If you regularly use essential oils, you likely have a collection of small glass bottles. Instead of discarding them, consider repurposing these sturdy amber or cobalt glass containers. They are designed to be leakproof, maintain oil potency, and protect against UV light and oxidation. There are numerous creative ways to reuse them, such as making pillow misters, linen sprays, DIY reed diffusers, or non-toxic mosquito repellents. They can also be used to store spices and small essentials around the house. These bottles are surprisingly versatile, and we have plenty of innovative ideas to help you upcycle each one.
When preparing your essential oil bottles for reuse, it’s crucial to remove and clean the plastic insert on the lid, known as an orifice reducer. This component controls the liquid flow to a single drop at a time and may deteriorate as the bottle is used. The interior might have sticky residue, which can be cleaned by soaking the bottle in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes. Adding hydrogen peroxide can enhance the cleaning process. Even after thorough cleaning, traces of the original contents might remain, so consider this while deciding the bottle’s new purpose.
DIY Reed Diffuser
Transform an empty essential oil bottle into a DIY reed diffuser. You’ll need rattan or bamboo skewers, a carrier oil like grapeseed, sweet almond, or safflower oil, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. You can use the leftover oil in the bottle or clean it and refill it with new oil and diffuser ingredients. Your home will soon be filled with a delightful natural aroma.
Mini Flower Vase
Create a charming mini flower vase for your bookshelf, windowsill, or bathroom countertop using an empty essential oil bottle. Clean the bottle with mild soap, fill it with water, and add a few wildflowers or garden stems. For a low-maintenance option, use faux blooms or dried flowers like lavender, eucalyptus, or baby’s breath. Enhance the bottle’s look by wrapping it with twine or burlap fabric.
Herb and Spice Container
Store dried herbs, homemade seasoning blends, and spices in a clean essential oil bottle for a practical and visually appealing kitchen solution. Ensure the bottle is properly cleaned and sterilized to avoid ingesting any residue. High-proof vodka can be an effective solvent for removing sticky residue. If cleaning proves difficult, avoid using the bottle for food storage.
Linen or Room Spray Bottle
Convert an essential oil bottle into a mini spray for freshening up your bedroom and linens. This is perfect for using up the last drops of oil. Fill the bottle halfway with witch hazel and the rest with distilled water, adding some dried flowers if desired. Ensure you have a spray bottle lid that fits your bottle.
Decorative Twinkle Lights
Use several amber essential oil bottles to craft a unique DIY lighting feature for your home or garden. Remove the orifice reducers and cut a slice from the center to the edge of each one. Slide holiday string lights through the orifice and place each bulb inside a bottle to create a mini lantern. Make sure the orifice is securely attached and repeat for a complete light setup.
Natural Scent Roller
Repurpose your essential oil bottle into a convenient roll-on perfume. Blend several oils like ylang ylang, geranium, jasmine, and vanilla for a sweet scent. Combine them in the bottle and let the scents meld for a few hours. Add a skin-friendly carrier oil like jojoba oil, and install a roller ball lid. Alternatively, create a pain-relief roller using essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint.
DIY Mosquito Repellent
Some essential oils, such as cinnamon, sweet basil, and clove, are effective mosquito repellents. For a natural alternative to store-bought repellents, mix these oils in an empty bottle with witch hazel and distilled water or apple cider vinegar. Attach a spray bottle lid, and your DIY repellent is ready.
Serum Dropper
Convert your empty essential oil bottle into a DIY serum dropper for skincare. Popular oils for skin care include jojoba, rosehip, Vitamin E, neroli, and calendula. Research the best oils for your needs, and for hair care, consider rosemary, castor, and black seed oils. Install a serum dropper lid for easy application.
Bathroom Supply Holder
While not as creative as other ideas, using an empty essential oil bottle for small essentials offers practicality. Clean and dry the bottle, remove the label, and store items like Q-tips, toothpicks, bobby pins, and floss picks on your countertop. Alternatively, fill it with Epsom salts or an exfoliating scrub for a spa day at home.
DIY Hanging Decor
Clear glass essential oil bottles make charming pendants for DIY decor. Fill them with miniature crystals, stones, seaglass, or sand. Seal with hot glue and use wire to make a loop for hanging. Display your decoration on a door handle or drawer pull.
