February 25, 2026, 9:55 am | Read time: 2 minutes
No funnel on hand, but you need to pour paint, oil, or cleaning agents cleanly? No problem! myHOMEBOOK editorial director Felix Mildner shows a simple trick that can help.
Whether transferring wall paint into smaller containers, refilling windshield washer fluid, or bottling homemade cleaning agents, a funnel prevents spills. But often, one is nowhere to be found. A simple solution is an empty plastic bottle, which can be repurposed with a few quick steps. Instead of immediately disposing of or returning the empty bottle, it gets a second life. This saves money and conserves resources with minimal effort.
Funnel from a PET Bottle–Here’s How It Works
For this trick, you need:
- An empty, clean PET bottle (preferably thin-walled)
- Scissors or a utility knife
Here’s how to proceed:
- Prepare the bottle: First, the bottle should be thoroughly rinsed. Cleanliness is especially important when transferring food or sensitive liquids.
- Cut the upper half: Cut the bottle about one-third from the top. The upper part with the bottle neck will serve as the funnel.
- Check the cut edge: The edge should be as smooth as possible. If necessary, it can be carefully trimmed with scissors.
- Insert the funnel: The cut-off bottle neck is now inverted and placed into the desired container. The liquid can then be poured cleanly.
Tip: Use a piece of tape to secure the funnel to a container—such as a jam jar.
Also Suitable for Thick Liquids
The DIY funnel is not only suitable for water or thin cleaners. It can also be used to transfer paint, varnish, or even potting soil. Thanks to its relatively large opening, the DIY funnel is less likely to clog than many small kitchen models.