The Pool Noodle Hack That Will Keep Your Garage Walls Scuff Free

There are tons of ingenious pool noodle hacks to use around the house, and your garage is next in line to take advantage. Whether you have a one- or two-car bay, it probably feels as if there's never enough room to open your car doors. You might struggle to get grocery bags out or constantly remind the kids to watch how far they open their doors. However, you can use a pool noodle as a bumper, lining your garage walls for padding and protection. 

Banging your car doors into your garage's walls can lead to unsightly scuffs, especially if you have a dark-colored vehicle. If your garage is finished, you run the risk of damaging its sheetrock. But a pool noodle offers a layer of cushioning, so your car door bounces off of something soft instead of solid brick or drywall. This protects the car as well — although it's not noticeable right away, constantly banging your vehicle's doors against walls can affect its structural integrity. This can eventually lead to costly repairs to your windows, speakers, and more.

To carry out this hack, it's best to use a hollow pool noodle. Begin by cutting it down the middle for a flat surface to attach to your garage walls. Next, prep your wall space with rubbing alcohol, ensuring a clean surface for your mounting tape. Once your walls are dry, attach your pool noodles using a strong adhesive. Be sure to place them wherever your car doors might bump. 

You can purchase a four-pack of pool noodles from Dick's Sporting Goods for $5, making this an affordable DIY hack. Since you'll cut each noodle in half, you're essentially getting eight "noodle" lengths to use. You should also invest in a strong adhesive, and Amazon sells Gorilla Heavy Duty Mounting Tape for around $12. Additionally, you use VELCRO Extreme Mounting Tape for $20. Just keep in mind that the adhesive you use may damage your walls if you leave double-sided tape on for a long time.

But what about tools to use when cutting a pool noodle? You don't want to risk injury. Scissors or a utility knife should work just fine, but be sure to protect your fingers. One option is to purchase cut-resistant gloves. They go for about $14 on Amazon and can protect your hands when cutting your pool noodles.