How to Remove Packing Peanuts Without the Mess

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Packing peanuts are a necessary evil. They do a fantastic job of protecting fragile items for shipping and are very light weight. They are also prone to static electricity, easily air born and very crumbly. While they serve their purpose, they also create a huge mess whenever a package containing them is opened. Outsmart these annoying pieces of foam and enjoy your package with minimal mess.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Large paper grocery sacks
Cooking spray
Stapler

Step1

Open up one or two large paper grocery bags. Use more or less bags depending on the size of the package and the amount of peanuts inside.

Step2

Spray your hands with baking spray such as Pam. Coat your hands with a small amount of vegetable or olive oil if you do not have cooking spray handy.

Step3

Shoo all small children and pets from the room before opening the package. Set them up with a movie, or bribe them with a treat to keep them away from you while you are opening the package.

Step4

Transfer the packing peanuts to the paper sacks with your oil coated hands. Grab only the amount of peanuts that will stay in your hand during the transfer. Keep in mind the goal is not speed but cleanliness.

Step5

Fill each paper grocery bag about three quarters full. Close the bag by rolling the top down and creasing the roll. Staple the roll closed or secure it with sturdy paper clips.

Step6

Immediately dispose of the bags in the trash can. Make sure all the bags have been secured with staples or paper clips so that they won't come open and cover your neighborhood with packing peanuts on trash day.