Thrift Beautiful Vases To DIY Your Own Soap Dispensers

Does it feel like you're constantly buying new bottles of hand soap each time you head to the store? Hand soap is one of those fundamental items necessary to keep our households healthy, but tossing the plastic bottles every time they run out is not the most practical solution. In fact, the plastic soap bottles that end up in landfills can take over 400 years to break down. One way to minimize this impact is to opt for reusable bottles. But if the designs at the big box stores don't align with your preferences, you can DIY your very own soap dispenser from a thrifted vase. All you have to do is clean the vase, prep a cork, and install the pump system for this easy thrift upcycle.

Before repurposing a vase into a soap dispenser, it's important to understand the risks of using thrifted items in DIY projects. Some vintage items contain lead in the paint or decorative finishes, and exposure to lead can have serious health effects. The best way to protect your friends and family from lead exposure is to purchase a test kit, like the NewPos Lead Test Kit Swabs, and test each item to keep everyone safe. You can also look out for some telltale signs of lead paint on vases at the thrift store, such as being manufactured before the 1970s and vibrant colors.

When searching the thrift store for the perfect vase to use in this hack, there is one key thing to keep in mind: the shape of the vase. While you can certainly opt for an oversized or even miniature dispenser, the area you need to focus on is the neck of the vase. You're going to want to find one with a defined neck that you can stick a cork in along with the pump system. It's common for soap dispensers to have threaded necks, but using a cork is key to this DIY. Once you have your vase(s) tested for safety and ready to upcycle, it's time to prep all the individual pieces of the project. You can purchase a complete kit like the Creative Hobbies Black Pump Dispenser with Cork Stopper, but you may find a better fit by customizing the cork. You could also repurpose a soap pump from another bottle.

The best cork for this project will fit into the vase with some overhang at the top. It should be a close fit, but not too tight that you can't remove it and not too loose. Next, use a drill bit that's slightly smaller than your soap pump's neck to create an opening through the cork. Be sure to use caution and work slowly. Once you've drilled the opening, add your soap pump and tube, which you may need to trim. You may also have to shave the sides of the cork with a utility knife. Finally, add your soap and push the cork into the vase.

While there are countless ways to repurpose a vase, there are just as many ideas for how to customize your new DIY soap dispenser. One of the easiest ways to change up the look of the vase before starting this thrift upcycle is to paint the exterior. This is an ideal solution if you find a quirky-shaped vase but aren't in love with the color or just want to customize it to your existing decor. Choose spray paint for a quick and even application or use a sponge to create the illusion of texture and depth in the finish. Even try using a cornstarch paint hack for a beautifully textured vase. Then, add a waterproof sealant to keep it protected in damp areas like next to kitchen and bathroom sinks.

If you want to take customization to the next level, you can add embellishments to the final product to enhance the design. For example, if you're going to use the dispenser in a kid's bathroom, add some fun colors, painted patterns, or stickers to the vase to make it just a bit more whimsical. You can also check out some practical ways to style your thrift finds around the house for more ways to breathe new life into your thrifted gems.