Ways to Upcycle Essential Oil Bottles

Essential oil bottles are not only great for storing and using your favorite oils, but they can also be upcycled in an array of creative ways. Upcycling is a sustainable way to reuse items and reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. It’s also an excellent opportunity to get creative and make something new out of what you already have. In this article, you will learn how to clean and upcycle essential oil bottles so you can enjoy them in new, innovative ways. From creating essential oil blends to mini pillow sprays to using them as small vases, you’ll find many environmentally friendly ways to repurpose your essential oil bottles. 

How To Clean Your Essential Oil Bottles

Cleaning your essential oil bottles is a vital part of upcycling them for reuse. With the right techniques, you can easily remove any residue and restore the bottle to its original condition. Here’s how to clean your essential oils bottles:

1.  Start by removing all labels from the bottle and soaking it in warm water mixed with a mild dish soap or natural cleaning solution. This will help to break down any oils on the surface of the bottle.
2. Next, use an old toothbrush or a bottle brush to scrub away any remaining residue on the inside of the bottle. Make sure to get into all those hard-to-reach places!
3.  Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse out the bottle with warm water until it’s clean and free of residue.
4.  To dry off your essential oil bottle, either let it air dry or use a clean cloth to pat down any remaining dampness.

Ways To Reuse Your Essential Oil Bottles

Creating a roller bottle from a used essential oil bottle is a great way to upcycle and get creative with your essential oils. It also allows you to make custom blends that are easy to apply and take with you on-the-go. When selecting a roller top for your essential oil bottle, it’s important to make sure the top is compatible with the neck of the bottle. You can purchase metal or glass rollers online or in most health stores. Once you have chosen your roller top, it’s time to add your essential oils.

To add your essential oils to the roller bottle, start by pouring 2 teaspoons of carrier oil, into the bottom of a 10ml bottle. Carrier oils help dilute concentrated essential oils so they can be safely applied topically on skin without irritation. Some popular carrier oils include jojoba oil, argan oil, and rosehip oil. Then add 10-15 drops of desired essential oils into the roller bottle and shake until everything is mixed together evenly. 

Finally, secure your chosen roller top onto your bottle and label it with its contents so you know exactly what blend you have created. Check out this roll-on recipe for more ideas. Be sure to shake the bottle before each use and to always conduct a patch test on your skin before applying it to a larger area to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction. 

Using recycled essential oil bottles as small vases is a great way to upcycle them and add a touch of nature to any home. You can then start by removing any labels or residue that may be on the bottle. Once the bottle is clean, fill it about three-quarters of the way with lukewarm water. Then place the single flower or small bouquet inside the bottle and adjust until you find an arrangement you like.

If you’re planning on creating multiple vases, consider adding unique touches such as ribbons or twine around each bottle’s neck. You can also attach decorative tags with notes such as “Welcome Home” for special occasions. To further personalize your vases, consider painting designs onto them prior to filling with water and flowers.

Making an essential oil blend is another great way to upcycle essential oil bottles. Essential oil blends are made by combining two or more different essential oils together in one bottle. Blends can be tailored to whatever you need, whether it’s an energizing morning blend or a calming night blend. They can also be used in diffusers. When creating your own blends, it’s important to remember to give the bottle a shake before each use as the oils tend to separate over time. Additionally, if you plan to use the blend on your skin, be sure to combine it with a carrier oil. Take a look at this article for some blend recipes.

Essential oil pillow sprays can also be made using recycled essential oil bottles. To make a pillow spray, combine 15 drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil with distilled water in a 10mL upcycled essential oil bottle and shake well before use. Find a spray nozzle that securely fits your bottle and screw it on tightly. Spray this on pillows before bedtime for a relaxing scent that will help induce restful sleep. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.

Because essential oil bottles are small, they are perfect for traveling. Use your empty essential oil bottles to transport your favorite carrier oils (such as jojoba or argan oil), so you can bring along just enough for the trip with no extra waste afterwards. To make your own travel-size carrier oil, fill the bottle halfway with your favorite carrier oil and top off with 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil blend – this might include lavender, rosemary or patchouli depending on preference and purpose (e.g., relaxation vs invigoration). Shake well before each use and enjoy!

Closing Thoughts

All of these essential oil bottle upcycle ideas also make great gifts, so consider keeping your essential oil bottles throughout the year and using them to make personalized and sustainable gifts for the holidays, birthdays, and more. To learn more about how you can use essential oils, take a look at this article: Spring Cleaning Hacks Using Essential Oils.