Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Tip: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I have made many useful "scoops" and funnels in various sizes to fit the job its needed for. I save plastic detergent bottles, also bleach bottles and fabric softener bottles. For the scoops you need to save bottles with handles and for the funnels you can use with or without a handle. Wash well and remember to remove and wash the cap for residue that collects there.

Of course for the scoops replace the cap and for the funnel leave it off. Now simply cut the bottom off. You can make large or small depending on the amount that you cut off. I use these in my bird seed barrel, corn barrel and the funnels are handy all over the house.

By Banty from Chatom, AL

Feedback:

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I looked for right-sized funnels for a long time -- never was able to find one most effective for use in my kitchen. Until I finally realized that a 2 liter soft-drink bottle is perfect. And, everybody buys them, right? The neck is big enough to pass birdseed through for storage -- and small enough to fit inside many other containers. I used a box-cutter to slice it down to size. Be careful with the knife. (02/14/2010)

By tomatohanger

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

After you run out of uses for all the empty bottles and jugs think of other people's uses! Cut them for the purposes intended, bird feeder, funnel etc

Put them in a box by the curb or near the sidewalk with a sign on saying Free! Amazingly things will go away that way sometimes! You did a good deed by sharing. You saved items from going to the dump. You saved space in your trash bags for other things. You could also do this with cans. You would save space in the trash sack. Make sure they are clean and and cover them with pretty paper of some sort (or dollar roll peel n stick) and sit them out in a box marked Free (with or without covering them). If it doesn't work, you can bring them back in and use them or toss them! (02/15/2010)

By melody_yesterday

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I use empty detergent bottles to store my toilet bowl brush near the commode. Just rinse the bottle, carefully cut off the top portion, preferably leaving the handle portion, and you are ready to store your bowl brush. (05/21/2010)

By Dibbs

Tip: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Uses for liquid laundry detergent bottles. Post your ideas.

Feedback:

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Well, what I do is refill mine. I buy big jugs at Warehouse stores and refill the smaller jugs which are easier for me to handle. Then I just recycle the big jugs. I bet you could clean them out, soak the label off and use them to water plants. Or cut the upper part off, leaving the handle on, and use it to carry around small gardening tools. They actually have some nice bright colors so it would be easy to spot. (04/04/2004)

By Diane

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

If it has a handle--

1. Turn it on its side--cut a slit--on top. Put empty thread spools on bottom and cut triangles for ears--Bang you have a piggy bank

2. Cut it an angle --Bang you have a scoop or mini-shovel

3. Cut a square or large circle --Bang you got a birdfeeder

4. Fill one for extra gas in your vehicle

5. Cut a big hole-in the side--Bang you got a clothes pin holder

6. Put water in it for auto or vechile

7. Challenge your kids to make something--winners get pizzas

8. If you have a boat--fill it with sand--for an extra anchor

9. Latch serveral together by the necks and you have a small water float

10. If they are long--like soda bottles--paint them white--you have 10--and a ball--Bang --you got bowling.

(04/06/2004)

By B.Thom

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Cut them off at a flat level.They make great bins and or plant pots. I use the pretty tops as small catchall for all sorts of whatnots and also use them and aerosol can tops [like from paint,pam and hairspray] as Post toppers and to Outline plant beds.

You can also make a pincushion out of a scrap of fabric,stuffed with lots of nylon net fabric or meshe fruit and veggie bags from the supermarket squished into a ball. Sew it shut and smush it into the cap. These are very handy and can be trimmed with bits of this-n-that and the jugs themselves, tops and all and or any parts you can't use can be recycled in lots of areas.

I have even cut off strips and used them to Mark things like posts.

I made a cut up plastic milk jug into a Neck Brace for an old much loved stuffed donkey who has seen better days. I cut off the top down to a flat level.Then I cut off the bottom and cut straight up one side.

I punched holes on both sides of the cut, put it around the donkeys neck, laced it up and Bingo! Donkey looks like it has whip lash but I still have it.

I've cut of the bottoms of milk jugs for plant saucers and pet dishes.

Use the tall top to protect plants from the cold. Or cut the top off shorter for a great scoop or funnel and use the taller bottom for a plant pot, bin, disposable paint can, what ever.

Phew! That should keep you busy. (04/07/2004)

By Linne

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

They make a nice easy-to-carry vase for hospital and nursing home patients. Cut the top off above the handle and fill with flowers and greens, add a poofy florist type bow. (04/08/2004)

By syd

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

If you live in an area that gets ice and snow, wash the empty detergent jug well and allow it to air dry for a LONG time, you want it completely dry on the inside. Then fill it with ice-melter salt. Next winter when you need to put ice on your steps, driveway, etc, you can just hold the jug by the handle and sprinkle out the salt. It's a lot easier than trying to dump the salt out of the bag while wearing mittens! (04/15/2004)

By Becki in Logansport, IN

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I use gal milk jugs and/or large detergent bottles for toy storage. Leaving the handle I cut an oval from the just under the spout down to about four or five inches from the bottom to ward the other side. This makes a great storage unit for crayons markers small blocks legos etc. The children can easily see the items the want. They are easy to carry and put away. I have been doing this for about 20 years. (08/03/2004)

