Have you ever wondered what to do with an empty Cascade dishwasher pod container, a piece of scrap rope, some cardboard, a drop cloth hem, and a bit of paint?
No? Well, I didn’t either—until I did. And that’s how this quirky little DIY project came to life.
💡 In this post, I’ll show you how I turned that plastic trash into a cute, functional storage container you can proudly display.
If you’re like me and like certain things hidden—especially when it comes to pet meds or oddball items with no real home—then this simple upcycled storage container might be just the fix. It’s proof that even the most random plastic container can get a second life with a little paint, a few scraps, and a good dose of “let’s just see what happens.”
A DIY Storage Idea, Inspired by a Mischievous Pup
Bentley has a bad habit of stealing laundry—usually when I’m mid-transfer from washer to dryer—and leaving it like a surprise gift next to the dining room table. When I run the sweeper, I’ll spot a rogue sock by the china cabinet, sigh, and say “Bentley…” He gives me this look like, Took you long enough, Mom. You’re slipping.
At least he no longer chews things up—he just likes to hide them in plain sight now.
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| One ornery kiddo, but we love him to pieces |
A few weeks ago, he started limping. Off to the vet we went. She’s been keeping an eye on his back because of how he’s built: German Shepherd body, Beagle legs. It puts strain on his spine when he jumps off furniture and what not. Thankfully, no spine issues, but he did chip a bone in his shoulder. There’s not much they can do for it besides pain management, which means… we now have a tiny dog pharmacy taking over our kitchen counter.
And that’s when I decided those meds needed a home. Not everything needs to be on display, right? So I grabbed an old Cascade container I had tucked away and got to work.
Supplies for This Upcycled Dishwasher Pod Container DIY
Here’s what I used to turn that plastic pod container into a functional and cute DIY storage box:
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1 Cascade (or other dishwasher pod) container
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Ivory chalk paint
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Black chalk paint
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Chip brush
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Rub-on transfer of your choice (I used IOD, but I linked a cute set)
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Fabric hem (mine came from a drop cloth used in another project, but you could use an old shirt)
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Hot glue gun + glue sticks
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Cardboard box
Scissors
Step-by-Step Instructions
This project came together one idea at a time—there was no master plan, just a "let's see what happens" kind of vibe. Here’s what I did:
1. Paint the container
I actually painted this Cascade container last year and never finished it (typical me). That first coat ended up acting like a primer. I only needed one coat of black chalk paint to cover it this time.
2. Create and glue the handles
Cut the drop cloth hem to your desired length. I made two handles and hot glued them to the ends of the container.
3. Add the fabric trim
Glue the hem of the drop cloth around the top of the container and over the handles. I went with two rows for a layered look.
4. Apply your rub-on transfer
I used an IOD transfer that made me giggle—it was for constipation meds. In French. Somehow that made it feel fancy instead of weird. Pick a transfer or graphic that works for your vibe.
5. Make a lid from cardboard
Trace the bottom of the container onto cardboard. Then trace that piece to create another piece, and then the last piece to create an even larger piece. Glue them together in layers—smallest on bottom, largest on top—to create a subtle stepped effect.
6. Paint the lid
I painted the lid black to match the container, but you could go wild here with florals, stripes, or even decoupage.
7. Seal and texture with Mod Podge
Dab Mod Podge over the container and lid to seal everything and give the piece a little extra texture. You can use a stippling motion with your brush for a fun, textured finish.
8. Add rope detail
Glue rope around the edge of the lid to hide the layered laminated cardboard.
9. Make a rope knob
Wrap the rope around your finger several times, slide it off carefully, and glue it together to form a knob. Then glue that to the top of your lid.
Lessons Learned (Because There Are Always a Few)
Now… a few things I’d do differently. One would think I had never DIYed before. I probably should’ve stippled on the Mod Podge before adding the drop cloth hem. I knew I was going to add it eventually, but for some reason I waited and made it harder than it needed to be.
Also, this container sat unfinished for months. I started it last year and just lost my spark mid-project. Sometimes that happens. When it does, I’ve learned it’s better for me to pause than to push through and create something I’ll end up disliking. Do you ever do that too?
What to Store in a Repurposed Cascade Container
This container turned into the cutest little hidey spot for Bentley’s medications. That said, I wouldn’t use it for treats, snacks, or anything food-related. Even after washing it out, that dishwasher pod scent lingers. Unless you’re storing something already sealed (like pill bottles), I’d steer clear of anything edible.
Some ideas for what you can use this upcycled container for:
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Dog meds (like mine!)
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Craft supplies
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Sewing materials
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Cotton balls or swabs (in a bathroom cabinet)
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Cords, cables, or tech accessories
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First-aid supplies, put it in your car for emergencies
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Hair accessories
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Batteries or household tools
Basically, if it fits and it doesn’t need to smell like cookies, this container can probably handle it.
Why I Do What I Do
I had so much fun with this little DIY. It reminded me why I love crafting—especially the kind of crafting where you grab whatever you’ve got lying around and just go for it. There's something so satisfying about turning a throwaway item into something you actually want to keep.
And hey, next time you finish off a dishwasher pod container, maybe don’t toss it right away. You never know what kind of upcycled storage project you might come up with next. That is usually how things come to be around here after all.
Ciao,
Cara
