News 06/12/2025 16:32

Stop throwing out old hoses — 10 brilliant hacks to use them around the house

Old garden hoses may seem useless once they leak or crack — but before you throw them away, consider giving them a second life. With a little creativity, these worn-out rubber tubes can be transformed into useful, eco-friendly tools for your home and garden.

🌿 Why you should reuse old hoses

Discarding old hoses adds to plastic waste and often ends up in landfills. By repurposing them, you not only save money but also reduce environmental waste. Old hoses usually still have sturdy rubber that can be adaptable for many new uses. Gardening Know How+1

🔧 10 Smart Ways to Reuse an Old Garden Hose

#	Hack / Use	How to do it / What it’s good for
1	Turn into a “soaker hose” for garden irrigation	Drill small holes along the length of the old hose, cap one end, connect to a faucet, and let water seep slowly to plant roots — ideal for watering flowerbeds, vegetables, or potted plants efficiently. Homes and Gardens+1
2	DIY sprinkler / drip system	Use the hose (with holes) laid along garden beds to slowly deliver water directly to soil — gentler and more water-efficient than a regular spray. Vocal+1
3	Protect tool handles or bucket handles	Cut a segment of hose, slit it lengthwise, then slide over handles of tools, buckets, or cans to create a more comfortable, non-slip grip. House Digest+1
4	Blade or tool sheath / cover	Slice a hose segment and wrap it around sharp blades — saws, machetes, axes, etc. — to make a safe storage cover that protects both blade and you. Gardening Know How+1
5	Protect young trees or plants tied to stakes	When staking saplings or trees, thread wire/rope through a hose segment first — the rubber protects the trunk from abrasions or girdling as the tree grows. Gardening Know How+1
6	Make a doormat or outdoor mat	Coil the hose and secure with zip-ties (or glue) to create a weather-resistant doormat for entrances, garden sheds or patios — a durable alternative to store-bought mats. House Digest+1
7	Create a storage basket or container	Coil the hose into a base, then build up sides with zip-ties, turning it into a sturdy basket — useful for garden tools, soil bags, or even firewood. House Digest+1
8	Garden edging or border	Use hose segments as a flexible, low-cost border around garden beds or pathways. It’s weatherproof and easily shaped to match curves or garden design. toolsadvisers.com+1
9	Hang or organize tools/gear in garage or shed	Cut pieces of hose into loops, screw them to a wall or a board — you get handy holders for shovels, rakes, brooms, or cords. A simple, DIY storage solution. onegoodthingbyjillee.com+1
10	Creative DIY projects — rugs, benches, décor	With some imagination, you can weave old hoses to remake a garden bench seat, weave an outdoor rug/mat, or even craft decorative wreaths or objects for your outdoor space. House Digest+1

✅ What to Keep in Mind

Inspect hose condition first: Only reuse hoses that are flexible and free of excessive cracks. Brittle or deteriorated rubber can break or flake. toolsadvisers.com+1
Clean thoroughly: Before reusing — especially for anything near food, pets, or plants — wash and dry the hose to remove dirt, mold, or residues.
Think safety: When cutting hoses or working with tools, wear gloves and eye protection to avoid injury.
Be creative but practical: Some hacks (like tool covers or irrigation) are super useful; others (like decorative items) might just be fun — choose what works best for your home.