By Nanatimethree

Make a Paper Clip Holder

To reuse the detergent lids of liquid detergent bottles. Attach a strip of magnet (can be found at a craft or fabric shop) around the inside top edge of container. Works great holding paper clips. By Tammy C (09/27/2004)

By ThriftyFun

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

As for the lid to the bottle, not just for paper clips, but, also for diaper pins, safety pins, needles, pins, hair clips, bobby pins, (09/29/2004)

By dsbaby14

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

If its a round jug you can use it as a little dish for your plants. Cut the top and handle off. From the bottom leave about 2-3 inches. Put a potted plant inside. Then add water to the bottom of the jug. That way your plant can get water. (10/03/2004)

By Smilez28

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I refill them with homemade laundry detergent! I figured it out to be between .01-.02 per load. This was calculated using Fels Naptha. I made some the other day using 4 small bars from a hotel.

Tightwad Laundry Detergent (aka Tightwad Snot)

• 1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated
• 1/2 cup Borax
• 1/2 cup Washing Soda (not baking soda)
• 5 gallon bucket

In 2 qt. pot, put grated Fels Naptha soap, Borax, Washing Soda and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally until the Fels Naptha is dissolved. Continue on a low boil for 20 min. Add 6 cups cold water, mix with a wisk until solution is blended. Pour mixture into an old, clean, bucket. Add 22 cups of water to the bucket. (at this point, I mark the side of the bucket with a Sharpie so I don't have to measure the water again) Mix with a wisk until blended. (the texture will look like snot..... lol). If you like, you can add some essential oils, or just leave as is. Mix with the wisk every so often for 24 hours. (I did this the first 2x I made the detergent. Now I just mix well with the cold water and pour into 2 large containers). Pour into empty laundry bottles. Use 1/2 to 1 C. per load. Stains can be treated with moist Fels Naptha lightly rubbed onto stain. For extra heavy duty loads, add 1/4-1/2 cup of Borax. Cost per load... .01-.02 Cost: Fels Naptha Soap..... .99 (1/3 bar = .33) Borax......................2.79 (1/2 cup ~ .10) Washing Soda.........2.59 (1/2 cup ~ .10) Cost per 2 gallon of detergent .53 Cost per load ~.01--.02 Pretty good savings considering the cost of other detergents exceed .20 per load! Any questions, feel free to email me ShoreShihTzuNurs@aol.com (10/03/2004)

By Barbara Reynolds

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I cut the bottom off about 1/2 inch up and turned up side down. covered with cute fabric and fill with those plastic bags you get from the grocery store. i keep one in the kitchen, and one in each bedroom and bath for the small garbage cans. (10/04/2004)

By melissa

Recycle Downy Softener and Detergent Bottles

These bottles make a nice CHEAP flower vase for hospital or nursing home patients. Cut the bottle at the shoulders making a suitable opening. Easy to carry! Add a big bow to the arrangement. By Syd (12/12/2004)

By ThriftyFun

Reusing Detergent Jugs

Those plastic jugs with handles that laundry detergent comes in are PERFECT to apply salt to icy sidewalks in the wintertime! Just rinse them out and dry THOROUGHLY, then fill with salt and cap tightly. When the storm hits, you can hold it by the handle and sprinkle away! By Becki in Indiana (01/05/2005)

By ThriftyFun

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Use the large detergent bottles (300 oz). Fill it with water and use in a garage or shed where water isn't readily available to wash hands and such. The spicket makes it easy to get the water out and it fits easily on a shelf or table. (01/05/2005)

By Chris

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

We wash them out (b)really well(/b) and then fill the dog and cat water bowls that are out side ! (01/05/2005)

By c. shore

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

The lids make good measuring cups. (05/06/2005)

By gator10tx

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

We use the gallon milk jugs in the back yard for bird feeders. We cut out one side, leaving the handle, and then hang them from the tree by the handle on a string or wire. Fill the bottom with bird seed. It allows the birds to fly directly into the jug and feed, but since it is hanging and swinging, keeps the squirrels out. (Although the squirrels have been known to chew thru the string and make the entire jug fall so they could get to it in the past. The wire works better.) (06/03/2005)

By Marie2005

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I teach third grade. I used the lids as bells for our Christmas tree. I spray painted them gold and added a bell inside with a hole in the center to also add a handing loop using gold rope. They turned out great. With the containers, I cut out flower petals to create a flower for a pot. (06/08/2005)

By terry

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

My uncle used all his old jugs as scoops for grain. He left the caps on and cut the bottle into a scoop. At my sisters I made one for the dog and cat food, shich she kept in a large container. (08/04/2005)

By Sha.

