Empty Swiffer containers: 12 clever ways to reuse them around your home

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• Why these plastic tubs make great DIY organizers
• Home office and paperwork: neat, simple storage
• Kitchen and pantry hacks that save space and prevent mess
• Craft room, kids’ play areas, and hobby storage
• Garden and propagation: a compact starter kit
• Pet care and garage organization that cuts clutter
• Quick cleaning, prep, and safety tips before reuse

Empty tubs from wet-mop wipes are more useful than you think. With a tight-sealing lid and sturdy walls, these plastic boxes become quick storage wins. Below are practical, creative ways to upcycle them for better organization, safer storage, and small DIY projects around the home.

Why these plastic tubs make great DIY organizers

Most wet-wipe tubs are made from rigid polystyrene, often labeled as #6 plastic. They resist moisture, stack well, and have a reliable snap lid. That tight seal keeps contents protected from spills and dust, so the boxes outperform single-use containers for many purposes. By 2024, the U.S. recycled only about 13.3% of plastic packaging, making reuse a smarter option than tossing them out.

Home office and paperwork: neat, simple storage

• Desk caddies: Clean a shallow tub and sort pens, markers, sticky notes, and clips. Keep lids to stack sets on shelves.
• Receipt archive: Use a tub to hold receipts by year. The lid keeps paper flat and dry. Label each box for quick tax or budget checks.

Kitchen and pantry hacks that save space and prevent mess

• Teabag sorter: Add cardboard dividers to create multiple compartments for different tea flavors.
• Sauce corral for the fridge: Group condiment bottles in one tub to avoid leaks and keep shelves tidy.
• Drawer cutlery tray: A shallow tub fits inside a utensil drawer. Add cardboard dividers or several containers to separate forks, spoons, and knives.

For utensils, line the tub with a paper barrier if you have concerns about residual chemicals. The liners keep cutlery from touching the plastic directly.

Craft room, kids’ play areas, and hobby storage

• Paint organizer: Store small acrylic bottles upright. A standard tub often holds around 10 two-ounce jars.
• Mini glue station: Keep a cooled mini hot-glue gun and extra sticks together. The layout prevents loose sticks from rolling away.
• Protect fragile finds: Line a tub with cloth to cushion seashells, delicate beads, or dried flowers.
• Doll furniture project: Turn a tub bottom into a toy bed and the lid into a removable duvet. Cover with fabric scraps for a quick bespoke piece.

Garden and propagation: a compact starter kit

Place small seed-starting inserts inside the tub to catch excess water. Drill a few holes in the lid to create a humid micro-greenhouse. Avoid planting edible seeds if the container once held cleaning products. Chemicals can penetrate the plastic and pose a risk to food crops.

Pet care and garage organization that cuts clutter

• Pet food cans: Use a tub to keep small wet food cans upright in a drawer or pantry. It prevents toppled stacks and keeps labels visible.
• Hardware sorting: Nails, screws, washers, and small fittings stay organized when separated into multiple tubs. The sturdy plastic holds weight without buckling.

Label each bin with waterproof stickers to find the right item fast. Stacking tubs with lids saves shelf space in a garage or utility closet.

Quick cleaning, prep, and safety tips before reuse

• Rinse containers thoroughly and let them air-dry before storing food-adjacent items.
• Remove adhesive residue with warm soapy water or a little rubbing alcohol.
• Do not expose tubs to high heat. They have low heat resistance and can warp.
• If you plan to store utensils or anything that touches food, add a disposable liner or use only after a careful deep clean.
• When in doubt, repurpose for nonfood items: crafts, tools, pet supplies, or office gear.