Safety pin hacks: 5 clever uses you probably never knew about

A safety pin is one of those tiny household items you barely notice, until you suddenly need one. Beyond fixing a torn hem or holding a button in place, this simple tool has plenty of clever uses around the home, wardrobe and travel bag. Here are some smart and genuinely useful safety pin hacks that can make everyday problems a little easier.

Replacing elastic in pyjama bottoms, shorts or a waistband can be frustrating without the right tool. Attach the elastic firmly to a safety pin and guide it through the fabric casing. The pin gives you something easy to grip and helps you pull the elastic through without losing it inside the waistband.

If you store ribbons, thin cords or fabric ties in a drawer, they can quickly become one giant knot. Fold each one neatly and secure it with a safety pin through the folded fabric or ribbon, rather than piercing delicate material repeatedly. This keeps small bundles together and makes them easier to find.

If your fitted sheet keeps coming loose from the mattress, safety pins can provide a temporary fix. Use large, sturdy safety pins to secure the sheet to the underside of the mattress, making sure the pins are completely closed and positioned away from where you sleep. For a long-term solution, sheet straps or properly fitted sheets are safer and more reliable.

If your charging cable keeps becoming a tangled mess in your bag, loosely gather the cable and use a large safety pin as a temporary organiser. Do not pierce or clamp the cable itself, as damaging its insulation can create an electrical safety risk.

Need to prevent a zip on a backpack or pouch from opening accidentally? On suitable zip sliders with holes, you can pass a small safety pin through the slider openings and close it. This can act as a temporary deterrent against the zip moving, although it is not a security device and should not be relied upon to protect valuables.