10 Ways to Upcycle Your Wild Deodorant Case

Wild’s refillable deodorant cases are designed for reuse—that’s the whole point. But eventually, even the sturdiest case reaches the end of its deodorant-holding career. Before you recycle it, consider this: that sleek aluminium case is perfectly sized for dozens of other uses.

Upcycling isn’t just about reducing waste (though it does that too). It’s about seeing potential in everyday objects. Your Wild case is waterproof, compact, and surprisingly elegant. Here are ten ways to give it a second life.

Before You Start: Cleaning Your Case

Whatever project you choose, start with a clean case.

1. Remove any remaining deodorant refill
2. Soak in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes
3. Use a bottle brush or old toothbrush to scrub the interior
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely

Stubborn residue? A paste of baking soda and water works wonders. Rinse well afterwards.

What You’ll Need

Most projects require just a few basic supplies.

Essential supplies:

• Sharp scissors or craft knife
• Strong adhesive (craft glue, super glue, or hot glue gun)
• Sandpaper (fine grit, for paint prep)

Optional for decoration:

• Acrylic paint and brushes
• Spray paint
• Washi tape
• Stickers or decals
• Clear varnish (to protect your finish)

Project 1: Mini Succulent Planter

The Wild case’s size is perfect for small succulents or cacti.

What you’ll need:

• Small drill or hammer and nail (for drainage holes)
• Potting soil suitable for succulents
• Small succulent or cactus
• Optional: spray paint for exterior

Steps:

1. Create 2-3 small drainage holes in the bottom of the case
2. Paint the exterior if desired (let dry completely)
3. Add a thin layer of small pebbles for drainage
4. Fill with succulent soil, leaving room for the plant
5. Plant your succulent and water sparingly

Pro tip: Succulents prefer to dry out between waterings. The case’s compact size means you’ll need to water less frequently than you might expect.

Project 2: Travel Sewing Kit

Keep a compact emergency repair kit in your bag or suitcase.

What to include:

• Mini scissors
• Needles (various sizes)
• Thread in basic colours (black, white, navy)
• Safety pins
• Spare buttons
• Small fabric patches

Everything fits neatly inside, and the case’s slim profile slides easily into luggage or a handbag.

Project 3: Portable First Aid Kit

Similar concept, different contents.

What to include:

• Plasters in various sizes
• Antiseptic wipes
• Pain relief tablets (in blister pack)
• Tweezers
• Small tube of antiseptic cream

Perfect for keeping in your car, desk drawer, or gym bag.

Project 4: Desk Organiser

Corral the small items that clutter your workspace.

Ideas for organisation:

• Paper clips and binder clips
• Rubber bands
• Push pins
• USB drives
• SD cards

Paint it to match your desk aesthetic, or leave the brushed aluminium for a minimalist look.

Project 5: Jewellery Travel Case

Protect delicate pieces when travelling.

Works well for:

• Rings
• Earrings (store pairs together)
• Small pendants
• Delicate chains (coil carefully)

Line the interior with a small piece of felt or velvet to prevent scratching.

Project 6: Spice Container for Camping

Bring just what you need without packing full-size containers.

How to use:

• Fill with salt, pepper, or your favourite spice blend
• The case seals tightly, keeping contents dry
• Label the outside with masking tape

One case per spice keeps things organised in your camp kitchen kit.

Project 7: Seed Starter Pot

Get a head start on your garden.

Steps:

1. Add drainage holes to the bottom
2. Fill with seed-starting mix
3. Plant 2-3 seeds per case
4. Keep moist and warm until germination
5. Transplant seedlings once they’re established

The case’s depth works well for seeds that need room to develop roots before transplanting.

Project 8: Coin and Cash Holder

Keep emergency cash and coins separate from your wallet.

Useful for:

• Parking meter change
• Laundry coins
• Rolled-up emergency notes
• Foreign currency when travelling

The waterproof seal protects contents from spills in your bag.

Project 9: Art Supply Holder

Perfect size for specific art supplies.

Works well for:

• Pencil sharpener shavings catcher
• Small erasers
• Pencil leads for mechanical pencils
• Watercolour half-pans (for a mini travel palette)
• Pastels or chalk

Project 10: DIY Candle (Advanced)

For the more ambitious crafter.

What you’ll need:

• Soy wax flakes (low melting point)
• Candle wick with metal base
• Essential oil for fragrance (optional)
• Double boiler setup

Steps:

1. Melt wax in double boiler (never direct heat)
2. Add essential oil if using
3. Secure wick in centre of case with a dab of melted wax
4. Pour wax carefully, holding wick upright
5. Let cool completely (several hours)
6. Trim wick to 5mm before lighting

Safety note: Always supervise burning candles. The aluminium case will get hot—place on a heat-resistant surface.

Decorating Your Upcycled Case

Want to personalise your project? A few techniques work particularly well on the Wild case’s aluminium surface.

Spray Paint

The easiest way to completely change the look.

1. Lightly sand the surface for better adhesion
2. Clean with rubbing alcohol
3. Apply primer designed for metal
4. Apply 2-3 thin coats of spray paint, letting each dry
5. Finish with clear sealant for durability

Washi Tape

No-commitment decoration that’s easy to change.

• Wrap horizontally for stripes
• Create geometric patterns
• Cover completely or use as accent

Decoupage

Apply paper or fabric for a unique finish.

1. Cut decorative paper to size
2. Apply decoupage medium to case surface
3. Smooth paper onto surface, removing bubbles
4. Let dry, then apply 2-3 more coats of medium on top

Caring for Your Upcycled Projects

To keep your creations looking good:

• Avoid direct sunlight if you’ve painted the case—UV can fade colours
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth as needed
• Re-seal painted surfaces annually if they see heavy use
• Check drainage holes in planters periodically

The Bigger Picture

Each Wild case you upcycle is one less item in the waste stream. Small? Yes. Meaningful? Also yes.

The average person generates about 400kg of waste annually in the UK. Most of that isn’t dramatic—it’s small items, packaging, things we use briefly and discard. Upcycling doesn’t solve the waste problem, but it shifts how we think about objects. Is this really rubbish, or is it raw material for something else?

Your upcycled Wild case probably won’t change the world. But it might hold your earrings, grow a succulent, or keep your sewing kit organised for years. That’s a pretty good second act for a deodorant container.

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Looking for more ways to reduce your environmental impact? Check out our guide to zero-waste bathroom swaps for more practical sustainability ideas.