Milk, laundry detergent, bleach bottles are a basic in almost every home. But what can you do with them beyond the laundry room or kitchen? More than you've ever imagined! Before you throw that empty bottle into the recycling bin, stop to consider what other lives it may have. You can reuse bottles in craft projects. Some of the items you can create from an ordinary bottle are useful around the house while others are just for fun. Here are some idea, and some photos people have sent that they have made.
1. Scoop it Up The heavy plastic in most detergent and bleach bottles is ideal for making an inexpensive scoop. Cut diagonally across the middle of an empty, clean bottle and use the half with the handle to scoop up fertilizer, potting soil, rock salt, pet waste or to use as a dust pan.
3. Weight it Down Bottles filled with sand or water can be used to hold down a tarp, portable sports equipment like a pitching net or basketball hoop. Keep a couple of bottles filled with sand or rock salt in the trunk of your car during winter months for the weight and deicing.
4. Fill It Up Cut off the tops of bottles to create a funnel for all those messy jobs like transferring paint, filling the lawn mower or changing the car's oil.
5. In the Garage For large bottles, cut a hole in the side leaving on the handle and use it as a tool caddy. Smaller bottles, cut the same way, are great for separating and holding nails, screws and other small pieces. You can even label the outside for quick access.
6. Clear the Way Store rock salt in a clean and thoroughly dried bottle, tightly capped. When the storm hits, you can hold it by the handle and sprinkle away without taking off your gloves.
8. Water sprinkler most any size bottle can be made into a gentle sprinkler for watering plants. Rinse the bottle thoroughly and dry well. Use an ice pick or awl to punch holes in the lid. Fill the bottle with water, tighten on the cap and sprinkle away.
9. Drip Irrigation If you want to apply a slow, steady supply of water to a plant, use a detergent bottle to create drip irrigation. Wash out the bottle thoroughly, use a pin or very small nail to punch several holes in the bottom. Fill the bottle and set next to the plant. This is particularly helpful for tender plants if you are going to be away for a day or so.
10. Crafts for the Kids From piggy banks to Halloween and Christmas decorations, the laundry room offers plenty of creative materials. Make a ball catcher. Cut the bottom off the bottle, then cut a U shape under the handle. Make two ball catchers so that children can play catch.
11. See your garden grow Slice the bottom off an empty, clean jug to make a miniature greenhouse for seedlings. (Place the bottle open-side down over the plants.)
12. Keep them afloat: Tie empty bottles together to use as buoys or to mark the deep part of a swimming area.
here are some images of cool ideas that have been sent to me.