Are you tired of constantly buying new hand soap bottles every time you shop? Hand soap is essential for maintaining household health, but continuously disposing of plastic bottles isn’t the most eco-friendly approach. In fact, plastic soap bottles can take over 400 years to decompose in landfills. A solution is to use reusable bottles. If store designs don’t match your style, create your own soap dispenser from a thrifted vase. Simply clean the vase, prepare a cork, and install the pump system for this easy upcycling project.
Before transforming a vase into a soap dispenser, be aware of the risks associated with using thrifted items in DIY projects. Some vintage items may contain lead in their paint or finishes, which poses serious health risks. To protect your loved ones from lead exposure, consider using a test kit like the NewPos Lead Test Kit Swabs to ensure safety. Look for signs of lead paint on thrift store vases, such as being manufactured before the 1970s or having vibrant colors.
How to DIY a soap dispenser from a thrifted vase
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When searching for the perfect vase at the thrift store, focus on its shape. You can choose an oversized or miniature dispenser, but pay attention to the vase’s neck. Find one with a defined neck that can hold a cork and pump system. While soap dispensers typically have threaded necks, a cork is essential for this DIY. After testing your vase(s) for safety and preparing them for upcycling, gather all the necessary components. You can buy a complete kit like the Creative Hobbies Black Pump Dispenser with Cork Stopper, or customize the cork for a better fit. You might also repurpose a soap pump from another bottle.
Ensure the cork fits into the vase with some overhang at the top. It should fit snugly but not so tightly that it’s difficult to remove or too loosely. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the soap pump’s neck to create an opening in the cork. Work slowly and carefully. Once you’ve drilled the opening, insert the soap pump and tube, trimming if necessary. You may need to shave the cork sides with a utility knife. Finally, add soap and push the cork into the vase.
Ways to customize your DIY soap dispenser
There are countless ways to repurpose a vase and just as many ideas for customizing your DIY soap dispenser. One simple method to change the vase’s appearance before upcycling is to paint the exterior. This is ideal if you find a uniquely shaped vase but dislike its color or want to match it with your decor. Opt for spray paint for quick and even coverage or use a sponge to create texture and depth. Try a cornstarch paint hack for a beautifully textured vase. Add a waterproof sealant to protect it in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
If you want to elevate customization, consider adding embellishments to enhance the design. For instance, if the dispenser is for a kid’s bathroom, incorporate fun colors, painted patterns, or stickers to make it more whimsical. Explore practical ways to style your thrift finds around the house for more inspiration to revitalize your thrifted treasures.
