Keep Those Old Detergent Containers: Use Them For DIY Hanging Storage Baskets

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Cleaning is an essential part of homemaking. If you're not doing laundry, you are probably scrubbing floors, cleaning the dishes, or wiping spills on tables, all in a bid to reduce dust and make your home cleaner. As a result, you end up buying lots of detergent over time. But once the cleaning liquid is used up, what do you do with the plastic containers? Instead of dumping them in the trash can and filling up landfills or adding to the plastic waste in our waterways, how about repurposing your old detergent containers into DIY hanging storage baskets?

This project requires only one empty detergent container. However, you may end up wanting a few more once you see how useful the finished project can be. You'll cut the plastic container to make a simple basket with a handle so you can mount it on your wall as one of the best storage options for keeping small items organized without hogging space. In addition to the empty containers, you'll need a sharp pair of scissors or a utility knife, a marker pen, and hanging hooks like these renter-friendly Command Small Wire Toggle Hooks available on Amazon that come with adhesive strips so you don't damage your walls.

First, clean your empty detergent container. To help remove any lingering detergent scent, soak the container in hot water mixed with one to two tablespoons of baking soda, then rinse it thoroughly. Remove any labels and stickers as well. The next step is to mark out where you'll cut the container. Start by drawing the future handle — a curved shape on the upper section of one side of the container. Then, draw a horizontal line around the container starting from the bottom of the curve. Next, cut the container along the markings using your utility knife. The bottom half is now your basket.

If drawing and cutting out the handle seems too complicated, you can just mark out the horizontal cross-sectional line, then later punch out a hole close to the brim of the basket where the wall hook will go through. And for added flair, feel free to incorporate some designs before cutting. Instead of a straight line, consider drawing a wavy or zigzag pattern. This will result in a pretty detail on your basket's brim once cut.

The next step is mounting your DIY hanging storage basket. First, install the Command hooks on an open wall space, backsplash, cabinet door, or another location where you'd like the basket. Then simply hang the basket on the hook. Other customization ideas include adding decorative details to the basket exterior. You can either paint the entire basket, or wrap it using twine rope, or even take this as an opportunity to incorporate decoupage in your home decor.