Today’s the day. You finally made the switch to the DivaCup and are overly excited to start on your eco-friendly journey! The only problem? What do you do with your unused disposable fem care products? No worries! Our team has you covered with the top 8 repurposes for your unused disposables.

1. Donate, donate, donate!

The first and most important step you should take when deciding on what to do with your unused disposable products is to donate them. Find a local charity, homeless shelter or women’s organization that is willing to take your disposable products. Not only are you saving the landfills, you’re helping menstruating people in need*.

2. Nosebleed? No problem.

Do you experience frequent nosebleeds that keep you stranded in the bathroom for 20 minutes, leaving the bathroom looking like a scene from a horror movie? Your old tampons can help! Take the tampon out of the applicator and put it in your nose to help absorb all of the blood. This will allow you to get your work done without having to worry about the mess.

3. Makeup Applicator/Beauty Blender

Beauty blenders can be pricey and overrated. Now’s the time to take advantage of your unused tampons. Like a recent viral video illustrated, you can take the tampon out of the applicator and use it as a beauty blender. Apply your foundation to the tampon and distribute it in the specific areas. Watch and learn here.

4. A Handy and Discrete Wallet

Going out for a night on the town or traveling to a foreign place? Hide your money and valuables in an unused pad wrapper. Remove the pad from the wrapper, without tearing the wrapper. Staple the sides of the wrapper, while leaving the top open. Store any light valuables in the wrapper and store in your purse or pocket.

5. Absorbing Foot Pads

When it comes to washing the floors, the list of tools you need in order to complete the job is endless. With your unused pads, washing floors just got easier. Wash your floors with your preferred solution and mop. To absorb the residue, stick your unused pads to the bottom of a clean shoe or slipper and drag your feet across the affected area. Voilà, clean floors while having fun. Involve the family! Even the kids may enjoy skating through the house on pads, making cleanup a breeze and fun family activity.

6. Backups

By now you should be DivaCup obsessed and all of your friends and family should be tired of hearing you brag about this life-changing product. But, you may have a few friends that refuse to give it a try (they are really missing out!). Store some unused pads and tampons in a spot where your friends can easily have access to the products if need be.

7. Crafts

Your unused disposables can make for great holiday crafts. Grab some art supplies (googly eyes, food coloring, sparkles, etc.) and head to Pinterest for some fun and silly holiday craft ideas! Deck the halls with pads and tampons!

8. Hair Curlers

Who knew that your unused tampons could double as hair curlers? Well, now you do! If you’re looking to rock that ‘beached-wave look’ remove the tampon from the applicator and take smaller sections of hair and wrap the hair around the tampon. Just as you would with any other curling device. You can pin the tampons to the hair for more of a tight curl. Check out a tutorial here.

Do you have any tips for repurposing unused disposables? If so, share them with our team!

*Diva International Inc. donates to a number of organizations and shelters. Although the DivaCup may seem like the best option for donations, it is not always feasible as the DivaCup needs proper education as well as care and cleaning amenities. Check out some of our initiatives here.