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When I have large plastic containers that have to be thrown away, I always brainstorm ways I can get more use out of them. I tend to have more laundry detergent bottles than anything because as a couponer, I always get great deals on detergent by stacking coupons with current sales. Plus, I don’t have any brand preferences, so I get them in all colors and sizes. With summer fast approaching, it’s time to put these bottles to good use! Here are eight of my favorite ways to repurpose old laundry detergent bottles!
Note: As with any project that is made from an item that may contain harmful contents, rinse well and let dry prior to using.
1. Bubble refill station
Via Gwenny Penny
With spring and summer come butterfly catchers, lemonade stands, and my favorite: bubble-blowing contests! Use laundry detergent bottles with push dispensers and fill with bubble solution. Then, leave outside for the kids to refill when their little bottles are empty.
Make your own bubble solution!
2. Garden watering can
Via Hawaii Gardening
This is easily done just by drilling several holes in the cap of the container. The more holes, the more flow, so remember this as you drill. If you like to collect rain water for your plants, you can even repurpose the container to collect rain water.
3. Tool shed storage
Via Family Handy Man
I can’t wait to share this one with my husband since he’s been working on creative ways to get his tool shed organized. Cutting off the top of a sturdy laundry detergent container, filling it with small hardware items, and arranging it on a shelf is a great way to organize a work station. Store screws, nails, drill bits, etc. neatly in these sturdy containers and label as needed
4. Magazine rack
Via Comparte tus Ecoideas
Instead of spending $10 for decorative magazine racks at Target, make your own by cutting the top off of your laundry detergent bottles and stacking them side by side for great storage. The higher the container is, the sturdier it will be to support heavy magazines.
5. Leftover paint storage
Via Being Home
I never use a whole container of paint for a project and have an old box that I store the cans of unused paint in. If enough time passes, these containers becomes rusty and so messy. My new project is to pour my leftover paint into laundry detergent bottles, which will make it easy to store and keep fresh. Make sure to label the the color and contents before you store it.
6. Beach bucket
Via Camp Greta
Our two kids are avid sandcastle makers and seashell collectors at the beach. It’s easy to make a beach container just by cutting off the top, or leave the handle in place to use as a sand scooper. If you need a carrying container, drill a hole in each side and attach rope so your child can carry it like a purse as they collect shells on the beach.
7. Pet food scooper
Via Pinterest
The scooper I currently have in my 50-pound bag of dog food is a flimsy, plastic scooper and it shows. I’m going to make a new scooper with my sturdy detergent container by taking a knife and cutting off the top above the handle area. Just remember to rinse really well before using as a pet food scooper.
8. Book stand
Via Recycl Art
I like to cook from recipe books but find that laying them flat on the counter makes it harder to see the recipe when I’m cooking. Make your own book stand for your recipe books or to hold documents as you type. This will require a different type of cut pattern as evidenced by the picture, because the bottle has to support the weight of the book.
