How to Make Soup Cans Safe for Kids Crafts

If money grew on trees, you would have no problem coming up with enough crafts and fun activities to keep your kids busy until they leave home for college. Unfortunately, money doesn’t grow on trees, so you’re forced to be economical and come up with cost effective crafts. Many crafts use soup cans. Before you start the craft, though, you need to make the soup can safe for your little one to handle.

Remove the lid completely from the top of the can if it’s not already. Also remove the bottom of the can if required for the craft. A smooth edge can opener is best for this project because it cuts around the can leaving smooth edges.

Smooth out the sharp edges around the top and the bottom of the can if you don’t have a smooth edge can opener. There are a few ways you can smooth the edges. Use pliers to pinch down the sharp edges or use a hammer to bang the sharp edges down. If you have a hand sander, just buff down the sharp edges. You can also glue ribbon around the sharp edge or put duct tape over the edge if you’ll cover it later.

Peel the label off the soup can. If it’s not coming off easily, soak it in warm water and then try again.

Buff down any glue left from the label with a piece of sandpaper.

Rinse the soup can in warm, soapy water to clean off any residue. Then, wipe it out with a damp sponge dipped in baking soda to get rid of any residual odor.

Dry the can and get busy crafting.