How to Use Sandpaper Around the House

Sandpaper works like a saw or a fine cutting tool because the paper holds tiny particles with sharp edges that cut wood. Sandpaper isn't just for smoothing and finishing wood surfaces though. It's handy all around the house, from the sewing room to the bath and kitchen. Read on and find out creative uses to put sandpaper to work around your house.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Hone sewing needles. Save small pieces of fine-grit sandpaper and keep them in the sewing room. Rub the needles through the sandpaper a few times to sharpen them.

2. Remove fuzz balls from sweaters. Lightly rub the sweater in one direction with any grit sandpaper.

3. Roughen up new shoes to avoid slipping on slick leather soles. Rub sandpaper across the width of the soles to create a rougher surface and increase traction.

4. Keep slugs out of outdoor plants by deterring them with a rough path. Set each pot on a used sanding disk that is wider than the base of the pot.

5. Banish grout stains with fine-grit sandpaper. Fold the sandpaper and use the folded edge to sand along the grout line, taking care not to sand and scratch the ceramic tile.

6. Get a grip on a stuck jar lid. Use a piece of sandpaper, grit side against the lid, to open a stubborn jar.

7. Tackle scuff marks and ink stains on suede. Use a gentle touch and a bit of fine-grit sandpaper to remove or minimize an ink stain or a scuff mark on suede. Restore the nap with a clean toothbrush.

Tips & Warnings

• "Grit" refers to the roughness of the sandpaper based on the number of abrasive particles per inch of paper. A higher grit number means the paper is smoother and sands more finely.

Resources

• Sandpaper 101.