10 Uses for Toilet Paper Rolls – Easy Ideas!

It’s amazing the things you can do with a toilet paper roll. You can use it to store your wrapping paper, as a dispenser for kitty litter, or to organize your cables. But that’s just the beginning. Check out these 10 creative uses for toilet paper rolls. Who knew they could be so versatile?

The men in my family don’t believe in changing the toilet roll – it is quite infuriating.

However, with little kids, I do tend to bundle them up and send them to school or daycare (but bear in mind that some daycare and school policies won’t allow this – check with them first!).  But as a frugal person, I don’t want to just throw them away.  Here are my 10 uses for toilet paper rolls – how I repurpose them!

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• 10 Totally Gross Alternatives to Toilet Paper
• Panic Buying Toilet Paper (Enough To Give You The Shits!)
• Covid-19: Forget Toilet Paper, People are Panic Buying Sex Toys

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1. Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle Extension

Most people just throw away their toilet paper rolls after they’re done using them. However, did you know that there are actually a lot of different ways that you can recycle and reuse these rolls? For example, you can use them to make a vacuum cleaner nozzle extension.

Just cut one end of the roll off and slip it over the end of your vacuum cleaner nozzle. This will help to extend the reach of your vacuum cleaner, making it easier to clean those hard-to-reach places. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle those toilet paper rolls instead of just throwing them away!

Simply tape the toilet paper roll onto the vacuum hose for a few extra inches of length to get to those hard-to-reach places or gently squash one end to use the “nozzle” in small areas like window and door tracks.

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2. Electrical and Computer Cord Tidies

Most people only think of toilet paper rolls as, well, something to use for toilet paper. But did you know that those rolls can actually be used for a variety of different things? For example, electrical and computer cord tidies. Toilet paper rolls are the perfect size for wrapping up cords and keeping them organized.

Simply cut a slit down the side of the roll, thread the cord through, and wrap it around. You can even tape the end if you want to make sure it’s extra secure. This is a great way to keep cords from getting tangled and Keep your desk or work area looking neat and tidy.

So next time you’re about to throw out a toilet paper roll, think twice – it just might come in handy! These are great for using extension cords when storing and also to keep the hairdryer or straightener cords tidy and tangle-free in the bathroom. The toilet paper rolls look great if you cover them with some nice contact or paper first!

3. Small Gift Pouch

Paint or cover the roll and decorate the toilet paper roll then pinch together each end of the roll sealing one end. Place any small gift item inside. It could be some lollies, a small ornament, jewellery (it’s a good idea to maybe wrap jewellery in tissue paper first.) money, or any small gift item.

Then pinch to close the other end and seal however you’d like — tape, a nice sticker, some twine (use a hole punch then thread twine through and tie in a bow), ribbon, etc.

4. Toy Binoculars for Kids

We’ve all been there – you finish a roll of toilet paper and are left with an empty cardboard tube. Most people would just throw it away, but there are actually a lot of different ways to recycle those toilet paper rolls! One great way is to use them to make toy binoculars for kids.

Just cut two small circles out of the ends of the tube and decorate them however you like. Then, poke two holes in the center of each circle and thread a piece of string through. Join two toilet paper rolls together, and let the kids paint them. Once dry, the kids will love pretending to be explorers or pirates, etc.

Voila – you have your very own toy binoculars! Plus, they’re way cheaper than buying actual binoculars.

So next time you’re left with an empty toilet paper roll, don’t just throw it away – get creative and recycle it into something new!

5. Musical Shakers

You might be surprised to learn that toilet paper rolls can be used to make musical shakers! This simple activity is perfect for young children, and it’s a great way to recycle those empty rolls. To make your own musical shakers, simply remove the cardboard tube from a toilet paper roll and decorate it with paint or stickers. Seal up one end of the toilet paper roll by placing a small piece of cardboard over the opening and then taping it in place.

Then, fill the tube with dry rice, beans, or peanuts. You can use different types of beans or nuts to create different sounds. Once you’ve filled the tube, seal the end with tape and decorate the outside. Now you’re ready to shake your shakers and make some music! Instant music/noise makers!

6. Storage Cylinders for Kids’ ArtWork

Toilet paper rolls make great storage cylinders for the kid’s artwork. Roll up the masterpiece and slide it into a roll. Doing this keeps them safe and tidy. This also works as a treat for storing wrapping paper.

It’s always a struggle to find storage space for kids’ artwork. It seems like as soon as you clear out some space, more drawings and paintings start to pile up. A great way to keep those masterpieces from taking over the house is to repurpose toilet paper rolls into storage cylinders.

Just stash the toilet paper rolls in a closet or under the sink, and then slip artwork inside when it’s created. When the cylinders start to fill up, simply tuck them away in a box or drawer until you’re ready to display them again. Not only will this system keep your home clutter-free, but it will also give your kids a sense of pride and ownership knowing that their artwork is being carefully preserved.

7. Make Little People

Have you ever finished a roll of toilet paper and wondered what to do with the empty cardboard tube? If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to reuse those toilet paper rolls, why not make some little people? All you need are some scissors, glue, and a few other supplies, and you’ll be on your way to creating your own unique cast of characters.

Best of all, this is a project that the whole family can enjoy. So next time you’re about to throw out those toilet paper rolls, think again – they could be the start of something special.

Let the kids make each one into a little person. They can decorate them with faces and wool for hair then add clothes with either felt pens, clothing, and shapes cut from different patterns or coloured papers or material. Hey, they do it at play school!

8. Bird Treats

Toilet paper rolls don’t have to be just for waste anymore – you can use them to make bird treats! Just stuff the rolls with bird seed and Hang them from a tree or bird feeder. The birds will love the extra food, and you’ll get to recycle something that would have just gone into the trash.

So next time you’re finished with a toilet paper roll, think about how you can give it new life as a bird treat! Roll the tube in some peanut butter then roll that in bird seed. Simply place it over a tree branch and the birds will love it!

9. Fire Starters

All you need for these are empty rolls and dryer lint. Yep, that’s right! After a few loads going through the dryer, you should have collected enough lint to fill the tube. When you are ready to use it, quite simply place it under some wood in the fireplace or chiminea or bonfire, strike a match, and light it up.

Believe it or not, toilet paper rolls can actually be quite useful. For example, they make great fire starters. Just stuff them with some dryer lint or shredded newspaper, and you’ll have a nice, easy way to get your fire going. Toilet paper rolls can also be used as a form of insulation.

Cut them into thin strips and use them to fill any gaps around doors and windows. This will help keep the heat in and the cold out. Or, if you’re feeling crafty, you can use toilet paper rolls to make wreaths, jewelry holders, or even vases. So the next time you reach for a roll of toilet paper, think about all the possibilities that come with it.

10. Stationary Organisers

Standing the rolls on end, place as many as you can fit (varying in height if you’d like) into a decorated or covered shoe box. You can then place pens, pencils, felt pens/textas glue sticks, or anything you’d like into each section and it will keep it all neat and tidy while being able to see exactly what you have.

It’s a good idea before re-purposing toilet rolls to give them a spray with something like Glen 20 to kill any bacteria that may be on the surface.

Do you know other uses for toilet paper rolls?