Things You Should Always Do Before Using Egg Cartons For Home DIY Projects

Egg cartons are popular for a variety of home DIY projects. Whether you're organizing small items, making eco-friendly fire starters, or starting seedlings for your garden, they offer versatile uses. However, before repurposing old egg cartons for DIY home projects, it's crucial to prioritize safety and hygiene. Plus, there are some risks when using them in projects with kids or for anything involving fire.

First things first: Always clean and sanitize your egg cartons before using them in any DIY project. Since these cartons previously held raw eggs, they may harbor bacteria like salmonella. This is particularly important if you're using them for items that will touch plants, such as seedling starters. For cardboard and plastic cartons, start by brushing off any crumbs or residue. Then, spritz them with white vinegar. Vinegar is effective at reducing salmonella in meat and poultry products and is also a great choice for cleaning food-related tools and equipment.

Despite thorough cleaning, remember that cardboard egg cartons are not suitable for food storage. Cardboard's porous nature can trap bacteria and moisture, making it unsanitary for keeping food fresh. Instead, opt for plastic cartons or containers specifically designed for food storage. That said, egg cartons are perfect for creative storage hacks such as organizing office supplies or jewelry.

Egg cartons are fantastic for kids' crafts because they're lightweight and easy to cut. But there's a small catch: Tiny bits may be left over from cutting and small pieces can break off if they're not handled carefully. These can pose a choking hazard for small children, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on things if your kids are using them. You might even want to pre-cut the cartons into large pieces before you allow little ones to work with them. And, don't forget to remind the kids to wash their hands after handling egg cartons — better safe than sorry.

If you're using egg cartons to make homemade fire starters, be extra cautious. Cardboard is highly flammable, which is great for starting a fire but also something you need to handle carefully. Stick to fillers like sawdust, dryer lint, and wax — avoid anything that could release toxic fumes when burned, like plastic. And, store those fire starters in a cool, dry place, far away from anything that could accidentally set them off. When you're ready to use them, make sure you're in a safe spot, like a well-prepared fireplace or a fire pit.