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53 Comments | Jill Winger

15 Ways to Reuse Essential Oil Bottles

ways to reuse essential oil bottles

You know those cartoons where there’s a little angel and a little devil sitting on the character’s shoulder?

Yeah, I feel like that sometimes.

My ambitious side seems to constantly be at-war with my practical side, and it’s a never-ending battle.

Ambitious Jill: C’mon… Let’s double the size of the garden this year, and get more cows and heritage pigs!

Practical Jill: You’re pregnant, have a jam-packed schedule, and you’re ripping rooms off your house… You really think pigs are a good idea?

……….

Ambitious Jill: DIY ALL THE THINGS!

Practical Jill: No one will die if you buy dish soap at the store instead of making it yourself right now.

……….

Ambitious Jill: EEK! Don’t throw that away… We must repurpose everything!

Practical Jill: Hello clutter…

……….

Practical Jill has been winning a lot lately, mostly because there’s only so much you can do when you’re in the middle of a major home remodel project. However, there’s one thing she never wins on:

Essential oil bottles.

Considering I’ve been using essential oils for a good three years now, I’ve amassed an impressive collection of empty bottles.

ways to reuse essential oil bottles

And it is physically impossible for me to throw them away.

I. JUST. CAN’T.

They are so cute, and they smell good, and I like how they feel in my hands.

OK whatever. I might have a problem… but still. They just aren’t going in the trash. I don’t care what Practical Jill says.

So, to justify my hoarding thriftiness, here’s a list of ways to put them to good use. Because part of being a homesteader is “waste not, want not”, right?

ways to reuse essential oil bottles

How to Reuse Essential Oil Bottles

(this post contains affiliate links)

1. Recycle ’em — of course, this option is better than simply tossing them into the garbage, providing you have glass recycling facilities where you live… However, it’s not my favorite option on the list, so let’s keep going.

2. Share with Friends & Family — Once people know you’re building an essential oil stash, it’s only a matter of time before they sheepishly knock on your door asking for one or two to try. I often use cute lil’ sample bottles like this when I’m sharing. However, if I run out of sample bottles, or need to share a larger quantity, I always reach for one of my empty bottles.

ways to reuse essential oil bottles

3. Accessorize — Many oil supply companies carry sweet ways to accessorize your bottles, including spritzer tops, droppers, and roller balls. I keep a stash of these toppers handy, and like to use my empty bottles to create custom blends, roll-ons, and sprays.

4. Make Portable DIY Hand Cleanser. Use my homemade hand sanitizer recipe, add a spritzer top, and you’re good to go.

5. Create custom perfumes — It’s been years since I’ve used traditional perfume and honestly, the fragrances I used to like now give me a headache. I much prefer to use my essential oils when I go out on the town (aka– go run errands), and it’s easy to add a spritzer to an empty 15 mL bottle to make it happen.

7. Make Sheet Spritzers — I always feel extra-fancy when I spritz fresh-smelling essential oils on the bedsheets on laundry day. My favorite option is lavender, or sometimes lavender mixed with frankincense. Simply mix water and 8-10 drops of your favorite oil in an empty 15 mL bottle and add a spray cap. These essential oils known for their ability to promote healthy sleep are awesome choices, too.

8. Put Together a Travel Kit — I make it a habit to take my oils with me whenever I travel. If you don’t want to take your entire stash, add smaller quantities of your must-have oils to empty bottles. This is also added insurance that you won’t lose your entire collection if your luggage is lost or stolen.

9. Store Carrier Oils — When I use essential oils, I like to dilute them with a liquid carrier oil of some sort. My favorite options are fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or apricot oil. I keep an empty 15 mL bottle filled with carrier oil in my travel kits so it’s always within reach.

10. Oily Lights — How cute would it be to make a string of essential oil bottle Christmas lights? This is perfect for the die-hard oil fan, or if you are looking for some oily decor ideas. (Just make sure you’re using super-clean bottles if you do this.)

11. Stock your Barn Stash — If I happen to be using oils on an animal (like when I was doctoring my chicken), I always mix up the oils I need and add them to an empty bottle before hauling them outside. It’s a given the bottle will be rattling around in my coat pocket, or sitting on a fence post, and I like to avoid mucking up a full, clean bottle from the house.

