Why People Clip Wooden Clothespins in the Shower

A Drop of Essential Oil Can Give a Plain Wooden Peg a Second Use

A wooden clothespin can hold a light fragrance as easily as it holds a shirt on a clothesline. The shower trick is simple. Add a drop of essential oil to the wood and clip the peg somewhere it stays out of the direct spray. As the shower warms up, you may notice the scent around the peg.

It works best as a small touch. The wood absorbs some of the oil, and the scent gradually fades. If you enjoy it, you can refresh the peg later. The rest of the clothespins in the bag can stay plain for jobs around the kitchen and elsewhere in the house.

How to Try the Shower Clothespin Trick

Start with a dry, unfinished wooden clothespin. Put one drop of your chosen essential oil on the wood and give it time to absorb before clipping it in place. A shower curtain ring or another spot away from the direct spray can work, as long as the oiled wood stays away from painted or delicate finishes.

The strength of the fragrance will vary with the oil and the size of the space. Try one peg first so you can tell how much scent it gives off during a shower. If you share the bathroom, a light fragrance is easier for everyone to live with.

Use Plain Clothespins to Keep Cords Within Reach

A clothespin can keep a loosely coiled charging cable together in a drawer or bag. Gather the cable into a loose loop and clip the bundle gently so the peg holds it without squeezing it tightly. It’s a quick way to keep several cords from tangling when they’re stored together.

You can also clip a lightweight cable to the edge of a fabric pocket or organizer. That leaves the end where you can reach it the next time you need it, instead of having to fish it out from the bottom of a bag.

Clip Open Food Bags and Keep Spoons From Sliding

A clean, dry clothespin makes a handy clip for a bag of crackers, cereal, or chips. Fold the open end a couple of times and clip it shut. It holds the fold in place between servings. Keep the pegs you use around food separate from the ones you’ve scented for the shower.

A plain wooden peg can also help keep a serving spoon from slipping into a bowl. Clip it to the handle and rest the spoon so the peg catches on the rim. The next person can pick up the handle without reaching into the food. This works best with a cool serving bowl, where the peg can stay clear of the food and any heat.