Ever been stuck with a tiny sink and a big bucket, wondering how to transfer water without making a mess—or soaking your shoes? Welcome to Life Hack #1 in our “90 Something” series: use a dustpan as a makeshift funnel to fill any container neatly and quickly.
🔍 Why This Hack Works
Most dustpans have a narrow spout or edge perfect for guiding water. By positioning the pan under the faucet, you create a controlled channel that directs every drop straight into your bucket—no overflow, no drips, and no back pain from bending awkwardly.
🛠️ Supplies You’ll Need
- 1 Dustpan (plastic or metal)
- 1 Tiny Sink with running water
- 1 Bucket or any container you need to fill
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the dustpan under the sink’s faucet so its lip catches the stream.
- Position the bucket directly below the dustpan’s handle or spout.
- Turn on the faucet at a moderate flow—too high and you risk splashes.
- Watch as water smoothly cascades from sink → dustpan → bucket.
- When the bucket is full, turn off the water and lift the dustpan out carefully.
📈 Pro Tips & Variations
- Angle it right: Tilt the dustpan slightly so water runs toward the bucket spout.
- Larger volumes: If your bucket is tall, swap halfway through to avoid overflow.
- Outdoor use: Works equally well with garden hoses and watering cans.
- Keep clean: Rinse your dustpan before indoor use to avoid dirt in the water.
🎙️ A Real-Life Story
Last winter, my camper’s sink was no wider than a soup bowl. Hauling water for dishes meant drips everywhere. One day I grabbed a dustpan out of frustration—and realized it made a perfect funnel. Now I keep a clean dustpan in my camper kitchen door—best $0 spent on convenience!
⭐ My Verdict: 3.2/5
This hack is simple, effective, and uses tools you already have. It won’t revolutionize your life—but it will save you cleanup time and backaches. I give it a 3.2/5 for low-tech ingenuity and instant gratification.
🤔 FAQ
- Will the dustpan scratch my sink? Plastic pans are safest; metal pans might scuff if slid harshly.
- Can I use this for hot water? Yes, but ensure your dustpan material is heat-resistant.
- What about dirty water? Works great for cleaning buckets—just rinse the dustpan after.
💬 Share Your Experience
Tried this hack? Or have a better funnel idea? Let us know in the comments below—and stay tuned for Life Hack #2!