12. Make Bath Salts — The most frustrating thing about an “empty” bottle is that it never quite seems completely empty… There’s always a bit of precious residue left inside. To put every last drop to good use, remove the cap and orifice reducer from your bottles, and place several empty bottles in a container with several cups of Epsom salts. Allow it to sit for several days, and you’ll find you have lovely-scented bath salts at the end. (This is also an ideal way to clean the bottles/remove scent and residue if you want to use them for something else)

ways to reuse essential oil bottles

13. Mini Flower Vase — Stick a single delicate flower in an empty bottle and use it to decorate an end table, nightstand, or table setting.

14. After-Sun Spray for your Beach Bag — Looking give your skin a refreshing cool-down? This simple after-sun spray is a cinch to mix up, and my favorite remedy if I forget to cover up while working outside on a hot day…

15. Bye-Bye Mosquitos. There are a ton of different ways to use essential oils to combat mosquitos or other creepy crawlies that want to eat you for lunch… Mix up your favorite recipe in a 15 mL empty, add a spritzer, and toss it in your backpack. Grab a ton of DIY bug repellent ideas here.

*BONUS TIP* To easily remove label residue from your bottles, simply rub in a drop or two of lemon essential oil, then wash with warm, soapy water.

Alrighty… I know you guys have even more brilliant ideas– what’s YOUR favorite way to use up empty essential oil bottles?

ways to reuse essential oil bottles

My Favorite Essential Oils

Want to get started with essential oils, but not sure which brand you want to try? This is the brand I’ve used for three years, and they are my favorite.

More Essential Oil Tips:

  • Cooking with Essential Oils
  • 30 Essential Oil Hacks for Homesteading
  • 20 Essential Oil Recipes for Diffusers
  • 8 Essential Oils for Sleep
  • 21 Homemade Gifts You Can Make with Essential Oils

 

53 Comments | Herbs & Essential Oils

Put Essential Oils to Work Around Your Homestead!

Essential Oils & homesteading go together like peanut butter & jelly. This short, practical eBook will help you master the ins-and-outs of adding essential oils to your homesteading routine (no matter what sort of homestead you may have) and includes DIY fly spray formulas, garden pest control sprays, DIY cleaners, and tons more!

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DIY Essential Oil Reed DiffuserIt’s Here!! My NEW eBook– Natural Homestead!dandelion salve recipe for muscles and jointsDandelion Salve for Muscles & Jointsnatural remedies for coughs4 Fast Natural Cough Remedies

Reader Interactions

53 Comments

  1. Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says

    April 29, 2015 at 7:26 am

    Way to repurpose those bottles. I like the bath salt idea best, and the hand sanitizer.

    reply to comment
  2. Prairie Wife says

    April 29, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    I finally got into essential oils earlier this month so this article has come at the perfect time! I’m pinning it so I can reference back to it later on. I wish I had the time to attend the education course but, I’m barely keeping afloat now as it is lol. I hope there will be another chance soon 🙂

    reply to comment
    • Jill Winger says

      May 5, 2015 at 8:39 am

      yay! You won’t regret it!

      reply to comment
  3. Leah says

    April 29, 2015 at 7:16 pm

    i use empty bottles to make our allergy spray. Fill an old bottle with water add equal parts lemon, lavender and peppermint essential oil -maybe 10-15 drops each. When you feel an attack coming on spray it under your tongue. Fits in my sons pocket, he can carry it anywhere!

    reply to comment
    • Jill Winger says

      May 5, 2015 at 8:38 am

      LOVE that plenty for allergies!

      reply to comment
  4. Ellen grendel says

    April 29, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    Another use for the bottles is as closet/drawer satchel. Leave the top off and close the drawer or closet. I used to do this with empty perfume bottles. I also keep mixtures near my wax warmer room deoderizer a and just add a few drops whenever the fragrance diminishes. My favorite is lavender mint. Sometimes I add a little orange or lemon.

    reply to comment
    • Jill Winger says

      May 5, 2015 at 8:38 am

      oooh… I like that idea!

      reply to comment
  5. Dorene says

    April 29, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    my son added fractionated coconut oil to an almost gone bottle of Frankensence , it is just as lovely to use as original.

    reply to comment
    • Jill Winger says

      May 5, 2015 at 8:38 am

      Way to waste not, want not! 🙂

      reply to comment
  6. Jennifer Lawrence says

    April 30, 2015 at 8:29 am

    I live in Ohio I have never tried to grow stevia can stevia grow here

    reply to comment
    • Rebecca says

      May 6, 2015 at 9:09 am

      Stevia is from a more topical area . You can either grow it as an annual and save the seeds or bring it in .

