Innovative Ways to Recycle Unused Washers, Dryers, and Ironing Boards
Recycle Unused Washers, Dryers, and Ironing boards
Landfills everywhere are completely overflown with more than just trash. They are filled with our used things that could easily be restored into something else. Like your laundry equipment for example. If we could help it, why not take those things and instead of throwing them in the garbage or the scrap yard, put them to good use?
Dryer
Broken dryers can be taken apart and recycled into something that may be more useful to you. This could be a vintage decorative piece of decor or a place for storage. And once you’re done with the pieces you need you can take the rest to the scrap yard for a little play money!
- Make the kids a toy chest: If your dryer has a plastic drum it’s the perfect piece for a toy chest. After removing the drum you can paint it any color. Then place it outside for any outdoor toys. Rinse it with a hose and the water to drain away dirt keeping outside toys neat and clean.
Iron and Ironing Board
Have an old ironing board in your laundry room that’s just gathering up the dust mites? Put it to good use elsewhere in your home by crafting it into something useful. You can use ironing boards for many different things around the home including:
- A memo board: If you haven’t yet read our piece on how to make a memo board, head over there now. Using an old or unused ironing board you can make a cool memo board for your home office.
- A folding table: This one may seem pretty obvious, but you probably haven’t thought about it. Don’t worry, that’s what I’m here for! If you need a little extra space for a party just pop out the ironing board and cover it with a tablecloth. You can use it to place food, napkins, and silverware.
- Decor: By spray painting an old metal ironing board you can make a fantastic statement piece. Use it in your office, in the living room, or in a guest room. With this DIY project, you can do anything you want. The sky’s the limit!
Washing Machine
Top loading washing machines are a thing of the past. But before you have it hauled off to the dump try taking a different approach. Old top loaders have metal, a stainless steel drum, assorted switches and solenoid valves, a motor, a water pump, wires, nuts, bolts, screws, brackets and more. If you put your craft hat on you can turn your trash into treasure. When you’re finished you can take the leftover parts to the scrap yard to make some extra money.
Here are some innovative ways to use parts from your old washer:
- Build a fire pit: Use the metal drum from your washer to create a small patio fire pit. The metal drum can be placed on fire bricks or stones to lift it off the ground. The fire will stay contained and hold enough wood to create a very warming fire. The holes in the drum help create great airflow so the fire will ignite quickly and burn brightly. The drum is also light enough to move around. It’s easy to empty ashes from this fire pit. And it’s easy to rinse out for a smooth transport.
- Make a pot: If you don’t want or need to make a fire pit that same metal drum is perfect for a container garden. You can spray paint the drum to create the look that you want. Fill the bottom with vermiculite or mulch to keep it light and then add potting soil. The drum has drainage hole already built-in so you can plant right away. Consider adding a decorative trellis if you want to grow vines or plants that need some added support.
- Have a seat: C reate a very study ottoman for your living room by padding the plywood with polyester batting and cover with upholstery fabric or leather. You can spray paint the drum to fit your own personal style. And then cover the entire drum with fabric. It’s the ultimate vintage living room decor.
Lastly…
What did you use your old laundry equipment for? Let me know by dropping a comment below!
Note: Before using the drum, check to make sure it’s metal. Some drums are plastic. And you shouldn’t use a plastic drum to make a fire pit or an ottoman.
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