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I got this idea from familyfun.com: you can cut the plastic to different shapes to make personalized tags for things like backpacks, luggage, etc. I also thought of trying the die cut machine. Some people have them that do scrapbooking but we have one free to the public at one of the schools. (06/07/2006)

By scruggle

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

i want idea to reuse my laundry bottles,and caps for what ever i just think i would like to make some crafts thanks mamafefe AT aol.com (11/16/2006)

By Freda Cooper

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

The bottles are good for disposing of insulin and other needles. After the bottle is full, replace lid, and tape lid on. Check for local regulations to make sure you can do disposal this way. (03/24/2007)

By reikicara

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I use my detergent bottles to make wind spinners for my yard. I just cut the top and bottom of the bottle off, then cut down the seam lengthways. You now have enough to make two wind spinners. Carefully cut off the rounded sides of the bottle, leaving the flat area that is the front and back of the bottle. With a marker start in the center of one of the sides and make an ever growing circle until you get to the outside edge. Now with sharp scissors cut on your line. When finished hold up your bottle part, make a small hole at the outside tip, hang with fishing line. You can use a fishing swivel if you have one. Tip: If you have two alike they will look different but match if you use the backside for one and the front side for the other. (07/27/2007)

By Jeanne Whipple

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Thanks for all your ideas, I'm going to make them into some beautiful colors and use them in many ways. I like the idea of using the pin cushion. Using all color lids and put a bulb in them and make a decorative xmas tree lit up. You can use cans also to do them. Light them up for xmas . Thanks and good luck to all of you mamafefe AT alol.com (09/10/2007)

By FREDA COOPER

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I buy the very big bags of cat and dog food-with 4 puppies and 6 cats, we really go through it. I put the food into a well washed and dried laundry container. It keeps it fresh and I don't have to worry about the animals biting into the bags, or it spilling when the kids decide to feed the pets. It stores easier too! My husband and sister thought I was nuts when I told them I wanted to do this, but it has made life easier. (01/01/2008)

By Alicia

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

I want to use old laundry detergent barrels as rain barrels to water my plants. Is this safe if I scrub and clean the barrels well? (04/29/2008)

By Rumi

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

If you cut the bottom off and turn over, it makes a good funnel for changing the oil in your car. (08/22/2008)

By Jen

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

What I just did was rinse it out really well with water, scrubbing with a bottle washer scrub brush. Occasionally, I would take a sip to gauge the amount of soap left in it and rinsed 2-3 more times after I could no longer taste the soap. I then filled it up and stuck it in my freezer with the cap off. Once it freezes, the freezer will run more efficiently (freezers run better when full), and if you ever lose power or water for some reason, the frozen jug will help keep things cool until it thaws completely after which you have a supply of potable water. (09/17/2008)

By Jeff

Request: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

After I've finished using a liquid detergent bottle, I think the washed-out bottle could be used to store important items of some kind. These bottles are water-proof, sturdy, strong, and opaque. They're pretty near indestructible.

When I used them for back-up/emergency water, my husband got very frustrated seeing them using up good storage space. Other than H2O, what ideas do you have?

By Miss Bonnie from Denver, CO region

Feedback:

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Lots of suggestions in Archives! (01/23/2011)

By MCW

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

My first thought is left over paint. More convenient than a paint bucket but I don't know if it would be air tight enough. (01/23/2011)

By Suntydt

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Please 'do not ever' reuse non-food containers for food and beverage storage (not even for your pets) and even if they were originally food or beverage containers only reuse recycle numbers 2, 4 and 5! Not only could the original materials for non-food containers leach in to the plastic but also there are different chemicals used to form and release the plastics from the production molds depending on whether they are going to be meant for food or not!

You could cut the top half off and use the bottom part as a potted plant container (non food plants) or for using in the winter to salt and/or sand for your steps and sidewalk or for storing small items under your sinks or even come up with craft ideas to use them for. (01/24/2011)

By Deeli

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Sometimes for the sake of an uncluttered living space and more room in your house, you have to throw things away. If you cannot use it now, or donate it, or recycle it then you are better off to pitch it. There will always be another laundry bottle. I think there are more uses for the lids than the bottle but again, if you don't know of any. and can't donate them, pitch them. I am willing to recycle or donate anything, but my house is not the warehouse for the things I can't unload right away. (01/25/2011)

By Lilac

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

My ex-husband used empty liquid laundry detergent bottles to discard his insulin syringes. Also, he used one when he went camping for a disposable urinal. (01/27/2011)

By jeri888

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

Thought I would add something else. I just remembered a craft project where someone used a plastic jug and although the spout on a laundry bottle is in a different place than their craft idea it might give you your own craft idea. ;-)

Craft Project: Wall Masks (01/28/2011)

By Deeli

RE: Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent Bottles

The advice about not re-using bottles from non-food items for food or liquids for pets or people is absolutely right. These bottles are better used for craft or utilitarian purposes. Properly labeled, they can be used to hold homemade cleaning solutions like those posted by other ThriftyFun members. The tops of clean, dry bottles can be cut off to hold all kinds of items, depending on the size of the bottle, like hand tools, garden tools, craft tools, knitting needles, kindling, etc. A previous poster cut a large one out and made a nifty toilet brush holder from it (probably in archives). With or without cut tops, different sized bottles could also be used to hold small dry items like small toys, marbles, game pieces, beads, screws, nuts and bolts, nails, etc. (01/29/2011)

By Pixiedust7