Introduction: Stylish Detergent Bottle Watering Can
There are a ton of great ways to reuse every day items. I'm sure we have all seen different ways to use a plastic bottle! So why don't we? The reality is, aesthetics make a difference. Design can mean the difference between reusing a bottle or throwing it out or recycling it. When we upcycle or reuse items, we want something that not only functions well but looks good too! Anyone can punch holes in a bottle and call it a watering can, but do you really want that junky looking thing sitting on the table next to your plants?
Enter "The Stylish Detergent Bottle Watering Can."
Step 1: Materials
1. Empty detergent bottle
2. Knife
3. Gorilla glue (super glue)
4. Spray paint
Step 2: Remove the Pouring Spout
Carefully cut around the rim of the pouring spout with the knife. Once it's removed, pry out the plastic rim left on the inside of the spout.
Step 3: Trace the Outline of the Pouring Spout Onto the Top Third of the Bottle
Trace, or score with the knife a circle on the top third of the bottle.
Step 4: Cut Out the Hole for the Spout Using the Knife
When cutting, cut along the outside of your traced circle. You may need to take a little more off later if the hole is too small. This is the most difficult step because you want it as close to perfect as possible!
Step 5: Apply Glue to the Spout and Attach It to the Bottle
Use a healthy ammount of glue so it can form a seal around the spout to prevent leakage. Attach the spout to the bottle. Once the glue has dried, use the knife to trim away any excess or bulging glue spots to make it look as neat a possible.
Step 6: Paint It and Poke It!
This is the step that makes that garbage look aesthetically pleasing! Make sure to paint that cap too! Once the paint is dry, use the knife (or a drill if you have one) to put holes in the cap to turn the cap into a sprinkle attachment for gentle watering
Step 7: Water Away!
The cap becomes a sprinkling attachment for more delicate watering!
Another bottle was saved from a landfill, and it looks good on your plant table or ledge! This is a great project for kids to learn about upcycling. Lets see how many bottles we can save from landfills!
Make sure you click the "I made it" tab!

Finalist in the
Spring's Coming Contest

Participated in the
Gardening & Homesteading Contest
8 Comments
5 years ago on Introduction
how sweet is this...have been looking for a 'good' size watering can...nothing seemed to work or fit my ideal...PERFECT...also great gifts for friends who plant!
thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 years ago on Introduction
Wowww what a great idea I was just going to purchase a gal.metal watering can, but now I have found this and have a few laundry detergent bottles I have saved over time, I can now make this one, thank you for such a great idea.
6 years ago on Introduction
Wonderful idea! I just emptied a detergent bottle and I'm gonna try making one.
6 years ago on Introduction
Very nice! I've been wanting a watering can but don't want to buy one due to the high prices ($20 for a cheap plastic one). I love upcycling and this is a super great example of it! Thanks for the great instructable!
7 years ago
Love the final product. I'm eyeing the half full detergent bottle for a future project. Have you considered a light sanding around the spout to smooth out the glue?
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Sanding is a great idea. I will do it on the next one!
7 years ago on Introduction
Looking at the finished product, you would never guess it started out as a detergent bottle!
7 years ago
Eco-freindly upcycling at its finest!