There’s a secret life waiting for your empty laundry detergent bottles. They’re not just plastic containers destined for the landfill, they’re potential tools, toys, and storage solutions. Let us guide you on an eye-opening journey that will revolutionize the way you view these would-be waste items. So, before you toss that next detergent bottle into the trash, consider these clever and resourceful uses.
1. DIY Watering Can
Why buy a watering can when you can make one out of an empty laundry detergent bottle? With a laundry detergent bottle, you have a handle and a spout, perfect for watering plants. The detergent residue even acts as a mild fertilizer, providing nutrients to your plants.
Simply clean the bottle thoroughly, poke holes in the cap, and voila! You’ve got yourself a watering can. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even paint or decorate the bottle to match your garden aesthetics. For paint, we suggest using outdoor acrylic paint which is weather-resistant and perfect for this project.
This is a great way to recycle, save money, and it’s a fun DIY project. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to reduce plastic waste. It’s an all-around win.
2. Toy Scoops and Shovels
Laundry detergent bottles also make excellent toy scoops and shovels. This can be a fun and practical tool for kids playing in the sandbox or at the beach. With their sturdy construction and convenient handle, detergent bottles are perfect for scooping, digging, and building sandcastles.
You can easily cut the bottom off the bottle and smooth any rough edges for safe handling. Encourage your little ones to customize their new toy with stickers, glitter, or waterproof markers. This is a simple way to provide your children with new toys while teaching them about recycling and creativity.
Not only are you repurposing something that would otherwise go to waste, but you’re also saving money on buying new toys. It’s a win-win for both you and the environment.
3. Convenient Storage Containers
Empty laundry detergent bottles can make great storage containers. Their sturdy design and resealable cap make them ideal for storing things like rice, beans, or pasta in the pantry. You can even use them to store liquid items like homemade cleaning solutions, oils, or vinegars.
To make your new storage container more appealing, consider adding labels or decorating the exterior. For making clear and professional-looking labels, we recommend using a label maker. This way, you can easily identify what’s inside each bottle.
This is an excellent way to organize your pantry and reduce clutter. Plus, by using these bottles as storage containers, you’re reducing the need for single-use plastic containers that contribute to environmental pollution.
4. Piggy Bank
Teach your kids about the value of saving by turning an empty laundry detergent bottle into a piggy bank. It’s easy to do – simply cut a coin slot in the lid, and you’re ready to start saving. The solid construction of the bottle will keep your savings secure.
This is not just a functional piggy bank, but also a canvas for creativity. Encourage your children to personalize their piggy bank with paint, stickers, or any craft supplies you have on hand. It’s a fun project that your kids will love, and they’ll learn some valuable lessons about money and recycling in the process.
By using a laundry detergent bottle as a piggy bank, you’re not only teaching your children about the importance of saving money, but also about the value of recycling and repurposing everyday items.
5. DIY Bird Feeder
Transform your detergent bottle into a DIY bird feeder. Cut large holes on the sides of the bottle and fill it with bird seed. Hang the bottle from a tree branch and watch as your backyard becomes a haven for birds.
This is a wonderful way to reuse detergent bottles while also helping to support local wildlife. You can even get creative and paint the outside of the bottle to make it more appealing to your feathered friends. For bird seed, you can choose from a variety of options available online.
By making a bird feeder out of a detergent bottle, you’re not only recycling, but also engaging with nature in a meaningful way. It’s a fun, easy project that’s good for the environment and great for the soul.
6. Handy Scoop for Pet Food
Turn your empty detergent bottle into a handy scoop for pet food. Simply cut off the bottom of the bottle and you’ve got yourself a scoop with a convenient handle. This is a great way to portion out your pet’s meals and it’s much more durable than the small plastic scoops that often come with the food.
Before using it for pet food, make sure you clean the bottle thoroughly to remove any detergent residue. This DIY scoop is not just useful for pet food, but also for other bulk items like flour, sugar, or garden soil. It’s a simple, practical way to reuse those detergent bottles.
By using a detergent bottle as a pet food scoop, you’re reducing waste and creating a useful tool for your daily pet care routine. It’s an easy way to make your home more eco-friendly.
7. Homemade Dumbbells
Believe it or not, you can turn your empty detergent bottles into homemade dumbbells. Fill the bottles with water, sand, or pebbles to add weight. The handle makes it easy to grip, and you can adjust the weight by adding or removing the filler.
This is a great way to stay fit without spending money on expensive exercise equipment. Plus, you can easily store these homemade dumbbells when not in use. This DIY project not only promotes physical health but also contributes to environmental wellness by reducing waste.
So, before you spend money on a new set of dumbbells, why not try this DIY project? It’s a creative and eco-friendly solution that’s good for both your body and the environment.
8. Craft Supply Storage
Empty laundry detergent bottles can also serve as craft supply storage. They’re perfect for storing items like paintbrushes, markers, or knitting needles. The handle makes it easy to carry, and the cap keeps your supplies secure.
Clean the bottle thoroughly before using it for storage. You can even decorate the outside to make it more visually appealing. This is a great way to keep your craft supplies organized and easily accessible.
Using detergent bottles for craft supply storage not only helps keep your crafting area neat and tidy, but it also reduces waste and contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
9. DIY Garden Planters
Last but not least, empty laundry detergent bottles can be turned into DIY garden planters. Cut off the top of the bottle, fill it with soil, and plant your favorite flowers or herbs. The durable plastic can withstand outdoor conditions, making it a great option for a garden planter.
Decorate the outside of the bottle with paint or other embellishments to create a unique and personalized garden planter. For a variety of seeds for your new planter, check out the selection available online.
This DIY project is not just fun and creative, but it also contributes to a sustainable lifestyle by repurposing a would-be waste item into something useful and beautiful.
In conclusion, empty laundry detergent bottles have so much more to offer than just holding detergent. They can be transformed into useful items that save us money, teach us new skills, and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. So next time you finish a bottle of laundry detergent, don’t throw it out. Get creative and find a new use for it.
