12 Unexpected Ways To Repurpose A Garden Hose Around The House

Discovering a leak or kink in your garden hose can be frustrating. Older hoses tend to get these and eventually restrict water flow, so upgrading to a new one will definitely save you the headache. However, before you buy a new garden hose and toss the old one away, just know that they're not recyclable. The same way hoses can get easily tangled in your yard is what can happen with them at recycling facilities, including the possibility of damaging the machinery. If you're uncomfortable with throwing your hose away, repurpose and reuse it into something stylish for your home instead.

Upcycling an old garden hose offers several benefits. It's an eco-friendly way to reduce waste by giving a new life to an otherwise discarded item. The hose's durable and flexible nature makes it versatile for various projects, from practical tools to decorative items. Additionally, repurposing hoses can be a fun and creative way to express your individuality while saving money on new materials. From functional door stops to unique home décor, here are 12 clever ways you can repurpose your old garden hose around the house.

Looking for more festive decoration ideas? Upcycle a garden hose into a wreath right on time for the holidays. The best thing about a hose is its flexibility, where it easily wraps into various shapes. Simply loop the hose around in a circle and secure the coils with wire or zip ties. You can also attach the coils to a circular base, such as a wire wreath frame or a piece of cardboard, to get the same circular form. Decorate the wreath with ribbons, greenery, twine, bells, and other holiday embellishments to add your own personal flair.

Having trouble watering your houseplants on higher shelves? When you have plants stored in hard-to-reach areas, a watering can with an extended nozzle can help. If you don't have one, you can DIY an extended watering can using an old garden hose as the attachment. Simply cut a piece of the hose to your desired length, remove the original nozzle from your watering can, and stick it into the nozzle hole. The best part about using a hose is that it's already designed for watering. Plus you can add or remove the piece as needed.

If you have tried repurposing a garden hose into an outdoor mat, this DIY project can work in your home, too. Following the same method, lay the hose on the floor and fold it onto itself 5 or so inches downward. Next, thread a zip tie through the middle of the folded section and pull it taut to shape it. Then, just continue spiraling the hose around itself while adding zip ties every couple of inches to keep it secure. Once you've reached your desired size, snip the zip tie ends, and voilà — an eco-friendly, personalized mat for your doorstep.

Tired of basket handles snapping? Give your baskets a stylish upgrade with DIY hose handles. Cut two sections of the hose to your desired length and fold the hose pieces around the top or sides of the basket, securing the loops to the sides by wrapping them with twine or using a strong adhesive, like Gorilla Glue. The rubbery and thick material of the garden hose provides a comfortable grip, making it easier to carry heavy baskets. You can also wrap the hose handles with yarn to match and blend with your basket.

Give an old garden hose a new life as a decorative and functional storage bin! Simply cut off several pieces of the hose in different lengths, roll each piece into a circle, and secure it with yarn or twine. Once you have a few circular pieces, arrange them together in a bin shape and tie them securely with more yarn or twine. The best part about using a hose is its flexibility, which you can bend and twist as desired. This upcycled storage bin is perfect for blankets, pillows, books, and other small items you'd like to keep organized.

A worn-out garden hose can still be functional and come in handy for one of the most overlooked needs, like holding down a trash bag. Sometimes trash bags without drawstrings slide down into the garbage bin from the weight of the trash. To help hold it in place, a piece of garden hose will do the trick. Just cut off one or two small pieces of the hose and slice them down the middle so it's able to grip onto things. Clip the hose onto the edge of the garbage bin and tuck the trash bag under the edge.

Another clever upcycling idea for crafters is transforming an old lampshade into a stylish new fixture with a DIY hose base. Cut and coil a section of your garden hose around your desired base for the lamp, securing the coil with hot glue or wire. You can use a paper towel roll as the base, gluing cut pieces of a garden hose around the exterior to create a texturized design. Try also painting the hose exterior to match your lampshade, blending it in so well that it's hard to tell it's actually a hose.

Carrying buckets around the house can get heavy and uncomfortable, especially when going up and down stair for tasks like mopping and painting. Fortunately, the rubbery material of a garden hose can provide a comfortable grip for the handles. Just cut a section of the hose off and open it to fit around the bucket handle. The softness and flexibility of the hose will provide a non-slip grip, making it easier to lift and carry heavy bucket loads.

If you've repurposed your old hose for garden tools, you can do the same for tools used around the house. A hose can be a simple and effective holder to help organize your scissors, screwdrivers, and other small handheld tools. Simply cut the hose into smaller sections and use screws or nails to attach both ends to a wall or pegboard. These will become snug loops on which you can hang small tools, office items, and more. Not only does the garden hose material make the tool hanger durable, but mounting everything also helps keep them visible and easily accessible.

Ever worried about cutting yourself while reaching for a knife in a drawer? This can be an even greater fear if you have small and curious children running around the house. Luckily, an old garden hose can serve as a quick and easy blade protector. Just cut a piece of the hose to the length of your knife blade. Clean it well, then slide the knife blade into the hose, ensuring it's snug. The hose can help protect you and your little one's fingers from accidental cuts, and the rubbery material will add a slip-grip to the blade.

With this DIY, you'll be taking the creativity a step further by repurposing an old hose into a unique and functional bucket or basket. For this idea, begin by coiling the hose around itself, starting from the bottom to form the base. As you continue coiling, zip-tie the hose together at each turn to create the sides of the basket. Once you reach the desired height, add a loop and secure it to the top with more zip ties. 

Who says you can't create eye-catching wall art with your old garden hose? Taking advantage of the length and flexibility, you can cut and bend your hose into any shape or design on a canvas or a piece of wood. For this project, you'll start by wrapping your old garden hose with yarn, which will serve as a way to secure the rim of your DIY clock. You can also do this with beads, glitter, and other decorative elements to enhance the look. If this and the previous ideas were fun, discover more ways to repurpose old garden tools around the house.