Bottle modifications

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

How this was put together

If you only read a few

  1. Crochet or knit reusable covers for Swiffer or Clorox Ready Mop pads.

    It allows you to reuse one cleaning bottle.

    one person who lived it

  2. Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle and place it over seedlings to protect them.

    Protects plants from wind, birds, and physical damage while keeping soil moist.

    one person who lived it

  3. Place two plastic bottle caps under a laptop to elevate it.

    Reduces heat buildup.

    one person who lived it

  4. Vacuum hardwood floors to pick up dirt and hair.

    One person found this effective when living in an all-hardwood house with dogs.

    one person who lived it

  5. Add water to generic mouthwash in a smaller bottle to make it last longer.

    It lasts a long time.

    one person who lived it

  1. Use water bottle caps as small trays to hold and sort tiny screws during repairs.

    This avoids wasting whole trays or bowls for small items.

    one person who lived it

    • Wrap tape around a water bottle cap containing screws to secure them for storage.1
  2. Swap the lids between ketchup refill bottles and dispensing bottles to avoid spills during refilling.

    Refill bottles are larger but cheaper; smaller bottles are more convenient for tables or picnics. Funnels are slow for viscous liquids because they rely on gravity rather than pressure.

    one person who lived it

  3. Repurpose a wine bottle carrier tote into a lunch bag by cutting out plastic partitions to create stable slots for water bottles and coffee tumblers.

    It prevents items from tumbling around as easily.

    one person who lived it

  4. Use two lids on condiment bottles at restaurants to prevent leaks while dispensing large amounts.

    The second lid makes sure it doesn't leak

    one person who lived it

3 more on this
  1. Add bleach to water-filled light bottles to prevent algae growth, which would otherwise dim the light and make the water unappealing.

    Algae makes the lightbulb much dimmer very quickly and keeps the water clear enough to diffuse light.

    2 people, independently

  2. Pour mouthwash into the premeasured cap provided with the bottle to avoid touching the bottle to your mouth.

    The lid is designated for pouring and has a line indicating the correct amount.

    one person who lived it

  3. Form a cone from paper to serve as a quick funnel for pouring liquids.

    3 people, independently

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