Second Life Series, Part 2: 5 Smart Ways to Upcycle Empty Soap & Shampoo Bottles

That discarded plastic container collecting in your shower caddy or under the sink is a hidden resource. Before you throw that neat plastic into the recycling bin, notice the containers' solid plastic, convenient caps, and mainstreamed shapes. They're perfectly designed to organize and dispense.

This is the second article in our "Second Life Series," (read part 1 here!) where we're converting typical household waste into money-saving, useful goodies. We're cleaning out the bathroom today, sharing five clever ideas for reusing your finished soap and shampoo bottles.

1. Kitchen Dispenser for Bulk Liquids

The pump mechanism of old soap and shampoo bottles is very handy, providing controlled dispensing for everyday use in the kitchen.

The Reuse: Wash and dry the pump bottle thoroughly. Fill it with cheap bulk liquids like dish soap, olive oil, or vinegar. If the original bottle of shampoo is too long, cut the plastic casing to a shorter, more manageable size before filling.

Why it Works: It is much cheaper to buy kitchen liquids in a big, bulk container. Having the reused pump bottle means you can dispense the product neatly, keeping spills and waste to a minimum versus pouring out of a large jug.

Benefit: Save money buying liquids in bulk, and have a tidy counter with a neat, simple dispenser.

2. The DIY Travel Container Set

Instead of buying overpriced, specialty travel toiletry kits, have it your way moneywise by refilling small, empty containers with your own individual set.

The Reuse: Gather all the tiny or test-sized bottles from hotel travel or test buys. Rinse them clean and refill them with your favorite products—face wash, personalized shampoo, or even hand sanitizer—from your full-size containers at home.

Why it Works: The hard plastic and sealing caps are engineered to be TSA-compliant and leak-proof. You get to enjoy exactly the products you need for your trip, without the expense of pre-packaged travel minis.

Benefit: Travel smarter and more economical by stocking your own customized travel kit, saving you $10–$20 on sets.

3. Organized Cord and Cable Keepers

Many discarded bottles have some peculiar shape that is perfect for simple cable organization.

The Reuse: Take a discarded shampoo bottle and cut the neck of the bottle, leaving a clean rectangular container body. Make a little vertical slit down the back of the container. Fill the container with spare extension cords, charging bricks, or power strips, with the cord running neatly through the slit.

Why it Works: The sturdy plastic is a secure corral, keeping cords untangled and out of reach. The horizontal slit allows you to dock a charger or pass the live end of a cord through while keeping the rest in order.

Benefit: Tidy up your desk or charging dock and extend the life of your cords by keeping them from bending, twisting, or getting lost.

4. Plastic Bag Dispenser

Tame the plastic shopping bag pandemonium in your pantry or under your sink.

The Reuse: Use a large rectangular shape of a tall shampoo or cleaning product bottle. Cut the whole bottom out and make a small handy hole in the neck/spout area (where the cap used to be). Load your reusable plastic bags into the cut-out bottom, and pull them out individually through the new dispenser at the top.

Why it Works: The rigidity of the plastic keeps the bags flat and prevents them from spilling open everywhere. The neck of the bottle acts as a simple, convenient dispensing slot.

Benefit: Organize the area under your sink and enjoy a clean, reach-grab-and-go system for having plastic bags at hand when you need one for trash or for shopping.

5. DIY Weighted Garden Scoop

A large, heavy bottle is often the perfect size for a garden tool that would otherwise be a pricey purchase at the hardware store.

The Reuse: Utilize a gallon-sized soap or detergent bottle (preferably one with a handle). Make a diagonal cut, using a sharp knife or box cutter, from the top down below the spout to the opposite lower corner. The built-in handle becomes the ergonomic grip of the scoop.

Why it Works: The stiff plastic is durable enough to hold soil, pet food, rock salt, or fertilizer without flexing. The built-in handle is a natural, ready-made grip.

Benefit: Get a personalized, heavy-duty scoop absolutely free, keeping your kitchenware clean and freeing you from having to buy a specialty tool for dirty yard work.

Which one of these intelligent container hacks will you try first to give a useful second life to your bathroom plastic? Look for the next installment of our "Second Life Series" soon when we highlight upcycling yet another common household object!