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Home » Reuse Ideas » Can You Reuse Command Strips – 7 Alternative Uses

Can You Reuse Command Strips – 7 Alternative Uses

Command strips are handy tools for hanging things around the house without nails or screws. They feature a crafty adhesive that sticks firmly for however long you want and then easily peeled off without causing surface damage. We love for hanging lightweight objects like photographs, posters, mirrors, and others.

But can you reuse command strips? In this post, we’ll discuss everything you should know about command strips.

Can You Reuse Command Strips?

Yes, reusing command strips is possible as they can remain on your wall for decades without the adhesive losing its strength, but if you take them off and try to reuse them, there is a 100% possibility that they won’t be as sticky as a result, its virtually impossible to relocate them.

However, if you have some command strips that you have absolutely no use for then you are going to want to learn about these neat tricks

Top 9 Alternative Uses For Command Strips

Command strips have their place in every home but when you learn some of these other alternative uses then you won’t look at them the same ever again.

  1. Organize cables: Use Command strips to hold cords and cables in place behind your desk, TV stand, or other areas where you have electronics.
  2. Hang jewelry: Use small Command strips to hang jewelry on a wall or inside a closet. You can also use larger strips to create a jewelry organizer by sticking them onto a board or canvas.
  3. Mount small hooks: Command strips come in various sizes and strengths, so you can use them to hang small hooks for keys, hats, or bags. This can help keep your space organized and tidy.
  4. Display artwork or photos: Use Command strips to hang photos, art prints, or posters on a wall without causing any damage. You can easily change out the artwork or photos when you want to update your decor.
  5. Secure small appliances: Use Command strips to secure small appliances, such as a coffee maker or toaster, in place on a countertop.
  6. Hold mirrors: Use Command strips to hold up a small mirror on a wall or the back of a door.
  7. Create a whiteboard or bulletin board: Stick Command strips onto a smooth surface, such as a metal or glass board, and use them to hold up a whiteboard or bulletin board.
  8. Organize kitchen items: Use Command strips to hold measuring cups, spoons, and other small kitchen items in place on the inside of a cabinet door.
  9. Decorate with garlands or lights: Use Command strips to hang garlands, lights, or other decorations on a wall or around a doorway.

Tips For Using Command Strips

Command strips are commonly used as a quick solution to hang photographs, posters, or other light objects. Guess what? We have some tips for you.

Here are some ideas on how to apply them:

  1. First, ensure the surface you want to attach to the command strip is dry and clean. If not, the strip might not stick well.
  2. If you want to fix command strips on the wallpaper, it is best to attach them to a smooth, flat area. Without it, the strip might not adhere or the wallpaper might peel off.
  3. When fastening it to the item you want to hang, align the command strip with the top or bottom edge. It will help you get the hanging level correct.
  4. Then, press the strip firmly for 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond.
  5. Lastly, wait at least an hour before hanging the item, or hang it according to the instructions on the package. This is done to allow the command strip to set or adhere properly.

Common Mistakes People Make With Command Strips

Many people use command strips to hang portraits and other artwork. But there are mistakes people make when applying them. They are as follows:

Not Reading Instructions Carefully: Most people fail to follow directions. When using command strips, follow all the instructions; failing to do so may cause damage to your walls or decorations.

Get Impatient: Another mistake is failing to give the strips enough time to stick to the surface. Before hanging anything, wait at least 30 minutes for the strips to set.

Use on Rough Surfaces: Command strips work best on clean, smooth surfaces. Make sure the surface is clean and debris-free before gluing the strips.

Use Fewer Command Strips: Many people do not use enough strips. If you do not use enough strips, your item may not stay on the wall as it should be.

Disregard Weight Limitations: Finally, be careful not to overload the strips. Each strip has a weight limit, and exceeding that limit could fail and collapse your decorations. That is, your objects can fall and likely break.

You can, however, avoid these typical errors and effectively use command strips by following the instructions and implementing a few safety measures.

Conclusion

While command strips make hanging things easier and can last for years on end there is no actual way of reusing them or relocating them because they lose their stick adhesive once they are pulled off their surface.

However, we listed 9 amazing ways to reuse command strips for other things that doesn’t involve hanging things. Scroll up and check out the list if you haven’t already.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do command strips peel off?

Command strips may peel off if they are not well-secured to the wall. Generally, strips need clean, smooth surfaces. Before you start, use rubbing alcohol (methylated spirits) to clean the surface. It enhances the strip to stick to the wall. Finally, do not use other surface sprays or cleaning wipes because they could leave slick traces.

How much weight can a Command strip hold?

It depends on the strip. Command strips are available in different sizes; the large strips can hold 24 to 36 inches long objects and up to 16 pounds in weight, while the small strips hold a 4-pound weight limit. You can read all these on the package.

How long do Command Strips last?

When you use command strips as directed on the pack, they can last for years. In addition, you can get an accurate answer from the maker before using them.

Author

  • Jen Wheeler

    Jen Wheeler, co-founder of Recycling-Revolution.com, holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Yale, and Stanford. A renowned environmentalist, she's championed sustainable practices at global events and leads EcoBright Solutions, focusing on recycling education and eco-friendly products.

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