In a small laundry room, the smartest projects are the ones that take something you already use all the time and give it a permanent, easy-to-grab home. This little cabinet-door stain stick holder does exactly that. By mounting a small galvanized metal funnel to the inside of a cabinet door, you create a tidy pocket that keeps stain remover pens upright, visible, and right where you need them before a mark has time to set.
I’m always looking for ways to make everyday chores feel less scattered, and this is one of those tiny fixes that makes a big difference. It’s perfect for renters, busy families, or anyone working with a cramped laundry nook, because it uses adhesive strips instead of screws and takes just a few minutes to put together.
Materials
Instructions
1. Open the cabinet door in your laundry room and choose a flat spot on the inside panel where the funnel will not bump shelves, detergent bottles, or the cabinet frame when the door closes.
2. Hold the funnel with the narrow end pointing down and test-fit your stain remover pens inside it to make sure they slide in easily and sit high enough to grab quickly.
3. Wipe the back side of the funnel and the cabinet-door area with rubbing alcohol, then let both surfaces dry completely so the adhesive grips well.
4. Measure and lightly mark the placement on the cabinet door, centering the funnel at a comfortable reach height so the pens won’t tip or drag when you pull them out.
5. Apply the adhesive strips to the widest contact points on the outside of the funnel, spacing them evenly so the funnel will sit flat and feel secure against the cabinet door.
6. Press the funnel firmly onto the marked spot on the cabinet door with the wide mouth facing up and the spout pointing down, then hold pressure for 30 to 60 seconds.
7. Let the adhesive set according to the package directions before adding weight, especially if your laundry room tends to get warm or humid.
8. Slide the stain remover pens into the funnel with the caps facing up so they stay visible and are easy to grab one-handed when you spot a stain.
9. Close the cabinet door gently the first time to check clearance, then adjust nearby items inside the cabinet if needed so nothing rubs against the pens or funnel.
Variations & Tips
For extra hold: If your funnel is a little heavier or has a curved side that barely touches the door, use one additional adhesive strip or choose outdoor-rated mounting strips for a stronger bond.
For picky household habits: If nobody in your house ever puts things back where they belong, keep two stain pens in the funnel instead of one. In my house, having a backup is what keeps the system actually working.
For a cleaner look: Choose a galvanized funnel with a straight, simple rim and keep it centered on the panel of the cabinet door for that tidy, intentional look that makes a small laundry room feel organized.
To protect the cabinet: Avoid overloading the funnel with bulky items like scrub brushes or full spray bottles, since this holder works best for lightweight stain sticks and pens.
Make it a mini stain station: Mount a second funnel or a small adhesive hook nearby for a lint roller, clothespins, or a tiny mesh bag for color catcher sheets.
Before you commit: Test the spot with the cabinet door fully opening and closing a few times. That one extra minute can save you from peeling and reapplying strips later.