Multiple Uses for Rubber Bands and Rubber Gloves

As we have learned, the best small items to keep around your home – and usually in your bug-out bag – are those which serve multiple purposes. Duct tape, baking soda and vinegar are three that come to mind quickly, but there are plenty of others.

Today I want to take a look at some of the uses you can get out of two inexpensive items made of rubber: rubber bands and rubber gloves. Make sure you have plenty of both handy because you can use them in all sorts of ways.

Let’s start with uses for rubber bands:
• Bind rolled up maps that include area roads and terrain.
• Make a handle grip. Wrap several wide rubber bands around the end of a walking stick to make it more comfortable to carry and use.
• Widen your candle bottoms. If they are wobbling in their base from melting, rubber bands will widen them at the bottom.
• Cushion your remote control. A rubber band near the top and bottom of a remote will save it during falls and keep it from scratching a table.
• Exercise your fingers. While watching TV, wrap a rubber band around your fingers and repeatedly separate them. The tension will strengthen your fingers.
• Safeguard your cabinets. If children or grandchildren are constantly trying to open your cabinets and drawers, “lock” those areas with rubber bands.
• Shorten electrical cords. Long electrical cords can be bunched together and secured with rubber bands. It beats tripping over long cords.
• And my favorite – put a ball in the pocket of a baseball glove and wrap a thick rubber band around the glove when not in use.

Next let’s look at rubber gloves:
• Hair removal. Pet hair loves to remain on furniture after a cat or dog jumps off. Just rub your gloved hand on the furniture and the hair will stick to it.
• Jar lid removal. Some jar and bottle lids are extremely tight after purchase. Use a gloved hand to open those tops without sacrificing any skin.
• Insulate your hands. On cold days – especially when involved with snow removal – wear rubber gloves underneath your winter gloves for insulation.
• Window blinds duster. Spray blinds on both slides with a cleaner, then open the blinds and use your thumb and index finger to wipe away dust on each slat.
• Traction producer. Cut the palms out of rubber gloves and place them under items that might otherwise slip and slide on a table, such as vases.
• Cleaning. Whether it’s cleaning a grill or bathing a pet, rubber gloves will protect your hands from harsh elements.
• Eating messy foods. You might not want to do this when company is over, but wearing gloves while eating ribs and fried chicken can save plenty of napkins.
• Page turning. If you’re speed reading a novel or grading a bunch of papers, gloves can make page turning a lot easier and quicker.