Most old newspapers end up in the recycling pile within days, but with a little planning they can be put to real use around the house, from keeping garden soil weed free to giving rain soaked shoes a fighting chance at drying out. Reusing that stack sitting in a corner can save money and simplify a handful of everyday chores.
Keeping weeds out of pots and garden beds
Unwanted weeds sprouting alongside garden plants or in pots is a common headache. Laying two or three sheets of newspaper directly over the soil and topping it with dry leaves or a thin layer of soil blocks sunlight from reaching the ground beneath, which slows down weed growth considerably.
Drying out shoes soaked in the rain
Shoes that get drenched during the rains can take forever to dry naturally. Rolling up sheets of newspaper and stuffing them inside the shoes helps draw out the trapped moisture. Once the paper feels fully damp, it should be swapped for a fresh roll so the drying continues without a pause.
Adding bulk to kitchen compost
Anyone composting kitchen scraps at home can put old newspaper to good use as well. Tearing it into small pieces and mixing it in with wet waste such as vegetable and fruit peels adds dry material to the mix, which helps balance the compost pile.
Cutting down on dust in kitchen shelves and cupboards
Lining kitchen shelves, cupboards or storage racks with newspaper stops dust and grime from settling directly on the surface. Swapping out the sheet every few weeks makes cleaning far quicker and keeps the storage space looking tidy with almost no extra effort.
Soaking up excess water from overwatered plants
Plants sometimes end up getting more water than they need, which can put the roots at risk. Placing a sheet of newspaper over the topsoil of the pot for a while helps soak up that extra moisture. Once it turns wet, it can simply be lifted off and replaced with a new piece as needed.
Restoring shine to windows and mirrors
Old newspaper also works well for wiping away stains and fingerprints from windows and mirrors. Spraying on a bit of glass cleaner and wiping with newspaper instead of cloth leaves the glass streak free and noticeably shinier.
