4. DIY Squeegee
After heavy rain, Linda's patio often held several shallow puddles that took ages to disappear. She sometimes swept the water with a stiff garden broom, but the bristles mostly pushed it around. Buying a proper outdoor squeegee seemed unnecessary because she already had tools in the garage. Then she looked at her sturdy garden rake and one of the spare noodles.
She cut a length of noodle to suit the width of the rake and carefully sliced it along one side. The foam could then sit over the rake head, creating a broad, soft edge. Used gently, it helped push water across the paving toward the garden instead of leaving little pools behind. Once the patio was clear, Linda pulled the foam off and had her normal rake again.
This is a good trick for light standing water on a suitable outdoor surface, not for heavy flooding or slippery conditions. Make sure the foam is secure before using it, and stop if it twists or starts coming loose. The advantage for older users is simple: the rake's long handle lets you work while standing upright. There is less bending, less fiddling with towels, and no bulky tool to store afterward.