If you buy laundry detergent in bulky refill jugs, this little upgrade makes everyday washing so much easier. I’m turning a glass drink dispenser into a neat, countertop-friendly detergent pourer by fitting a small metal funnel into the top, so refilling is fast, the dispenser stays clean, and the whole setup looks far more polished than a plastic bottle shoved on a shelf.
I love projects like this because they solve a real household annoyance without requiring a workshop full of tools. If you have a laundry room shelf, folding counter, or even a narrow spot beside the washer, this is an easy afternoon project that gives you a practical dispenser with a tidy, finished look.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash the glass dispenser, lid, and funnel with warm soapy water, then dry everything completely. Wipe the area where the funnel will be attached with rubbing alcohol so the adhesive bonds cleanly.
2. Remove the dispenser lid and decide where the funnel will sit; center it in the top opening if the lid has room, or fit it directly through the lid opening if that gives you the cleanest refill path. Mark the placement lightly with marker.
3. Test-fit the funnel and make sure the stem points straight down into the dispenser without hitting the glass wall. If needed, wrap the funnel stem with 2 to 3 layers of plumber’s tape so it sits more snugly and doesn’t wobble.
4. Apply painter’s tape around the marked area to keep the edge neat, then run a generous bead of clear silicone where the funnel rim meets the dispenser top or lid. Press the funnel into place and smooth the adhesive joint with a gloved finger or the nozzle tip.
5. Let the silicone cure according to the package directions, usually 24 hours, keeping the dispenser upright and undisturbed. Once cured, remove the painter’s tape and check that the funnel feels firmly attached.
6. Set the dispenser on a towel and fill it slowly with liquid laundry detergent through the funnel, stopping 2 inches below the top so it pours cleanly. If the detergent is very thick, pour in batches and let it settle between additions.
7. Test the spigot over a measuring cup or directly over your washer’s detergent tray to make sure the flow is smooth. Tighten the spigot gently if needed, and wipe away any drips so the glass stays clear and polished.
8. Place the finished dispenser in the laundry room on a stable shelf or counter, ideally with a small tray underneath to catch the occasional drop. Keep the refill jug nearby so topping it off through the funnel takes only a minute.
Variations & Tips
For thick detergent: Choose a funnel with a slightly wider opening and fill slowly. I’ve found that patience here saves cleanup later, especially with concentrated formulas.
For powdered detergent: This setup works best for liquid detergent, but you can use it for powder if the dispenser opening and spigot are wide enough. Test with a small amount first, since some spigots clog easily.
For a cleaner look: Use a crystal-clear silicone and tape off the joint before sealing. That extra minute gives the finished dispenser a much more deliberate, custom-made appearance.
Placement tip: Set the dispenser where you can comfortably fit a cap, cup, or detergent drawer underneath the spigot. In a small laundry room, height matters as much as shelf space.
Refill tip: I like to refill before the detergent gets below one-quarter full, because the weight of a fuller dispenser helps it stay steady while pouring. It also prevents sudden glugging when you open the spigot.
Safety note: Label the dispenser somewhere in your laundry area, even if you keep the glass front clean and uncluttered. Any household liquid stored in glass should be clearly identified and kept out of reach of children and pets.