      reply to comment
  7. Kathleen says

    April 30, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    Oooh, I love the mini flower vase idea! Why didn’t I think of that? 🙂

    reply to comment
    • Jill Winger says

      May 5, 2015 at 8:37 am

      I know! so lovely 🙂

      reply to comment
  8. Joli Tripp says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    Love these ideas! and especially giving yourself a break from doing it all and making it all.

    reply to comment
  9. Tara says

    May 1, 2015 at 11:44 am

    Thanks for the great ideas! Where did you get the roller balls to fit the bottles? I would love to be able to do this. Thanks!

    reply to comment
    • Jill Winger says

      May 5, 2015 at 8:37 am

      They are hard to find sometimes, but I’ve seen them on Amazon.

      reply to comment
      • Debbi says

        January 4, 2017 at 1:15 am

        I love the roller balls by Young Living. They hold up very well to all of the oils. They are stainless, so don’t absorb odors, like the easier to find plastic rollerballs do. Vetiver is an excellent example of Rollerball magic, as it tends to get sticky around rim of the applicator bottle.

        reply to comment
      • Katharina says

        October 19, 2017 at 11:24 am

        What size shall we look for?

        reply to comment
  10. Lima says

    May 1, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    Q: How do you get the labels off those bottles?

    reply to comment
    • Jill Winger says

      May 5, 2015 at 8:37 am

      I strip off the outer layer, then rub in lemon essential oil, and finish with hot, soapy water.

      reply to comment
      • robin says

        December 12, 2017 at 9:11 am

        I use a scrapper first which takes off most of the glue, then I use lemon oil for the finishing touches.

        reply to comment
  11. Suzy VanDyke says

    May 4, 2015 at 4:54 pm

    Awesome tips!cant wait to try the bug repellant ????

    reply to comment
    • Suzy VanDyke says

      May 4, 2015 at 4:54 pm

      Whoops the ???was a typo ????

      reply to comment
  12. Carla Wagner says

    May 6, 2015 at 7:40 am

    When my favorite smell(s) are empty, I place the empties in my dresser drawers. It’s amazing how long your garments, etc. will keep that lovely aroma.

    reply to comment
    • Jenn says

      October 16, 2018 at 9:33 pm

      love that idea even more than reusing bottles. especially when the lavender bottles are starting to really pile up. Thx 🙂

      reply to comment
  13. Melissa says

    May 6, 2015 at 8:43 am

    You forgot the link to the Christmas lights post 😉

    reply to comment
  14. Cher says

    May 6, 2015 at 9:17 am

    I like concocting facial oil blends. My skin is getting dry-ish as I age (gracefully). Empty EO bottles are the perfect vessel for holding small amounts of oil blends to have on hand. Mine can be found in purses, totes, jean pockets, book case, etc. at any given time. Tiny enough to not be obtrusive. I hide them everywhere, and never lack for a good skin nourishing boost.

    reply to comment
  15. Karen Wood says

    May 6, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    I can’t throw them away either (along with anything else good). One way I use them is when I am rooting plant cuttings. The brown glass keeps algae from growing. Just can’t let the roots get too big for the bottles.

    reply to comment
  16. Sheri says

    May 6, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    The brand essential oils that use, has bigger bottles of the most common oils, like lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus. I refill the smaller bottles from the bigger bottles. The big bottles don’t have the reducer…

    I have also used them for my mixes. I buy single ingredient oils and mix my own. They can also double as an inhaler, with just a small amount of essential oil in the bottle.

    I like the sachet bottle idea! That’s a good way to finish the off the bottom of the bottle without waste!

    Thank you for sharing! I don’t like throwing things away either…

    reply to comment
  17. Robyn says

    May 7, 2015 at 8:38 am

    Thank you for your wonderful ideas, just need to know where to get the spray tops for the bottles?

    reply to comment
    • Jutta says

      May 12, 2015 at 6:01 pm

      Where are you located Robyn ?

      reply to comment
      • Jutta says

        May 13, 2015 at 10:40 am

        If you google New Directions aromatics they might still sell them ….also voyageur soap & candle .

        reply to comment
        • FeNiX says

          January 1, 2017 at 9:41 am

          New Directions Aromatics requires $100 minimum purchase, which may matter to some people (such as myself). I spent considerable time browsing the site before realizing I wouldn’t be able to order just a few mister tops, so I thought I should share that info in case it would be helpful to anyone else.

