There are millions of old washing machines dumped in different land fills. The number grows every year. And since washers are not exactly made from biodegradable materials, they can take up space on the surface of our planet for a few hundred years.
There are numerous recycling centers that help in the recycling of old appliances. But you can also do simple recycling projects in your home. Here are a few ideas on how to re-use your old washer:
Drill Bit Sharpener
1. Vegetable strainer
One of the most useful parts of the washer is the drum. Notice that the drum has small side holes. You can use this as a vegetable strainer. If you are throwing a huge party and you want to wash vegetables in one go, this is a good choice.
Clean the washer drum first before using it. Dry it up with a clean towel. If there are detergent residues, try sloughing them off using dry baking soda. Baking soda has abrasive particles.
2. Lighted side table
Are you looking for a side table with a modern style? Why don't you make one using the drum of your washer? Remove the protruding parts of the drum. Clean it using baking soda and dry it up. Purchase thick glass with circular shape. Place it on top of the drum. You can also install lighting inside the drum. Drill a hole on the lower part of the drum. Insert the chord of the light. Place the lamp inside the drum before placing the glass.
3. Alternative pot for plants
Instead of using clay pots, you can use the washer drum when planting flowers or vegetables. The drum is large enough to make a good landscape. When you water your plants, some of the water will seep out. The holes on the sides will also allow air to circulate in the roots.
Try planting flowers with large leaves. Arrange them properly. You would want to achieve a rustic style of flower arrangement. Drill one hole on either side of the drum and place wire handles. Hang it up on your patio for additional décor.
4. Lamp
You can use this as a garden lamp or a patio lamp. Just drill a hole on one side of the drum and place lamp inside. You can also add thin Japanese paper to tweak the color of the light. This is a great decoration when you are throwing an outdoor party at night.