DIY A Portable Hand-Washing Station To Stay Clean In The Garden Or Outdoors

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A beautiful yard offers countless ways to enjoy it, whether you're entertaining on the patio, digging in the garden, or completing simple outdoor features that can add major value to your home. However, after particularly messy chores like cleaning the grill or working in the garden, you might wish you had an outdoor setup to wash your hands. After all, rinsing them with the garden hose or at an indoor sink could waste time, spread germs, or track dirt inside. There are lots of reasons why an outdoor sink is worth the investment, but for an inexpensive and easy fix, you could create a convenient and portable hand-washing station anywhere in your yard with a simple DIY project. 

All you'll need for this easy build are a large plastic water bottle — like a full Poland Spring water jug — a permanent marker, a Phillips screwdriver, a lighter, and a plastic bendable straw, which will serve as the spigot to control the water flow. This simple setup can be made in just a few minutes and requires minimal DIY skills. Your new hand-washing station can then be utilized anywhere outside your home, like in your outdoor eating area or by your garden shed. Personalize it by adding decorative and practical accessories, making it even more fun and useful.

This project is a smart way to DIY a functional gardening cleanup station on a budget without a permanent water hookup or costly renovation. First, lay the sealed water jug on its side. With a marker, make a dot about 4 to 5 inches from the bottom of the water bottle. Heat the tip of the Phillips screwdriver, then press it into the marked spot to pierce the plastic. Alternatively, use a drill with an appropriately sized bit. For a snug, leak-resistant fit, utilize a screwdriver or drill bit with a tip that's slightly smaller than the straw. Insert the straw, bending the flexible end upward to prevent the water from spilling. For an eco-friendly touch, choose a reusable silicone bendable drinking straw instead of a disposable one. To wash your hands, simply rotate the straw downward.

Alternatively, spend a little more to put together a sturdier setup that holds more water and provides a smoother, leak-free flow using a 5-gallon bucket with a lid, such as the EconoHome bucket pail, and a water cooler spigot, like the AquaNation tap spout. The spigot's shut-off valve and secure seals help to prevent leaks. And since both items are food safe, your station can double as a drinking water dispenser. If you like, add an extra pail underneath to repurpose any overflow for other outdoor chores. For extra convenience, place your new water unit in a weather‑resistant cart, such as the Pure Garden rolling garden stool, to move it wherever you like. Outfit it with liquid soap and an eye-catching hand towel so washing your hands outdoors is quick and easy.