I began the ritual of Spring cleaning on Friday. I figured I better get started before I have to call it Summer cleaning. I started with my clothes closet and made no slip hangers. I tossed a lot and have a big bag to take to the thrift store of all the clothes that I no longer want.
The clothes I am keeping, I placed on white plastic hangers. I like using them because they keep everything hanging in the closet looking uniform. What I don’t like about them is the fact that some of my tops or dresses slide right off the ends.
I thought about adding rubber bands to the hangers, but that was way too hard and would not look very nice. I rummaged through my stash of crafty supplies and began playing with a few colorful pipe cleaners. They worked perfectly to make no slip hangers, plus they look colorful and pretty hanging in my closet.
supplies needed:
- Clothes Hanger
- 4 Pipe Cleaners – I bought mine at the craft store for 1.00 a pack
1. To start wrapping the pipe cleaner on the hanger – bend and fold the tip over on one pipe cleaner about 1-inch. Place on top of the end of one shoulder section of the hanger.
2. Begin to wrap the pipe cleaner over the bent section and hanger to secure.
3. Continue to wrap until you come to the end of the first pipe cleaner. Leave a small section straight as shown in the photo.
4. Add the second pipe cleaner in the same way you did the first – following step 1 – 3. You want to wrap over the end section of the first pipe cleaner along with the section you bend to start the second. When you get to the end of the second pipe cleaner- I thought I may need a dot of hot glue – but I didn’t need it. All I did was press the end around the hanger. It will mold to the curve of the hanger.
You can cover the entire hanger this way. I only wanted to add some no-slip padding to each side of the hanger and 2 on each side worked perfectly for this.
Repeat on the other side of the hanger.
It works on any type hanger – wire or plastic. Easy no slip hangers to coordinate with your clothes or closet decor.
I like to use colorful pipe cleaners or chenille stems as they are called when you buy them at the craft store. You can get a big box of them—-> here.
*While you are organizing your closet, consider the lighting. It is amazing what some proper wattage can do!
gloria benjamin says
what about the clear plastic hangers how would you do the pipe cleaners.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Gloria – I would simply wrap the pipe cleaner around the lower section on each side of the hanger and then wind the two ends together to secure the pipe cleaner. You could also add a little hot glue to the top end of the each side of the hanger and then wind the pipe cleaner right over the hot glue. Once dry it will help keep the pipe cleaners in place on the clear plastic style of hanger.
MARIA BOZA FROM FLORIDA says
will do this as soon as I get home tonight.
what a great idea. I always see lots of cloths in the floor.
Ana says
Fantastic idea! Have you had any problems with the end of the pipe cleaner at the “finishing” end poking out and causing snags on clothing?
Diane Henkler says
Hi Ana – No. I have never had this problem. Tuck the end in under the wrapped section of pipe cleaner so the end doesn’t stick out.
Nadya says
What a clever, simple idea! Like you and others, I’ve had this frustration, and will try it!!
Loved this quote from another blog, (Amy Fine Collins)
Opening up your closet
should be like arriving at a really good party
where everyone you see is someone you like.
“Maybe before trying these organizing hacks, we’ll start by getting rid of items we don’t love?” I’m in the process of doing just that, and pulled out a couple of bags from my closet and drawers this last week, ash, breathing room! And more smiles!
Clothes Hangers says
Excellent idea! I am going try it on my clothes hangers. Thanks for sharing.
Linda Weber says
That was a really clever a idea. Would save you money on having to buy hangers that would not slip when you put tops on them. Looked really easy. Thanks for sharing your great idea.
Judy Ducrou says
Wow I have been struggling with this problem for some time – saw this idea on Pinterest, I am off to purchase some pipe cleaner.
Thank you for the tip!!
Judy
Closet Organizer says
This is one of the reasons why closet organization systems have become so popular in recent years.
Renee says
Great idea and dead easy. I will tackle my hanger issue with pleasure THANKS :)
David says
I am a male with loads of jumpers, that I store on wide-shouldered plastic hangers. Trouble is, they slip down the hanger, and I end up with bumps at the collar bone when I put them on. I had been thinking of cutting up an inner tube from a bike and gluing a strip to the ends of the hangers (I know, I know .. A man’s solution), but will give the pipe cleaner route a go.
Simple is efficient, so thanks for triggering this route.
Laura with Lovely Neighbors says
Such a great idea, and so simple! Thanks for sharing!
