Clever Upcycler Uses Empty Toothpaste Tube To Keep Cords Tangle-Free

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While many electronics have gone cordless, there are still plenty of corded devices around that can give us headaches. The problem is that cords are notorious for becoming tangled. In addition to being a pain to unravel, who likes having a pile of messy wires cluttering up their space? We certainly don't. Fortunately, the internet is full of genius ways to hide and organize cords. One that sticks out was shared by YouTube creator Graceful DIY, who used an empty toothpaste tube as her solution. She simply cut an opening in the bottom of the tube, wrapped it around a bundled cord, and inserted the tube's lid through the hole – helping everything stay in place, tangle-free.

Most toothpaste tubes are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills. Using them for your cords allows you to give them new life in a clever way. Plus, the hack is practically free, as it doesn't require anything more than a toothpaste tube and a pair of scissors. Just make sure the tube is as empty as possible to avoid wasting its contents. There are even tools, like these Evoultes Toothpaste Tube Squeezers, that help get every last drop.

Start by cutting along the end of the toothpaste tube, removing just a small strip. You'll now be able to access the inside of the container to clean it. Note that there are unexpected ways to use toothpaste in the home if you do find remnants! Wash the tube and cap in warm, soapy water, scrubbing it with an old toothbrush. Once it's dry, fold the end of the tube approximately an inch inward, just like the upcycler did. Then, make two small diagonal cuts in the center of the fold, so that when you open it back up, there's a diamond-shaped hole in the container's end.

The next step is to untangle the cord you'd like to keep organized. Create a neat bundle, then wrap the tube around it and push the dispensing end through the hole. Finally, screw the cap back on to help hold the tube in place, much like a band. The cord will stay tangle-free for as long as you keep it wrapped.

Now, this hack won't work for organizing extension cords and other large bundles, but it'll come in handy for many other types of cords. You can use it for small appliances like hair tools, irons, coffee makers, and blenders. Or, consider trying it out on computer cables and game controllers. You might even want to repurpose smaller tubes to hold phone chargers and wired earphones. Of course, it's understandable if you're not fond of the idea of having toothpaste tubes out in the open. In that case, simply use the DIY on corded items that are typically tucked away, so they aren't as much of an eyesore.