle over it. The bright color and height make it easy to spot, even in deep snow.
Pool Noodles: Your Secret Weapon for Winter
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Winterizing your home and car doesn’t always require expensive trips to the hardware store. With a little creativity, a few dollar-store pool noodles can save you from frozen pipes, ruined boots, and morning windshield struggles.
However, these hacks are best for temporary or supplemental use. For long-term protection, consult professional solutions.