Navi says
This is genius! Time to go pick up some pipe cleaners.
Ellie says
Awesome idea and they really work. Here’s how mine turned out: http://thegreatcraftscleanup.blogspot.com/2013/07/improving-plastic-hangers-so-theyre-no.html
RobyGiup says
Brilliant!!! I’ll make several of those no-slip hangers for my new home!
Thanks for sharing :)
Mary says
Great idea, I’ll have to try it. :O)
Elsbeth says
Smart idea, thank you for the tip!
Traci says
Fabulous Idea!
Carla says
What a nifty idea! Thanks for sharing.
I did pin this so I would remember what to do and I put your link in the description.
Kathryn says
Great idea! I am going to have to try this. Thanks for sharing this with us:)
Rachel says
this trick solved the problem i’ve been having with shirts slipping off hangers. thank you so much!
My Home Life Mag says
I have seen this done with strips of hot glue, but wow the colors on the pipe cleaners is just incomparable! For those of us stuck in an organizational frenzy you could even color code them for seasonality! Additionally, use of these on cheap wire hangers would remove awful hanger dents from shirt shoulders.
Annabella Merlin says
Great idea! Plus those pipe cleaners looks colorful and adorable!
Annabella Merlin
Creative Photo Albums
Pearlie says
Thanks for the lovely idea! I just happen to have leftover pipe cleaners from one of my daughter’s projects, which will be perfect for this!
Love and Lollipops says
How clever!! I have always struggled with this little problem in my cupboard!
Georgia :)
Meari says
Awesome idea. I think I may have some pipe cleaners in the kids’ crafts box.
debi says
what a great idea! i just spent some money on those no slip hangers, but needed more! i will do this to my plastic hangers that i already have! thanks for sharing your ideas! love them!
breanna says
smart, and so resourceful!
I’ve linked to you here:
http://dollarstoremom.com/2012/04/pinterest-picks-35/
Anna Jane Lipton says
I want to do this!
Bethany @ A Fish Who Likes Flowers says
This is a sincerely brilliant idea! Easy too! Thank you so much for sharing your genius!
Lyuba says
That is a wonderful idea!!!! Love it! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Mrs. Handyverger says
What a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing this. :) Popping over from Centsational Girl. :)
Oopsey Daisy says
Diane, this is an incredible idea! I can’t believe I’ve never thought to solve the problem of my clothes falling off my hangers!! Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!
Amber Peters says
This is brilliant! Thanks for the great idea!
Rachel says
Wow! This is the best idea! Just the other day I was fighting to get a couple tops to stay on their hangers. So going to try this.
carolyn - homework says
Hi Diane,
Just to let you know – your wonderful project was featured on homework. Come on over and a grab a button. As always, thank you so much for linking up your project. Have a wonderful weekend!
Lynda says
Another wonderful idea!
Susan @ Oh My! Creative says
What a clever idea! I just became a fan and I bookmarked your photography post to read another day. I am currently taking a class and learning how to use my camera to take better photos…it’s so much fun when they turn out to be beautiful! Love your blog!
Susan
Diane says
Thanks Susan – I am enjoying learning everything I can about my camera and photography. Every day I try to play with it so it becomes intuitive. Right now I still struggle with setting everything up and then realize – I forgot to change an important setting :) I keep telling myself – practice makes perfect.
Patricia Gray says
This is so cool, and it keeps dozens of plastic hangers out of the landfills.
If you are redoing a closet, MAWA Super Grippy Hangers from Germany work like nothing else I’ve ever seen, including the felt ones. (Full disclosure, a friend of mine sells this line.) If you search “Super Grippy Hangers” you can learn more.
Diane says
Hi Patricia – thanks for the tip.
Dar says
How clever you are! Great idea~
Laurel says
What a great idea and I’ve got pipe cleaners in my sewing/craft room :) I will be pinning it if that’s okay??
Diane says
Hi Laurel – Thanks 2x – for the nice comment and the pin. XO
Rose says
What a GOOD idea! I’ve done the rubber bands but in no time they are dry rotted and they break and then all your times wasted. These will be there for awhile! I have some pipe cleaners to so I will HAVE to do this because I’m like you, I HATE my blouses falling off the hanger constantly!