          I love Voyageur Soap and Candle, though! I’ve ordered several times from them over the years, and have also visited their retail store/warehouse to browse and purchase in-person… they always provide phenomenal customer service!

          reply to comment
    • Cynthia says

      April 4, 2017 at 9:03 pm

      You can get glass bottles and spray tops from AromaTools.com or Oillife.com

      reply to comment
  18. Erin says

    May 8, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    I put Castile soap in mine for traveling. It saves room in my luggage and smells like the oil!

    reply to comment
  19. Esther says

    May 9, 2015 at 8:02 am

    LOVE all your great ideas! I have to ask, though: what happened to #6?

    reply to comment
  20. jennifer says

    May 9, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    I love reusing mine. I make diffuser blends and store in them so they’re ready to use, especially during sick season. I also make and store deodorant blends in them so all that my family has to do is add a base and so many drops of the premade blend. I store my homemade moisturizer body oil blends in them.

    reply to comment
  21. Jane says

    May 11, 2015 at 8:22 am

    I use the bottles on mini bottle trees!

    reply to comment
  22. Dianna says

    May 14, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    Want to thank you Jill for sharing with us, you are such a busy little bee. I seem to have a lot of the same interest, however I’m not so lucky, I don’t live in the country. Miss the milk and cream and all the different meats and huge garden. I was so happy to get your recipe for homemade sausage. I’m sure after making yours I’ll fiddle around with it and try some different spices.
    Thanks again and keep up the excellent work!!
    Dianna

    reply to comment
  23. Robin Schick says

    May 17, 2015 at 7:33 am

    gotoilsupplies.com is a great resource for spray tops and accessories. Great customer service.

    reply to comment
  24. Lizzette says

    August 14, 2016 at 5:13 pm

    Thanks the ideas are great! Love the idea of purchasing roller bottle tops and using a spare of oils just for travel purposes.

    reply to comment
  25. Antonika Chanel says

    September 17, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    I have searched the internet for those rollerball tops that fit the 15ml bottles. its seems that every other size exist except the 15ml. I see you have them in a photo shown. I’ve been to the link you suggested but can not find that size. I’ve seen them on amazon but since I first purchased them the price has doubled. Can you make any specific recommendations to size. BTW I love your website and your contribution to the world.

    reply to comment
    • Jill Winger says

      September 27, 2016 at 11:40 am

      Thanks Antonika! I bought the roller tops a while ago– they fit the 15 mL bottles and I did get them on Amazon. Sorry to not have more info for you.

      reply to comment
    • Debra Storey says

      October 16, 2016 at 10:02 am

      I found these on Amazon. I’ve never used them, so this isn’t a recommendation. ?
      https://smile.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Roller-Inserts-Bottles/dp/B01AMELDNG/ref=sr_1_35_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1476633548&sr=8-35&keywords=essential+oil+roller+ball

      reply to comment
    • Kit says

      October 21, 2017 at 7:21 pm

      Two sites that sell roller and spray tops was mentioned in a post above

      reply to comment
  26. Robyn L. Lamb says

    December 19, 2016 at 9:30 am

    How can I keep new labels on my bottles from slipping off…..I wanted to give as gifts using recycled bottles bur my labels come off or writing runs/fades…help needed….

    reply to comment
    • Jill Winger says

      December 20, 2016 at 2:17 pm

      Sounds like there might be residue left on the bottles from the old labels or oil?

      reply to comment
    • Jeanette Christine Nunez says

      October 4, 2018 at 11:23 pm

      I cover them with a piece of clear packing tape.

      reply to comment
  27. Kit says

    October 21, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    I open the empties and float them in my diffuser. Cleans them out too

    reply to comment
  28. Julie Wedergren says

    October 26, 2017 at 11:30 pm

    You can put a cotton ball in the bottle and when it’s all soaked up you put the cotton ball in your trash can.

    reply to comment
    • Jenifer says

      April 6, 2018 at 5:07 am

      I do the same thing, but I put the cotton ball in the vent of my truck. Now I’m driving in citrusy heaven.

      reply to comment
  29. Barbara says

    January 7, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    Thank you so much. I have been interested in learning about essential oils, their uses for congestion, digestion, etc. I had not thought about many of the points that were addressed in this article. It is great timing for me because I have just begun to buy oils and bottles. We will be traveling Jan 15 thru April 15 so I will use your travel box idea for certain.
    Thank you for sharing your ideas.

    reply to comment

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