Plastic Bag as Paintbrush Preserver

RealSimple.com: New Uses for Plastic Bags

You're painting the kitchen when an emergency (kid's sick at school; Brad Pitt is Ellen's special guest) calls you off the job. To keep brushes and rollers from drying out, place them in bags, and tie them or wrap them with rubber bands to keep out air. The tools will stay moist and protected for a day or so.

(Photo: Kana Okada)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Button Bag as Pi...

When you’re on the go, leave the bulky pill bottles in the medicine cabinet and place only what you need in a plastic bag. You can keep your daily dose all buttoned up.

(Photo: David Prince)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Zippered Plastic...

Always have your pencils and PTA notes (or toddler’s crayons and doodle paper) in the same spot: Just punch holes along the nonzippered edge of a sandwich bag, then click it into a three-ring binder.

(Photo: James Wojcik)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Paper Towel Tube...

Contain plastic bags in a drawer or under the cabinet by stuffing them into an empty tube and pulling out as needed.

(Photo: David Prince)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Zippered Plastic...

Fend off pressed powder by storing your purse compact in a securely zipped plastic bag.

(Photo: James Baigrie)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Zippered Plastic...

Crush graham crackers for a pie crust (without all the mess) by filling a bag, then running a rolling pin over it.

(Photo: James Baigrie)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Zippered Plastic...

To funnel peppercorns into a mill, fill a baggie with the spices, snip off a corner, and pour the pepper through the hole.

(Photo: Kate Sears)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Zippered Plastic...

If you don't have a pastry bag, you can use a plastic bag to decorate a cake or cupcakes. Scoop frosting into the bag, seal it shut, snip off a tiny corner, and start piping.

(Photo: Antonis Achilleos)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Zippered Plastic...

To freeze wax so you can remove it from a tablecloth, fill a plastic bag with ice cubes and cover the wax with it for about 20 minutes.

(Photo: James Baigrie)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Zippered Plastic...

Stockpile soup by pouring extra portions into baggies, then laying them flat in the freezer. Once hardened, you can stack them up and save them for a rainy day.

(Photo: James Wojick)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Zippered Plastic...

Cushion precious cargo in a box. Before closing it all the way, slide a straw into the top, and inflate. Then remove the straw and completely seal the protective bubble.

(Photo: Rick Lew)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Plastic Bags As ...

To avoid dripping water all over your (or anyone else's) house on a rainy day, pop your wet umbrella into a bag as you cross the threshold. You can even tie the handles snugly and throw it back into your purse?unless, of course, your bumbershoot is of Mary Poppins proportions but your carpetbag isn't.

(Photo: Kana Okada)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Plastic Bag as K...

For no-fuss cleanup, instead of peeling fruits and vegetables over a cutting board or into the sink, do it over a plastic bag. When you're done, flip the peelings into the garbage and rinse the bag to reuse another day, or simply toss the whole shebang into the trash.

(Photo: Kana Okada)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Plastic Bag as K...

Need to kneel in your garden to pull weeds, or on the street to change a tire, but don't want to preserve the memory eternally on your pant legs? Grab a couple of plastic bags and tie one around each knee, covering the area that will be exposed to dirt and grime.

(Photo: Kana Okada)