80 Creative Uses for Old Newspapers: DIY, Crafts & Hacks

Give Old Newspapers a New Life!

What to do with old newspapers? Don't toss them! Instead of contributing to landfill waste, repurpose and reuse them in countless creative and practical ways. Newspapers are surprisingly versatile and can be transformed into everything from clever household hacks to fun DIY projects for all ages. Discover a fantastic collection of newspaper crafts and smart ideas right here.

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Household & Cleaning Hacks

1. Use it as an umbrella if caught in the rain.
2. Keep muddy or wet clothing away from car seats.
3. Use to protect clothing on outdoor benches.
4. Slip into sloppy shoes to fasten.
5. Stuff leather shoes to keep their shape.
6. Place in wet shoes overnight to dehydrate and deodorize.
7. Use as a shoe polishing mat.
8. Dampen a bit and use to clean typewriter keys.
9. Use to dry and polish windows after washing.
10. When painting, wear a hat.
11. Use to remove heavy grease from oven.
12. Emergency dust pan.
13. Roll, secure in middle with elastic and fringe one end to use to get rid of cobwebs.
14. Use to clean paintbrushes.
15. Use as a boot mat for muddy boots.
16. Apply as a blotter.
17. To eliminate odors, crumple (no colors) and place in plastic containers.

Protection & Storage Solutions

18. Crush and store in a suitcase for a few weeks to eliminate stale odors.
19. Stuff hats to keep them from falling apart.
20. Keep leather handbags in storage.
21. Wrap all over candle bottoms to make them fit tighter in holders.
22. Store data between sheets.
23. Use padding beneath a tablecloth.
24. When remodeling a store, cover the windows.
25. Protect furniture while on vacation.
26. When sanding or painting furniture, use a drop cloth to protect it.
27. When shampooing the rug, spread it on the floor beneath it.
28. Wet and spread over the windowpanes before painting.
29. Shred and use for wrapping breakables.
30. Wrap and store holiday ornaments.
31. Wrap ice cream with plastic wrap to keep it frozen.
32. Wrap a baby bottle around it to protect it.
33. Line storage containers.

Insulation & Sound Dampening

34. Put in closed windows to reduce wind noise.
35. Stuff under doors and in the gaps to keep cold wind out.
36. Muffle a loud alarm clock.
37. Use as a mat underneath to muffle the sound of a typewriter.
38. Place heavy objects under wooden tables.
39. Stuff inside the coat for extra warmth.
40. Use to prevent icing on the windshield.

Outdoor & Garden Uses

41. Spread out between garden rows to keep weeds at bay.
42. Wrap green tomatoes to allow them to ripen.
43. Protect plants from frost.
44. Use as a knee pad while planting or cleaning floors.
45. When your car is stuck in the snow, mud, or sand, put it under the wheels.
46. Place on snow with bird feed on top.

Crafts & Creative Projects

47. Wrap to make a knife sheath.
48. Create unique lamp shades.
49. Design dress patterns.
50. Cover the table if the kids are painting or gluing.
51. Use as doll house wallpaper.
52. Make useful chains.
53. Make paper dolls.
54. Create paper mache crafts.
55. Create kites.
56. Make fashion party hats.
57. Occupy children by letting them color and paint the cartoons.
58. Make a child's play tent.
59. Cut out articles and make a scrap book on a specific subject of interest to you.

Emergency & Practical Applications

60. Use as a spin reflector if photographing with flash or to reflect sunlight into shadow areas.
61. Use a sheet to fasten loose lids in jars.
62. Emergency pot holder.
63. Start fires.
64. Use as a fan to make fires burn better.
65. Sharpen pencils by rubbing the point on newspaper.
66. Roll it up and use it as a funnel.
67. Roll it up and use it as a torch.
68. Roll it up and use it as a megaphone outside.
69. Keep cool by using folded sheets as a fan.
70. Use as a sunshade at sporting events.
71. Use as a wet darkroom mat.
72. Tear and stuff in flower pots to help fresh flowers survive.
73. Use rolled-up sheets to swat flies.
74. Keep a litter bag in your vehicle.

Organization & Pet Care

75. Line the bottom of the bird cage.
76. Arrange shelves.
77. Arrange wastebaskets.
78. Line a sleeping box for a pet.
79. Use as a step stool.
80. Use to raise the height of children at the table.