From Fire Starters to Pest Control: 5 Surprising Uses for Tampons
After my last post on using tampons for cleaning those pesky hard-to-reach spots, I’m excited to share even more brilliant ways to put these everyday items to work.
For people who are concerned about the waste of money, I recommend these tricks if you have extra tampons you no longer need, or if you happen to be in the dollar store—dollar store tampons work just as well!
This time, we’re going beyond the cleaning routine to explore how tampons can solve a variety of everyday problems and make life a bit easier.
Ready for some innovative tips? Let’s dive in and see what tampons can really do!
Tools and Materials:
- Tampons
- Matches or lighter
- Essential oils
- Mild detergent
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1. Tampons as Fire Starters
If you’re an adventurer or just someone who loves a good campfire, you know starting a fire can be a challenge.
Tampons are made of cotton, which is highly flammable, making them a great tool for getting that fire going.
How to Do It:
- Fluff It Up: Gently pull apart the cotton fibers of the tampon to increase its surface area.
- Light It Up: Place the fluffed-up cotton in your fire pit and use a match or lighter to ignite it. The tampon will catch fire quickly and help ignite your kindling.
This is a handy tip whether you’re camping, grilling, or dealing with a fire pit at home!
2. Tampons as DIY Plant Waterers
Tampons can help maintain plant hydration, which is especially useful if you’re traveling or busy. They slowly release water into the soil, keeping your plants well-watered.
How to Do It:
- Prepare the Tampon: Remove the tampon from its wrapper and extend the string.
- Set It Up: Place the tampon in the soil near the plant’s roots with the string hanging out.
- Water Source: Fill a small glass with water and submerge the string end. The tampon will gradually transfer water to the soil.
3. Tampons for Odor Control
Tampons can help combat unwanted odors, making them useful for freshening up various spaces around your home.
How to Do It:
- Infuse with Essential Oils: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) to the tampon.
- Place It: Hide the scented tampon in shoes, gym bags, under the sink, or closets. It will absorb moisture and release a pleasant fragrance.
I’ve used this trick in my gym bag, shoes, and under the sink, and it’s been a game-changer.
It keeps everything smelling fresh!
4. Tampons for Cleaning Keyboards and Small Tech
Tampons are perfect for cleaning tight spaces on your keyboard, earbuds, and other small tech devices. Their soft, absorbent cotton makes them an ideal tool for delicate electronics.
How to Do It:
- Get Ready: Lightly dampen the tampon with a bit of water or an electronics-safe cleaning solution.
- Clean Away: Use the tampon to carefully wipe between keyboard keys, around earbuds, and in any small crevices.
5. Tampons for Pest Control:
Tampons can help keep pests at bay with a natural approach. They’re effective in deterring critters without harsh chemicals.
How to Do It:
- Soak the Tampon: Soak the tampon in peppermint or eucalyptus oil.
- Place Strategically: Put the soaked tampon in areas where pests are a problem—like under the sink or near garden plants.
Looking for more clever uses for everyday items?
Tampon Tricks: 5 Genius Ways to Use This Everyday Item
And there you have it—five more inventive uses for tampons.
From creating DIY watering systems for your plants to controlling unwanted odors, tampons can be a handy tool in many unexpected ways.
Have any other tampon tricks up your sleeve? Please share them in the comments!
Comments
Join the conversation
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it says to place the tampon near the plant roots, so you would bury it in the soil and only the string would show
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They make great cat toys! Tampon Mousies are inexpensive, disposable when dirty, and cats love them! I’ll admit though, it was awkward when my brother came over to help me move, and we found about 10 of them under my couch!🤣
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