Diane says
Hi Rose – I, too had one too many shirts on the floor in a rumpled mess and needed an easy way to get them to stay in place without having to buy new hangers.
laurie says
What a nifty idea, Diane!! Thanks for sharing your creativity!! :)
xoxo laurie
Diane says
Thanks Laurie XO
Dee [Diane] says
How funny and how nice to meet someone as ‘kooky’ as I am. That was meant in the nicest way. We have a lot in common. I barely made it through math but did just fine in the realworld. Love GOOD ideas like yours.
D*
Bettsi says
Genius again! How do you come up with these great ideas? Gotta pin it!
Diane says
Thanks Bettsi and XO for the pin.
Debra says
You have the best ideas!! It seems certain clothing is always slipping off that dang hanger. Need to get me some pipe cleaners now!! No excuses!!
Mary says
Hi Diane! What a fantastic idea! Hubbs hates those thin “no-slip” hangers and prefers the plastic ones. Thanks for a perfect solution for our ongoing hanger debate! Definitely pinning this! ~Mary (newly following via email, pinterest and G+ too)
Erica says
What a great idea and so simple to do!
Natasha says
Thanks so much for this tip! pinned it so i don’t forget!! so pretty!! xxx
Amy says
Much more visually appealing than rubber bands. Brilliant and beautiful to look at :)
amy @ whilewearingheels.blogspot.com
Diane says
Thanks Amy- and there are so many colors of pipe cleaners to make everyone happy.
Sheryll & Critters. says
I love this idea. And I am going to do it as soon as I get some pipe cleaners. Dollar Tree does not carry them and I am not close to a craft store…. so now wondering if Wal-Mart has them. I am doing this…… but the spring cleaning….. uhhhh, it is a year long battle for me with my fur kids.
How is Trax doing today? I hope much better. Mine took months to play again after his urinary blockage. But Trax only had an infection (thank God).
Diane says
Hi Sheryll – I am sure Walmart has pipe cleaners in the craft aisle. Maybe not as many colors as the craft store carries, but they will probably have a few.
Trax is doing a bit better. He did have a blockage. He seems OK, but is still not quite himself. My daughter has taken him back to the vet to get some additional meds. He is sunning himself in a window right now.
Ronnie Gunn Tucker says
Clever idea and looks fun to do. Thanks for creating what is now one of my favorite blogs.
Diane says
Hi Ronnie – Thanks so much for leaving me such a nice comment. Reading it made me smile! XO.
Kari says
Great idea!! Pipe cleaners are always in my cleaning stash for tiny spaces like the water dispenser in the fridge door. Now they have another use too.
Rubber bands don’t work over the long haul because they dry out and break. You have made me look at pipe cleaners in a different way! I wonder how else they can be used????
Thanks for the tip!
Diane says
Hi Kari – Thanks. I thinks pipe cleaners are one of those classic objects that has over hundreds of uses beyond cleaning out a pipe. I never used them to clean my water dispenser in my fridge, but I will be trying that out this afternoon. Thanks for that tip. :)
Lynne says
Once again . . . great “easy peasy “idea!
Diane says
XO Lynne
Susan Parziale says
Although I am a huge fan of the felt slim hangers, many of my clients do not want to replace all of their plastic hangers and convert over to felt hangers. This is a great alternative and so inexpensive! Thank you Diane.
Diane says
Hi Susan – Another nice thing about this trick is that the hangers that don’t need the no-slip option will still look the same along the rod – nice and uniform. Neat and organized, instead of a mis-match of different styles of hangers that can get jumbled up.
Vicky says
Amen, except I am not a client! I am a broke homeowner!! I agrre with Diane’s post below yours, too…it would coordinate with what I already use for other garments…FANTASTIC idea. I shared it on G+ and Pinned it!
~joy!
Vicky @ sleeping in an unmade bed
Hanger Man says
Great idea!
Laura @Ms Smartie Pants says
I need to clean my out so badly! This is a really creative idea I may just have to give it a try. Did you see the show Shelly from House of Smiths was on the other day with Sabrina on HGTV? It had some great ideas for organization.
Diane says
Hi Laura – My closet was in dire need of a cleaning. It felt good to get it done. I did see the HGTV show – I love Sabrina – she is the best and the homes she went to did have some great ideas. I would love to see more shows like that on HGTV instead of all the real estate shows. I would watch HGTV more!
Rachelle says
Great idea! Super easy too :)
Julie says
I love your ideas! This one is perfect and I’ll be digging out my pipe cleaners tomorrow!
Diane says
Thanks Julie- I remember making crafts with them when I was in elementary school. They are a timeless classic with so many uses.