8 Unexpected Ways To Repurpose Empty Lip Balm Tubes In Your Home

Lip balm is a winter essential, a beauty product many keep close to protect their lips against the drying effects of cold weather. You've probably heard, too, that this moisture-providing ointment has other uses. If, for example, you're hoping for straight lines when painting window frames and don't have painter's tape, you'll want a tube of Chapstick on hand instead. When the product runs out, you're left with a empty tube and a dilemma. Throwing it away seems wasteful, and recycling it isn't always an option. Thankfully, there are a surprising number of ways to repurpose Chapstick containers into everything from a drawer-sized emergency beauty or sewing kit to easily clasp-able kid's crayons or a secret money stash.

However, before you can start repurposing, you'll need to thoroughly clean your used lip balm tube. The tube might not be as empty as you think, so make sure to get out all the leftovers before cleaning the container. Scoop out any remaining lip balm into a small jar or add it to your new Chapstick to keep using it. Then, put the empty tubes in a heat-proof container and pour boiling water over them. This will melt off any remaining residue. Also wipe them down; Vinegar can be a versatile cleaning tool in this instance, and rubbing alcohol can work as well. Allow them to dry completely before using them. Don't use lip balm but want to try one of these DIYs? You can buy empty tubes for a cheap price. For example, a 50 pack of Mary Tylor Naturals white BPA-free lip balm tubes costs about $14.

Are you forever losing bobby pins under your bathroom vanity, or do you have a growing collection of single earrings? Stow all kinds of small personal items in clean, empty lip balm tubes. The containers are relatively water resistant and the lids snap on tight, ensuring nothing falls out. Pop these filled lip balm containers into your makeup bag, stand them up on the bathroom countertop, or organize them in a drawer. If the tubes are opaque, add labels to help you quickly recognize what's inside. You could also store toothpicks or pills, either prescription medicine or supplements.

There's no denying that glue stick packaging designs focus firmly on practicality over attractiveness. If you really like the brand or tube design of your existing lip balm, clean it out once it's empty and fill it with glue stick glue. Remove the glue from the stick and drop it into a small bowl. Mush it into a smooth paste with a fork or spoon and press it into the empty lip balm container, then pop it in the freezer for half an hour to solidify. You can also make your own glue from cornstarch and water. Add food coloring or glitter to the glue for a touch of fun.

Sticking with the stationery vibes, did you know a lip balm tube makes a great eraser holder? It helps reduce the breakages long, rubbery erasers are prone to and gives your fingers more grip. Cutting a long eraser down to size — widthwise and lengthwise — using scissors or a craft knife and pushing it into the tube is the easiest way. If you think the eraser might fall out of the tube, you can secure it with hot glue. This project could be helpful when completing craft projects.

The biggest benefit of making your own set of crayons in upcycled lip balm tubes is that they have a lid. No more waxy stains in the craft box, kid's table, or that pricey travel bag. Working with one color at a time, remove the wrappers from old, stubby crayons and break them into small pieces. Melt them on the stovetop in a bain-marie — an empty soup can floating in a pot of boiling water will do the trick. You could also possibly melt them over a candle flame. Pour the liquid crayons into your prepared lip balm containers and refrigerate them until set.

Cash is one of the emergency supplies every house should have stocked. Even in this era of digital payments, it pays to have some bills within easy reach when you're at home for tipping a delivery person or giving your kids some cash for that last minute school-related fee. To turn an old lip balm tube into a secret money holder, remove the interior parts and end cap with a knife. Roll up a bill and insert it into the tube, then replace the lid and add the canister to your keyring (by attaching a ring to the end with glue) or place it in a drawer.

A lip balm tube can also be used to hold sewing supplies. To complete this trick, first remove the screw and disc inside a cleaned-out lip balm container, then cut a thin straw or coffee stirrer to fit into the tube. You can use this to safely hold a few sewing needles. Then, cut a few notches into the stick and wrap some black or white (or both) thread around it. Also include safety pins and buttons. If you prefer, cover the branding on the outside of the tube with decorative tape. Stow the kit in your craft caddy or the junk drawer in your kitchen.

This is a nifty item for sewing club members or anyone who often sews outside of their craft room. Cut a small circle of thin scrap fabric and stitch a running stitch around the edge. Pull the loose end of thread to draw the circle closed about halfway, fill it with a little bit of fiber fill, and close the bag completely. Snuggly stuff the thread-end of your creation inside the empty lip balm tube. It shouldn't wiggle around at all. Turn the screw to draw the cushion inside the tube and press in your pins and needles.

With more effort made by companies to create eco-friendly products, many beauty manufacturers are turning to recyclable or compostable cardboard packaging. If you use lip balm that comes in just that kind of tube, it's pretty simple to scoop out any remaining lip balm and cut the packaging into small pieces with a pair of sharp scissors. (The cardboard is usually pretty thick so it might be difficult to tear.) Cardboard is often recommended as a brown ingredient for compost by gardening experts; it balances out fresh green ingredients, which break down together over time to create the perfect food for your houseplants or garden.