How to Use a Five-Gallon Bucket

Five-gallon plastic buckets are used around the country as a convenient method to store and move large quantities of an item. Food-safe 5-gallon buckets are used to transport food and condiments in the restaurant industry, sealed 5-gallon buckets carry paint and drywall joint compound for the construction and home remodeling industries, and 5-gallon buckets with spouts in their lids hold lubricants for manufacturing. Numerous other uses exist for 5-gallon buckets, but storage is the most common.

• 1

  Use tin snips or heavy-duty scissors to cut the tabs between the sections of the outer lip of the bucket lid. Not all lid have these tabs. Pry the lid off the top of the bucket, one section at a time. Considerable force may have to be used.

• 2

  Dampen a clean rag with warm water. Clean the interior of the empty bucket before adding new materials to the bucket. Dry the bucket with another rag.

• 3

  Place the items or liquid being stored inside the bucket.

• 4

  Gently align the raised lip of the lid with the wall of the bucket. Push the lip down until it snaps into place on the wall of the bucket. Continue pushing the lid into place until the entire diameter is sealed.

• 5

  Open the bucket and retrieve the item as needed. Alternatively, purchase a lid with a sealing spout to pour liquids directly from the bucket when needed.