Although painter’s tape is mainly used to mask off areas that should not be painted, I have found 6 other handy ways to use it around the house.
Painters tape is a type of pressure-sensitive tape made of thin and easy-to-tear paper that has an easily released pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is available in a variety of widths and can be found in blue or green, depending on what brand it is.
I use it all the time and I keep a roll in my kitchen utility drawer for easy access. My husband knows not to mess with my roll of tape. I told him to get his own or to be sure to return it. Just a little frustrating when I go to use it and it’s not there.
Now I am sure there are a lot of other ways to use this beautiful blue strip of stickiness, but here are some handy ways I use it.
1- Dating and labeling food storage containers
Have you ever put leftovers in the freezer and a week later wondered what the heck it is? You seriously think you will remember, but when food freezes it takes on a whole new look. Right? I simply rip off a little piece of blue tape, grab my Sharpie marker, and write on it. I write what it is and sometimes I write the date. Not only is it good to know what it is, it comes in handy to know how long this food item has been hanging out in the freezer or fridge.
2- As a chip bag clip
If you don’t down a bag of chips in one sitting, a little strip of blue tape actually works really well to close it back up. I will admit I was a little doubtful about whether it would work or not, but it does. The same piece of tape will keep working even after opening and closing it multiple times. No more need for all those random chip clips. I used to use a close pin, but this works better.
3- Label plastic bins and tubs
If you are not real picky about how your storage tubs are labeled, painter’s tape is a great quick way to let you know what’s inside. I use this method when I am organizing. If it is a bin that I will be keeping long-term, I go back and make a more professional label. Using the tape makes it easy to peel off if I choose to use the bin for something else.
4- Sewing guide
For those of you who sew, painter’s tape will now be your new friend.
When the seam allowance is much wider than your sewing machine guide displays is a great time to rip off a piece of painter’s tape. Simply measure the width and apply it to the sewing machine arm. Works like a charm.
It works really well to mark where you need to topstitch. Instead of using chalk or a fabric pen, this allows you to mark the fabric nicely right where you need to sew. You can also mark on the tape where you need to apply elastic or buttons, etc.
5- Sticky note replacement
Instead of using a sticky note pad, grab a piece of blue tape. Leave a little message to someone you love, or leave a little reminder for yourself of something you need to do. What I love about this tape is that it doesn’t leave any residue and it can be moved and used again. You can even use it on paper without tearing it when you remove it.
6- Household product dating
You may be wondering why in the heck you need to put a date on your household products. Well, this is something that I have been doing for many years.
- It helps you know how long it takes to go through something.
- You don’t overstock your storage. Have any of you kept buying a particular item in fear of running out, only to find out you only go through it 6 months or even yearly? I have. Not only do you get stuck with a bunch of product, you have wasted money.
- Awareness. It may be very enlightening for you to see how long items last.
- Helps with budgeting.
- You won’t have to go without something you need.
I am all about having a good food storage and items on hand. However, I have lightened up a bit because I found I was overbuying and in many cases waiting food and product. This method of dating products has really helped.-
You can apply a strip of painter’s tape to the box or container or simply write the date on the package with a marker.
I hope this has given you a few ideas on how to be a little more organized and thrifty by using painter’s tape.
Enjoy your day!
Jan Howell
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Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.
