Clean Out Your Vacuum Brush and Other Handy Uses For Seam Rippers
I didn’t know my seam ripper could do that!
Ah, the trusty seam ripper. It’s a must-have for any sewer (and non-sewer) alike. I posted about this handy little tool, and to my surprise and delight, there are so many other great uses for it. Check out the quick tips and clever uses for seam rippers below!
Remove clothing tags.
Why aren’t all clothes just tagless at this point? Get rid of those itchy slips of fabric by bringing a seam ripper to its top edge and firmly slice through the tag.
“It’s good for removing clothing tags, especially from Gap or Old Navy. Why are their tags so big?!” – Shannon
Cut out tangled ponytail holders.
Carefully and cautiously use the sharp blade of a seam ripper to cut through the hair tie, and you’ll be less likely to cut out a chunk of hair than if you’d used scissors.
“I use my seam ripper daily to remove the tiny ponytail/rubber bands from my daughter’s hair without them getting her hair tangled and hearing her screaming!” – Laura
Clean the vacuum roller brush.
If you find your vacuum brush wrapped in endless strands of hair, string, or other long-length debris, run a seam ripper down the middle to cut through the mess.
“I use this tool to clean my vacuum roller. It takes the hair off the roller in like 3 seconds.” – Jackie
Neatly open envelopes.
As long as the blade on your seam ripper is nice and sharp, you can use it to cut open the top fold of envelopes.
“You can slide the ripper through the top fold of an envelope to cut it clean open.” – Sara at Hip2Save
Remove unwanted embroidery.
Tired of an embroidered logo? Score clearance monogrammed pieces? When you get rid of the old design, the stitching needle holes may still be visible, but it’s an easy way to prep for a new embroidery design or patch.
“Shop at the Pottery Barn Outlet where they sell a bunch of “oopsie” monogrammed stuff for cheap like lunchboxes, bedding, backpacks, and stockings, and then just use the seam ripper to remove the embroidery.” – Lina at Hip2Save
Use it as a small screwdriver.
If you have an extra small screw, the pointed end of a seam ripper can work. Not gripping enough? Place a thin rubberband between the tip of the seam ripper and the head of the screw and apply light pressure when turning.
“You can open the back of toy battery panels that have the smaller head screws with the sharp point making it easier to replace batteries.” – Jamie at Hip2Save
Do you have any other clever uses for this handy tool?
Let me know in the comments below!
Lol…I use for my vacuum too!
Great ideas!
Yeah my vacuum tip made it! 😊 LOL it works so good and fast. Also if you have shrinking wrap (like for bottles or anything that has a tight plastic wrap) this works better than a knife to open.
I love the vacuum tip as well!!
So smart! Thank you for the awesome tip, Jackie!
Check the instruction manual for your vacuum as some are designed such that the brush head is removable for easy cleaning. I have a Dyson and the brush head comes out so that the hair can be easily removed. I have long hair and it takes maybe 1 minute from start to finish to remove the brush head, remove the hair, and reinsert the brush head.
I use a seam ripper to remove the matted fur on my Maltese and Shih Tzu. It’s easier than scissors and can be used for small and large ones alike!
What?!?! Genius. I’m going to try this on my cat! Thank you for such a great tip!!!!
Cutting out tangled hair ties – brilliant!
We use this for our vacuum cleaner too!!
I know this is dangerous, but I use the pointy tip to separate my lashes 🙂 I have done this since high school (20 years ago) and it always makes them look perfect. Just be careful ! I have also used it to get the monograms off backpacks and such from PB, and to cut small ponytail rubberbands
I use it to clean my hair out of the velcro strap on my hats when they don’t quite stick as strong anymore.
I would never think of that but so smart! Great tip, Ashley!
The problem with manufacturers not putting tags on clothing is that they have to then print the care instructions directly on the clothing. Screenprinting wears off eventually. I don’t buy used tagless clothing. I wouldn’t know how to properly wash it. If I have the choice between two otherwise identical shirts, I will choose the one with the tag every time. I do hate tags at the bottom of the shirt that are sewn in on the short end. They stick out below the shirt.
I’m liking these great DIY post ideas! The goggles for onions was awesome!!
Yay! SO glad to hear that, Jeff! Thanks a TON for the feedback!
Lol.. I cut my vacuum hairs with a scissor. ☺️
Just like my fabric scissors, if I saw someone using my seam ripper on paper I’d be so angry. That suggestion must have been offered by someone that doesn’t actually use a seam ripper for its intended purpose.
I will have to use it for the vacuum and embroidered logos.