How to Switch to 5L Refills Without Wasting Product
By Faith In Nature: Natural Beauty Products and Natural ... | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to decanting 5L refill shampoo, body wash, and washing up liquid cleanly, storing bulk refills safely, and keeping bottles hygienic so you reduce plastic without waste.
Quick answer
To switch to 5L refills without waste, decant into clean, dry bottles over a tray, using a funnel and a pump for thick formulas. Store the bulk container in a cool, dark place, and never mix old and new product. For a simple start, use the Lavender & Geranium hair & body set to refill your daily bottles, then scale up to a 2.5L or 5L refill when you know your usage.
Prepare your refill station before you open anything
Set up a stable work surface with a tray or lipped baking sheet to catch drips. Gather a small funnel, a pump that fits your 5L container, a clean cloth, and the bottles you plan to refill. Check that every bottle is completely empty and dry inside—moisture can thin some formulas and encourage spoilage. If you are refilling a pump bottle, test the pump with water first to confirm it fits and works. A common mistake is rushing this setup; a few minutes of prep prevents a sticky, wasteful mess.
Decant thick formulas slowly to avoid air pockets and spills
Shampoo, body wash, and washing up liquid are often concentrated and thick. Pour slowly in a steady stream, stopping when the bottle is about 90% full to leave room for the pump tube and to avoid overflow when you insert it. For very thick products, a pump attached to the bulk container is easier than pouring. If you are decanting a 5L body wash refill, consider diluting only if the label allows it—most concentrated formulas are designed to be used as-is, and adding water can affect preservation. Wipe the neck of the bulk container before closing it.
Store bulk refills to protect the formula and your space
Keep the 5L container closed, upright, and out of direct sunlight. A cool, dark cupboard or the bottom of a linen closet works well. Heat and light can degrade natural aromas and essential oils over time. If you buy a refill pouch, place it inside a sturdy jug or a dedicated pump bottle to keep it stable. Label the container with the date you opened it so you use older stock first. Avoid storing bulk refills in the shower where water can get in and dilute the product.
Keep bottles and pumps hygienic between refills
Every few weeks, rinse the pump nozzle and bottle neck with warm water and let them dry completely before refilling. This prevents buildup that can clog the pump and harbor bacteria. If you use a funnel, wash and dry it after each use. For hand wash bottles, a quick rinse is usually enough; for shampoo and body wash, a slightly more thorough clean helps remove residue. Never top up a half-empty bottle with fresh product—use it up first, then refill. This keeps the formula consistent and avoids contamination.
Step-by-step: switch to 5L refills without waste
- 1. Choose the right refill size for your household: Start with a 2.5L refill if you are new to bulk, or a 5L if you have storage space and go through shampoo or body wash quickly. Check the product label for the refill size that matches your bottle. Checkpoint: if you cannot store 5L upright in a cool, dark spot, choose a smaller refill.
- 2. Set up a clean, stable decanting area: Place a tray under your work area, lay out a funnel and pump, and make sure all bottles are empty and dry. Work over a surface that is easy to wipe clean. Common mistake: decanting over a carpet or without a tray—spills are hard to clean and waste product.
- 3. Decant slowly and stop at 90% full: Pour or pump the product into your bottle, leaving space for the pump tube. For thick formulas, use a pump on the bulk container rather than pouring. Checkpoint: if the bottle overflows when you insert the pump, you filled it too high.
- 4. Seal and store the bulk container correctly: Wipe the rim, close the cap tightly, and store the bulk container upright in a cool, dark cupboard. If using a pouch, place it in a jug or pump bottle for stability. Common mistake: storing bulk refills in the shower where water can enter and dilute the product.
- 5. Clean pumps and bottles between refills: Rinse the pump nozzle and bottle neck with warm water, then dry completely before refilling. Do this every few weeks or whenever you notice residue. Checkpoint: if the pump feels stiff or the product smells off, clean or replace the pump before refilling.
- 6. Use older stock first and label open dates: Write the date you opened each bulk container on a piece of tape and stick it to the container. Use the oldest opened product first to avoid waste. Common mistake: topping up a half-empty bottle with fresh product—use it up first, then refill.
Products that make refilling easier
- Lavender & Geranium hair & body set - 500ml aluminium: A trio of Lavender & Geranium Body Wash, Shampoo, and Conditioner in 500ml aluminium bottles, all 99.5% natural origin and free of parabens. The aluminium bottles are designed to be refilled, so you can decant from a larger refill into these and keep using the same pumps and caps.
- Lavender & Geranium shampoo - aluminium refill set: Includes one 500ml aluminium bottle of Lavender & Geranium Shampoo plus a 2.5-litre refill with a pump. The refill pump lets you top up the 500ml bottle directly without a funnel, reducing spills and waste.
- Lemon washing up liquid - 2.5L: A concentrated 2.5-litre Lemon Washing Up Liquid made with lemon oil, vegan and free of parabens and sulphates. Because it is concentrated, you use less per wash, so a 2.5L bottle lasts longer and needs fewer refills.
