When you run out of essential oils, what do you do with the bottles? Reusing essential oil bottles is a great option to give them a second life while reducing waste and helping the environment. In this article, we’ll explore how to safely clean and reuse glass essential oil bottles, learn how to DIY essential oil bottles and explore new ways to decorate your home.
Tools for cleaning glass essential oil bottles
Prepare the right tools to make the cleaning process faster, more effective, and safer.
Bottle Brush: Used to scrub away residue from the inside of the bottle.
Cleaning agents: for breaking down or sanitizing stubborn oil residues, such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
Soft towel: for wiping bottles to keep them dry or to wipe away the last remaining traces of oil or soap.
Soaking container: for soaking glass bottles to soften adhesives
Cotton swabs or pipe cleaners: for cleaning the neck or cap of bottles and other more difficult-to-clean places
Tutorial for cleaning labels and residue from glass essential oil bottles
Step 1: Soak the Bottle
Soak glass essential oil bottles in a container of warm or hot water (approximately 120°F to 140°F or 50°C to 60°C) for 10 à 15 minutes, or in cold water for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Removing the Bottle Label
Gently peel off the label starting at one corner. For harder labels, use a plastic spatula to lift the corners before peeling.
Step 3: Remove adhesive residue
Soak a cloth in vinegar or alcohol and wipe the area of residual adhesive material
Step 4: Clean the inside and outside of the bottle
Inside: Add a few drops of mild soap to warm water and swirl the solution around inside the bottle. Scrub the inside with a bottle brush and clean until no oil residue remains.
EXTERIOR: Sanitize the bottle by soaking it in a 1:2 vinegar-water mixture and then wipe the bottle clean with a cloth.
Step 5: Dry the bottle
Dry bottles naturally by inverting them in an air-conditioned area or by drying them directly with a soft towel.
Alternative methods to remove labels and residue from glass essential oil bottles
Freeze: Place the glass bottle in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to make the adhesive lose its bond, then gently remove the label.
Oil Melt Method: Apply olive oil or coconut oil to the adhesive area, rub gently, and leave for a few minutes, then wipe off the residue with a cloth.
Label remover: Gently rub a professional adhesive remover or adhesive remover wipes over the area with adhesive residue until the surface of the bottle is completely clean.
Creative uses for reusable glass essential oil bottles
For DIY beauty products, such as essential oil blends, homemade facial serums, lip gloss or lip balm
For home decoration – put flowers into an elegant vase, or fill it with sand, pebbles, or colorful beads and put it on the desktop as a decorative piece to embellish the home atmosphere.
For storage – such as jewelry, buttons, spices, and glitter, to keep the room neat while maintaining a chic aesthetic.
For gardening – for growing some small succulents, air plants, or herbs
For crafts – use acrylic paint to DIY paint bottles to make decorations and gifts, or to make unique pendants or charms for necklaces and bracelets.
Conclude
Cleaning and reusing glass essential oil bottles is an easy and rewarding way to incorporate sustainability into your lifestyle. By following the proper steps of cleaning, label removal, and creative reuse, you can ensure that your bottles get a second life while contributing to a greener world. Whether you’re making your beauty products, creating unique home décor, or organizing small items, these bottles offer endless possibilities. So gather your tools, get creative, and start reusing your glass essential oil bottles today!
