Repurposing a Soap Container

Have you ever thought about repurposing a soap container rather than recycling it or throwing it away?

I love Bath and Body products and usually receive a few as gifts at Christmas time.  I used to save the empty bottles to use at school beside the numerous sinks in my science classroom. 

The other day I decided to embellish a few empty bottles to make them pretty.

I made this one as a gift for my mom.  After embellishing it with her initials, I refilled it with Walmart soap that comes in a giant bottle.

Repurposed Soap Container embellished with rub-on initials and a ribbon

How to Repurpose a Soap Container

This is such a simple project. Start by rinsing the inside and outside of the plastic bottle to clean residual soap from it.

Use a scraper blade to remove the label from the container.

Removing the label from a Bath and Body Works Soap Container

Use Goo Gone and a paper towel to remove the label adhesive.

Removing the label from a Bath and Body Works Soap Container with Goo Gone

Rub-on letters can be found in the scrapbooking section of a craft store. I purchased my letters at Big Lots, here are similar letters from Amazon.

Rub on letters from Big Lots

Cut out the letters that you want to apply to your soap container.

Rub on letters

Use the popsicle stick that comes with the letters to transfer the letters to the soap container.

Fill the container with soap, hand sanitizer, or lotion.

Repurposed Soap Container

Tie a pretty ribbon around the top of the bottle.

Repurposed Soap Container embellished with rub-on initials and a ribbon

This is a quick and easy project that one could make for a hostess gift, Mother’s Day gift, birthday present, or for a teacher, nurse, or secretary.

Pin it!

I would love for you to pin this post to Pinterest to remember for later and also so that others can discover it.

Repurposed Soap Container embellished with rub-on initials and a ribbon

This project was first shared in 2010. I’m sharing it again as I still think that it’s a great idea and a fun project to complete.

14 Comments

  1. Love it! We use the same Bath & Body Works soap at home – we have lots of those bottles somewhere I think! Great plan, and a great gift for teachers.

  2. I’ve reused these bottles before, but I love the idea of monogramming! Great job!
    xoxo Pattie

  3. Very nice Paula. Isn’t that Goof Gone/ Goof Off amazing. I’ve been painting this summer and it’s amazing how easy that is to wipe up dripped paint. Even after it has dried.

  4. That is too cute Paula! I have a Bath & body works that is almost empty. I might have to do this. Sooo cute!!!

  5. How clever your are! I got your package today — that was really quick! Looking forward to reading it — really looks like one I’ll enjoy. Thanks again!

  6. School starts in a few weeks so I think I will have to make a few of these for Lexi’s new teacher. I think she would love these also! I will be sure to let you know when I make them so I can give credit.

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