Reuse baby-wipe containers

photo by modmami

Many new parents buy baby wipes, and, when the wipes are gone, they’re left with a sturdy plastic container. Rather than throwing it away, reuse it as a storage container or turn it into a fun toy. Not only are you reducing waste; you’re saving yourself money that you would spend on purchasing new storage containers. Many of these types of storage containers are rarely seen by guests anyway, so why purchase something fancy? It makes perfect “cents” to reuse them.

CRAFT STORAGE: They’re ideal containers for holding crochet hooks and sewing and scrapbooking supplies, such as rubber-stamp pads, photographs, scissors and paint pens. They can be used for small skeins of yarn or twine to prevent the “tangle factor.”

TOY STORAGE AND FUN IDEAS: They’re the perfect size to hold action figures, building blocks, small cars, small board books, baby rattles, crayons, art supplies and bath toys. They can be used as a mold for both sand (sand castles) and snow (igloo bricks). If you poke a hole on either end, you can attach a few in a line with string and create a little pull train. They stack easily and make great building blocks. If sanded and spray painted, a container can make a treasure box that can be great when filled and given as a gift or used as a reward box.

BATHROOM STORAGE: Use them to hold washcloths, hair accessories, brushes, combs, trial-sized soaps and shampoos, free samples, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors and manicure supplies, such as polishes, remover, clippers and nail files. Add adhesive bandages, gauze, antibacterial ointment and tape, and you have a handy first-aid kit. It’s a simple organizational solution for over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, cough medicines and vitamins. You can place baby supplies, such as a bulb syringe, thermometer, pacifier and nail scissors inside, as well.

KITCHEN STORAGE: It’s an easy place to store seasoning packets, boxed gelatin, sponges, instant oatmeal, coupons, plastic grocery bags, recipe cards, batteries, twist ties or cookie cutters. They’re great used as drawer and cupboard organizers. You can use as a loose-change container, too.

GARAGE STORAGE: Have easy access to small tools, nails, screws and garden seeds.

OFFICE STORAGE: Store office supplies such as rubber bands, pens, pencils, notepads, highlighter pens, tape, stapler, envelopes, stamps, greeting cards, rulers, compass, hole punch, label maker, glue and pushpins.

Finally, you can use the plastic wipes container for its original use and make homemade baby wipes or homemade household-cleaning wipes. You can use flannel fabric, baby washcloths or a roll of quality paper towels.

Homemade-Wipes Solution

1/2 roll of quality paper towels, or flannel fabric squares. or baby washcloths
2 cups boiled water
2 tablespoons baby oil
2 tablespoons baby wash

Fold “wipes,” and place neatly stacked in the wipes container. Combine liquid ingredients, and pour into the wipes container.

Household-Cleaning Solution

liquid disinfectant cleaner or pine cleaner
water

Mix one part cleaner to two parts water. Add to prepared wipes container filled with either paper towels or cleaning rags. Be careful to label cleaning wipes, and place in a safe place away from pets and children.

How do you reuse baby wipes containers?

Posted by Sara Noel on October 17 2009. Filed under Home & family.
Sara Noel owns Frugal Village, LLC and is a nationally syndicated columnist with Universal Uclick. Bio, Follow me on Twitter, Join us on Facebook