Don't Toss Empty Essential Oil Bottles - Here Are 10 Ways To Repurpose Them At Home

If essential oils are a staple in your daily routine, chances are you're sitting on a sizeable collection of tiny glass bottles. Before you throw these bottles away, consider giving them a new lease on life. These little containers are often made of sturdy amber or cobalt glass, designed to be leakproof, preserve potency, and protect the contents from UV light exposure and oxidation. There are countless ways to repurpose them instead of letting them go to waste, from pillow misters and linen sprays to DIY reed diffusers to non-toxic mosquito repellents. You can even use them to store spices and small essentials around your home. These little bottles can be surprisingly versatile, and we have all kinds of ingenious ways to upcycle them and make use of every container. 

As you prepare your essential oil bottles for reuse, it's important to remove and clean the plastic insert attached to the lid. This little insert, called an orifice reducer, controls the flow of the liquid inside and reduces it to just one drop at a time. As you use up the contents in the bottle, the orifice reducer may deteriorate or become damaged. The interior of the bottle may be coated in sticky, stubborn residue, which you can remove by soaking it in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes. For extra cleaning power, you may choose to add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Keep in mind that even after thorough cleaning, small traces of the original contents may remain in the bottle. Consider this carefully while you're deciding how to reuse it and for what purpose.

Use an empty essential oil bottle as a vessel to DIY your own reed diffuser at home. For this, you will need a bundle of rattan or bamboo skewers, like these Nongcunren Natural Rattan Wood Reed Diffuser Sticks, a carrier oil such as grapeseed, sweet almond, or safflower oil, and a few drops of your preferred essential oil for the scent. You could use the last few drops of oil in your bottle or clean it thoroughly and refill it with a different oil and reed diffuser ingredients. It will instantly infuse your home with a lovely natural scent. 

Create a decorative mini flower vase for your bookshelf, window sill, or bathroom countertop, using your empty essential oil bottle as a vase. Clean the bottle thoroughly with mild soap, fill it with a small amount of water, pluck a few wild flowers or stems from your garden, and place them inside. For a more low-maintenance option, use faux blooms or dried flowers such as lavender, eucalyptus, or baby's breath. Spruce up the essential oil bottle by wrapping it with twine or a strip of burlap fabric. 

Use a clean essential oil bottle to store dried herbs, homemade seasoning blends, and spices on your kitchen shelves in a way that is both practical and visually appealing. It's important to clean and sterilize the bottle properly to avoid ingesting any leftover residue from the essential oil. For this, you will need a good solvent, such as high-proof vodka, to remove the sticky residue and prepare it for reuse. If you struggle to get it clean, do not reuse the bottle for this purpose. 

Transform an essential oil bottle into a handy miniature spray for your bedroom and linens to help keep your sheets smelling fresh. This works particularly well to maximize those last few drops of oil in your bottle. With your leftover essential oil or preferred scent in the bottle, fill it halfway with witch hazel to enhance the aroma, and fill the rest with distilled water. Shake the contents thoroughly and add some dried flowers if desired. Be sure to purchase a spray bottle lid that is compatible with the size of your bottle. 

If you have several amber essential oil bottles lying around, make a unique DIY lighting feature for your home or garden. Remove the orifice reducers from each bottle and cut a single slice into each, starting from the center to the edge. Grab a basic set of holiday string lights and slide the orifice onto the wire to fit snugly just above the bulb. Grab your bottle and pop the bulb inside of it, creating a mini hanging lantern. Ensure that the orifice is securely attached, and repeat the steps until your DIY bottle light is complete.

Use your essential oil bottle as a convenient roll-on perfume for your bedroom vanity. If you're an essential oil connoisseur, combine several to create a fragrant blend; ylang ylang, geranium, jasmine, and vanilla are popular sweet-smelling choices. Combine the essential oils in your bottle in equal amounts and set aside for several hours to allow the scents to meld. Add a carrier oil that is gentle on the skin, such as jojoba oil, and install your roller ball and lid. Alternatively, make a pain-relief roller with anti-inflammatory essential oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint.

Of the many common essential oils that people use to repel mosquitoes, only some are scientifically proven to work. Essential oils like cinnamon, sweet basil, and clove are among the most effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay. If you're looking for natural alternatives to store-bought repellent for your yard, consider adding one or more of these oils into your empty bottle, as well as witch hazel and distilled water or apple cider vinegar for additional mosquito-deterring power. Screw on a spray bottle lid, and your DIY repellent is ready for use. 

Your empty essential oil container can be easily repurposed into a DIY serum dropper for the bathroom. While there are many essential oils with healing and moisturizing properties, some of the most commonly used for skin care are jojoba, rosehip, Vitamin E, neroli, and calendula. Take time to research which essential oils work best for your specific concerns. For thick, lustrous locks, consider using natural oils such as rosemary, castor, and black seed oil, which are among the top natural remedies for hair growth, thickness, and shine. Purchase a serum dropper lid and apply it daily. 

Though not nearly as creative as DIY potions, twinkle lights, and flower arrangements, this upcycle idea boasts utility and function. Clean and sanitize your empty essential oil bottle, remove the label, and ensure it is fully dry. Use it as a DIY storage container for your small essentials, such as Q-tips, toothpicks, bobby pins, and floss picks. Leave the bottle on your countertop for easy and convenient access. Alternatively, you may fill the empty bottle with your favorite epsom salts or exfoliating scrub and set it next to the tub for your next at-home spa day.

Though most essential oil bottles are made of amber glass, some blends and tinctures come in clear glass bottles. These make charming pendants for DIY decor, which you can fill with miniature crystals and stones like amethyst or rose quartz. Another fun idea is to fill it with bits of seaglass or sand from your vacation. Top it with a makeshift cork, seal it with hot glue, and use wire to make a loop for the chain. Hang your cute new decoration on an interior door handle or over a drawer pull.