Vivian Marlowe
Glass bottles and jars make for great DIY projects and can be repurposed in many ways. One such way is to turn an alcohol bottle into a soap dispenser. This can be a fun project to undertake and can also make for a quirky gift. The process is fairly simple and involves finding the right bottle, ensuring it has the right threading, and fitting it with a soap dispenser pump. The bottle can be decorated in many ways, from painting it to keeping the original label intact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To create a unique and quirky soap dispenser, while reusing old alcohol bottles |
| Materials | Empty alcohol bottles, soap pump heads, collar rings, glue, hand soap |
| Process | Find an empty alcohol bottle with a screw top; clean and remove the label; attach a soap pump head; fill with soap |
| Tips | Use a collar ring if the pump doesn't fit; adjust the length of the tube to reach the bottom of the bottle; match the soap colour to the alcohol |
| Benefits | Holds a large volume of soap; adds character to the room; makes a great gift |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bottle
Type of Bottle
Look for a glass bottle that has an interesting and unique design. You can opt for a square-shaped bottle, such as a Jack Daniel's bottle, or go for something with a cool glass etching, like the name of the alcohol etched onto the glass. Avoid bottles with intricate labels, as the colours may run when they get wet. Instead, choose a bottle with an attractive label that you'd like to keep, or one where the glass itself has the name of the alcohol on it.
Size
Select a bottle that is not too large. A standard 750ml liquor bottle is a good size for a soap dispenser. You want to ensure it holds a good amount of soap, but also that it's not too bulky or heavy for your chosen surface.
Screw Top or Cork
Ideally, choose a bottle with a screw top. This makes it easier to attach a soap dispenser pump, as you can simply screw it on. If your bottle has a cork, you will need to drill a large hole through the cork for the pump, which is more complicated.
Threading
Check the threading of the bottle. Some bottles have screw-off caps with threading, while others use a pry-off cap with no threads. If your bottle has threading, it will be easier to attach a pump head, as you can simply screw it on.
Pump Compatibility
Before choosing a bottle, consider the availability of compatible pump dispensers. Measure the height of the bottle and check the product descriptions of pump dispensers to ensure they will fit. You can purchase these from Amazon, eBay, or Etsy. If the pump dispenser doesn't come with a collar ring, you may need to purchase one separately and glue it to the bottle before attaching the pump.
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Removing the label
One way to remove the label is to use fingernail polish remover. This method requires applying the remover to the label and then scraping it off. This process may need to be repeated several times to completely remove the label and any remaining adhesive residue. It is important to be cautious when using this method, as the nail polish remover can also remove any paint or finish on the bottle, so it should be tested on a small area first.
Another option is to use a product called "Goo Gone". This product can be applied to the label, which can then be peeled off easily. This method is effective in removing the label and any residual adhesive, leaving the bottle clean and ready for its new purpose.
If you wish to keep the label on the bottle, it is recommended to apply a light layer of Modge Podge over the label. This will protect the label from water damage and ensure that it does not peel off over time.
Additionally, when removing the label, it is important to consider the type of pump dispenser you will be using. Some pump dispensers come with collar rings that can be glued to the bottle, covering any remnants of the label. This can be a convenient option if you are unable to completely remove the label or if you want to ensure a secure fit for the pump dispenser.
Overall, removing the label from an alcohol bottle before turning it into a soap dispenser is a crucial step to ensure the final product is aesthetically pleasing and functional. By choosing an appropriate removal method and considering the type of pump dispenser, you can successfully create a unique and personalised soap dispenser for your home or as a gift.
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Finding the right pump
The first step to finding the right pump for your alcohol bottle soap dispenser is to identify the threading of your bottle. Beer bottles, for instance, may have screw-off caps (threaded), while craft bottles typically use a pry-off cap with no threads. Some wine bottles have threads, while others use corks.
Once you've determined the threading type of your bottle, you can purchase a suitable soap pump head. These are readily available on online marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. Ensure that the pump head is threaded and comes with a collar ring, which is essential for attaching the pump to the bottle securely.
When choosing a pump, it's crucial to consider the size of the pump dispenser in relation to your bottle. Measure the height of your liquor bottle and compare it to the product dimensions provided by the seller. This ensures that the pump will fit your bottle without any adjustments.
If you're using a bottle with a narrow neck, such as a Jack Daniels bottle, you may need to use a pump dispenser with a longer tube or purchase additional tubing. Silicone tubing can be cut to the correct length and placed over the existing tube to ensure the soap can be dispensed easily.
In some cases, you may need to adjust the length of the "feeding tube" to ensure it reaches the bottom of the bottle. You can do this by cutting the tubing at an angle, ensuring that one side barely touches the bottom of the bottle. This allows for a smooth flow of soap without the tube getting stuck.
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Adjusting the tubing
Firstly, you will need to determine the type of threading your alcohol bottle has. Some bottles have screw-off caps (threaded), while others use a pry-off cap with no threads. If your bottle has a screw-top, you can simply purchase a soap pump head that fits the threading. However, if your bottle does not have threading, you may need to use a drill to create a hole for the pump, which is a more complex process.
When choosing a soap pump, consider buying one with a collar ring. The collar ring can be glued to the top of the bottle, and then the pump head can be screwed onto it. Make sure to follow the glue instructions and allow adequate drying time before attaching the pump. This method provides a secure base for your dispenser.
Now, let's focus on the tubing itself. You will need to measure the plastic pump straw that comes with your soap dispenser and cut it to the appropriate length. It is important to cut the straw at an angle to ensure the soap dispenses smoothly. The cut end of the straw should barely touch the bottom of the bottle, allowing soap to be drawn from the entire bottle.
If the tubing is still too short, you may need to purchase extra tubing separately. Silicone tubing is a good option, but ensure you get the correct diameter to fit snugly over the existing tube. Cut the new tubing to fit your bottle, leaving a small gap between the bottom of the bottle and the tube. This gap prevents the tube from sticking to the bottom of the bottle and allows the soap to flow freely.
Finally, test your dispenser before filling it with soap. Once you are satisfied with the tubing adjustment, you can fill your alcohol bottle with your chosen soap and start using your unique dispenser!
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Filling the bottle
Once the bottle is clean and dry, you can fill it with soap. If you are using a liquor bottle with a screw top, you can simply fill the bottle with soap and screw on the pump head. If the bottle has a cork, you will need to drill a hole in the cork and fit the pump through it. You can also use a collar ring if the pump does not fit the bottle directly. Glue the collar ring to the bottle and let it dry before screwing on the pump.
If the bottle is very tall, you may need to use extra tubing to extend the pump's reach. Measure the bottle and cut the tubing to the correct length, ensuring that it is long enough to almost touch the bottom of the bottle. Place the tubing inside the pump and screw it onto the bottle. Test the pump to ensure it works properly before filling the bottle with soap.
You can fill your DIY alcohol bottle soap dispenser with any type of soap you like. If you want to mimic the look of the alcohol, you can use a brown-coloured hand wash. Alternatively, choose a fun colour like pink or blue.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any bottle with a screw top, such as a Jack Daniel's bottle, so that the soap dispenser pump can screw in and stay put.
You can buy soap dispenser pumps on Amazon, but make sure to check the product description for measurements first and measure your bottle to ensure it fits.
First, you need to ensure your bottle is empty and clean. Then, if your bottle has a screw top, you can simply screw the pump into it. If not, you may need to use a collar ring, which you can glue onto the bottle and then screw the pump into.
