8 Unexpected Yet Genius Hot Glue Hacks You Should Be Using Around The House

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Hot glue guns may seem like an obvious choice when it comes to simply adhering craft materials to one another. But the truth is that hot glue has so many useful and unexpected applications in the home improvement game — and they don't have anything to do with directly attaching items together. Whether you need to repair damaged baseboard molding or keep tabletop decorations in their place, hot glue can get the job done.

Before you get started, there are some ways you can ensure a better hot glue gun experience. First, be sure to keep your glue gun clean and ready for projects with regular upkeep, making sure to clear the nozzle of any hardened glue. This will not only make the glue flow better, but it will also prevent the gun from misfiring, causing potential safety concerns like skin burns or damage to surrounding surfaces. Make sure to keep your hot glue gun out of reach from pets or young children, and set it on a non-flammable surface (a piece of aluminum foil will do in a pinch). Once your workplace is clear, it's time to find out about all of the practical yet unexpected uses that hot glue has to offer.

Whether you're obsessing over how to create the perfect gallery wall or just have a couple framed art pieces or photos you want to hang, this hot glue hack is sure to come in handy. On the back of your frames, just add a small mound of hot glue in the bottom corners. Allow the glue to fully dry, and you'll be left with DIY frame bumpers that will reduce downward tilting of the frames when they're up on the wall. Moreover, these bumpers will act as a bit of traction against the wall to keep frames from tilting off-center.

A scrunched-up rug is not only unsightly but can be a dangerous tripping hazard in the home. You'll be glad you have a glue gun when you purchase a rug to create a budget-friendly, anti-slip solution. All you need to do is apply some lines of hot glue on its underside and allow the glue to dry completely. The texture of the dry hot glue will provide just enough grip to keep your rug from sliding all over the place. Try this hack on everything from bath mats to area rugs!

For creative wall decor in a pinch, all you need is some hot glue and ornate silicone picture frame molds such as these ones from MiyaHouse on Amazon. Fill the molds entirely with hot glue and allow to set before removing. Follow up with some black acrylic paint and a metallic finishing product like Rub 'n Buff for a vintage feel. This Rub 'n Buff from Grand River Art Supply comes with a set of application tools, but you can also use a paintbrush to apply it. Incorporate these tiny frames into your own wall decor, and reuse the molds to make frames as gifts for friends. You can even turn them into refrigerator magnets or seasonal holiday decor like Christmas ornaments.

If you're tired of the sound of slamming cabinet drawers and doors in your home, hot glue can help with that. Just pop a bead on the corners of the cabinet door opposite the hinges that come into contact with the frame. For drawers, add one or two dots to the inner surface on the edge of the inner drawer face. Once hardened, these hot glue bumpers will act as sound dampeners, making everyday household tasks much more tolerable. Plus, it will save you the time and money that swapping in soft-close hinges would cost.

If you find that your tabletop decor is always sliding around, a few dots or stripes of hot glue can help keep it in place, acting as non-slip feet. Just add some hot glue to the bottom of these objects, like plant pots, flower vases, candlestick holders, and more, to stop your tablescapes from getting mussed about. As an added bonus, you'll prevent these objects from scratching delicate surfaces in your home. And, it also creates a little extra stability for fragile pieces, like those made of ceramic or glass. If you've got some shelf items that you don't want moving around at all, use your hot glue gun to secure shelf decor by adhering it in place. 

You can make the best hangers to keep your closet organized by just applying a strip of hot glue along the top sides of hangers you already own. Allow the glue to fully harden, and you have a quick, simple solution for keeping your closet free of fallen garments and clutter. You'll save some cash by not having to buy additional specialty non-slip hangers, and you can even customize hangers to your specific clothing needs. Never lose a beloved wide-necked or strappy item to the depths of your closet again.

Create unique wall art to decorate your home using hot glue, a canvas, and some paint. Start by tracing the shape of your design in pencil, and then cover with layers of hot glue. Take the opportunity to be creative and make something that is truly your own. Once all the glue has dried, finish it any way you like. You can cover it with acrylic or spray paint and optionally use a metallic finishing wax to make the texture of the raised glue design pop.

With this hack, hot glue becomes a powerful tool for repairing damaged baseboards or wall trim details. Start by covering an intact trim area with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray to prevent the hot glue from adhering entirely. Then, apply hot glue all over, allowing it to dry. After carefully peeling away the glue, you can use the resulting impression to reshape molding with plastic wood filler in damaged areas. This trick could also come in handy for restoring decorative carved wood details on damaged vintage furniture or chipped antique picture frames.