Trolling Freecycle.org, I’ve come across my third posting this week for people who are looking to give away extra play sand. They probably overestimated the amount of sand that they would need.
We did this the first time we filled a sandbox for our kids. There were two extra bags that just lingered in our backyard, until the weather finally got to them, eventually causing them to split. Sure, we could have returned them right away, but because they were so heavy, we never got around to it. If you find yourself in this situation, take that sand and make it work for you. Put it to good use.
Sand does a better job at cushioning accidental falls than does wood chips. So, if you have some leftover sand, place it in a play area, such as underneath a swing set or play system.
You can also use extra sand to clean up an oil leak or spill in the garage. Just pour some on the spill and let it sit. The sand will soak up the spill. Then you can just sweep it away.
Use that sand for a decorative use by filling mason jars or old pasta jars with sand and then inserting a tea light into them. Purchase some citronella tea lights, and you will offer both a pretty and welcoming glow to your backyard or path and keep it bug free.
If you need to make a repair on a delicate item, such as gluing together a porcelain statue or a ceramic mug, stead the main piece in a container of sand before you glue the item. The sand will keep the piece upright and in place, while you use both hands to make the repair.
If you have a narrow necked bottle or vase that you just can’t seem to get clean, use your sand as a scrub to get the gunk out. Add sand and soapy warm water to the object, Swirl and squish it around to loosen the stubborn dirt and then rinse. Good as new.
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