If you're unsure of what to do with your old shampoo bottle, you're not alone. Reusable bottles can be an excellent way to reduce your plastic footprint, and you can even buy recycled shampoo bottles at a discount. But what about those that are too small to recycle? There are two problems with these types of bottles. First, they're not always affordable. Secondly, most people don't have easy access to refill stations. That's why many consumers opt to buy in bulk.

The first step to recycling a shampoo bottle is to rinse it thoroughly, but don't overdo it. A slight rinse will do. This will help keep the recycling bin looking clean and will also avoid attracting flies and emitting a foul smell. Lastly, you need to know what to do with the shampoo bottle's cap. You can't just put it into the trash or the recycling bin. But you can recycle shampoo bottles in plastic bags.

Changing the cap on your shampoo bottle will save you time and money. If you want to make your bottle last longer, use a pump dispenser cap. Pump tops are a good choice for firmer bottles. You can twist them open and close them to prevent spills, and if you want a squeezable bottle, opt for a flip top. Flip tops create a tight seal when closed, allowing you to squeeze out the product without spilling it.

Another way to reuse your empty shampoo bottle is to reuse it as a toy. With a little glue or decorative paper, you can turn a shampoo bottle into a fun toy for kids. Or, use it for storing your toothbrushes and other materials for your bathroom. If you don't want to do this, simply place a toothbrush in the bottle and let your kids play with it. If you're worried that it will get dirty, consider recycling the empty shampoo bottle instead of throwing it away.

While shampoo may be mostly water, its cleansing power comes from surfactants, which are synthetic molecules that make up 10 to 15 percent of its content. These agents bind to hydrophobic molecules in water and attach to the hair. This process is known as lathering. By lathering the hair, the cleaning agents bind to hair grease and then transport it away with passing water molecules. There's nothing more effective than that. If you want to make sure your shampoo bottle is a good one, read the ingredients on the label.

In addition to plastic bottles, scientists have discovered a way to coat them with nanoparticles of silica. These nanoparticles will not stick to soap, which makes it less likely to break. These solutions are also far cheaper than the alternatives that are currently being developed. And while this method has its limitations, it has potential for a lot of applications. In the meantime, a shampoo bottle made from recycled plastic could be a useful tool in your household.