How to Use Bubble Wrap

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 4, 2021 References

When you have bubble wrap, its uses are unlimited. If needed, you can use it for its traditional use: packing delicate items in boxes. Or, if you have tons of bubble wrap left over, you can reuse it in your home or outdoors in small fixes or repairs. As a last resort, you can even recycle bubble wrap or pop it for stress relief. No matter how much bubble wrap you have, you can put it to use efficiently and without leaving any to waste.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Packing Boxes With Bubble Wrap

1
Use bubble wrap to protect delicate items, like glass or electronics. Bubble wrap is ideal for padding glassware, ceramics, mirrors, and other fragile items while moving. Because bubble wrap comes in large sheets, it can be more effective for wrapping bigger items than Styrofoam or newspaper.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Wrap all delicate items before putting them in the box. Place your item on a sheet of bubble wrap and cut out a piece long enough to cover the item in bubble wrap. Tape the sides along the edges and on the top and bottom to prevent the item from slipping out.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Use bubble wrap to fill void areas in the box. Too much extra space in your box and your items may knock around. Place the items carefully into the box, then assess it for empty space. If you notice large gaps between items, stuff the box with bubble wrap to keep the objects secure.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you run out of bubble wrap, you could also use packing peanuts, newspapers, or old wrapping paper to pad the box.
4
Put precious items in a paper bag before using the bubble wrap. Small plastic dots from the bubble wrap can occasionally get stuck on items it is packed in, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight. Double-wrap items you'd like to protect. Place the item in a paper bag or a cloth, and then wrap it with the bubble wrap.
- If dots get stuck to your belongings, wipe them off with a wet rag.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Reusing Bubble Wrap at Home

1
Line your refrigerator drawers with bubble wrap to keep produce safe. Place a layer of bubble wrap over your fridge's crisper drawers. This will prevent fruits and vegetables from bruising and make cleaning the drawers easier.^{[4]
X
Research source}
2
Insulate your windows. Cut out pieces of bubble wrap as large as your windowpanes. Duct tape them to the inner side of your windows to warm your home while lowering your electricity bill.
- Lower your blinds or curtains to cover the wrap and further insulate the room.
3
Cushion broom handles. To prevent blisters, wrap a small length of bubble wrap around your broom and mop handles. Tape the bubble wrap onto the handle to keep it secure while you're doing chores.^{[5]
X
Research source}
4
Make a temporary sole insert. Place your foot on a square of bubble wrap and trace your foot with a marker. Cut out the makeshift sole insert and put it in your shoe—it should stay effective for at least 6 hours.
5
Use bubble wrap as an artistic stamp. Trace a shape or design, like a heart or an animal, in the bubble wrap and cut it out with scissors. Paint onto the bubble-side surface and press the shape onto a piece of paper for a creative and bold stamp.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Putting Old Bubble Wrap to Use Outside

1
Protect your knees while gardening. Tape patches of bubble wrap to the knees of your paints before you begin gardening. This can prevent scraped or achy knees as you kneel on the dirt or pavement.^{[7]
X
Research source}
2
Protect potted plants from frost damage. Wrap your plants' pots in a layer of bubble wrap and duct tape it in place. This insulation can keep plants warm in cool temperatures if they are more sensitive to the cold. Make sure that the bubble wrap extends a few inches or centimeters above the lip of the container to keep the soil warm.^{[8]
X
Research source}
3
Prevent your car windshield from frost. Cover your car windshield with bubble wrap in the evening, pinning it down with your windshield wipers to keep it from blowing away. This will keep snow or frost from settling on your windshield overnight to make driving in the morning simpler.^{[9]
X
Research source}
4
Winterize your pipes and spouts. When the temperatures start dropping, wrap your outdoor pipes and spouts with bubble wrap to prevent freezing or bursting. Tie the bubble wrap down with string to keep it from falling off.^{[10]
X
Research source}