Use Old Milk Cartons To Create A Convenient Cup Holder With This Clever DIY

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After you pour every last drop of milk into your cereal bowl or coffee cup, the next logical step is to throw the empty carton in the trash can. But what if instead of dumping them, you found a way to repurpose cardboard milk cartons? For instance, you can keep your remotes neat and organized with a simple milk carton DIY. Another idea is to transform milk cartons into a convenient cup holder for your coffee table (or sofa if you prefer). They'll also make it easier for you to carry multiple bottles, glasses, or cups, both hot and cold ones, between rooms. You just have to cut two sets of slits into one side of the carton to craft a cup holder in a jiffy.

Through this DIY, you can upcycle empty milk cartons instead of sending them to landfill. Plus, you'll get a free cup holder that you can use over and over again. The best part, though? This is a beginner-friendly DIY and won't take up too much time (a few minutes should suffice). So, grab an empty carton and a sharp utility knife, like the X-Acto Z-Series Precision model, to get started. A box cutter will work, too. You can even use a pair of scissors, but you'll have to be careful while making the incision, or you might end up injuring yourself.

Open the cap and rinse your carton with water to get rid of residual milk. If the smell is too strong even after you wash it out, add a few drops of dish detergent while rinsing thoroughly. Turn the carton upside-down to get out all the water. Then, screw the cap back on and get your utility knife out.

Place the box on a flat surface and cut a diagonal line from one corner to the middle of your carton. Repeat this again on the opposite corner to create a large X-like opening. Leave a sizable strip in the middle, and repeat this process on the other end of your carton. This will leave you with two criss-cross-shaped openings for your drinks. Don't put cups in immediately, as there might be a few water droplets still clinging to the sides. Instead, let the carton air-dry completely before using it.

If the holder seems too plain for your tastes, you can sand the carton with fine-grit sandpaper to dull its wax finish a bit. Now, give it a few coats of acrylic craft paint for a glow-up. Alternatively, peel off the decorative side of a napkin for a mini-decoupage project. You can even embellish your drink holder with washi tape, beads, twine, or ribbons. And in case you need a bigger holder, just glue two cartons side-by-side and add a piece of cardboard to the bottom to stabilize them.