How to Clean and Upcycle Bottles, Jars, & Other Empty Containers

by Lindsay Chandler

Bottles, jars, and other empty containers are not only versatile but also environmentally friendly. Instead of throwing them away, you can easily clean and upcycle them into something useful. I want to share how to clean and upcycle your amber glass jars and spray bottle empties, and I have also included a simple DIY non-toxic room spray recipie. 

 

Cleaning Your Empty Amber Glass Jars and Spray Bottles:

  1. Rinse the container with warm water. Make sure to remove any remaining product residue.
  2. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
  3. Place the container in the water and use a scrub brush or sponge to clean the inside and outside of the container.
  4. Rinse the container with warm water to remove any soap residue.
  5. Allow the container to air dry.

Upcycling Your Empty Amber Glass Jars and Spray Bottles:

  1. Use 1 oz amber glass jars to store small items such as jewelry, spices, or lip balm.
  2. Use 1 oz spray bottles to create DIY room sprays, perfume, or to store hand sanitizer.
  3. Decorate the containers with stickers or paint to create a personalized look.
  4. Use the containers for travel-sized toiletries or as a container for homemade beauty products such as lotions or balms.

DIY Non-Toxic Room Spray Recipe Now that you have cleaned and upcycled your 1 oz amber glass spray bottle, you can use it to create a non-toxic room spray that is safe for your home and the environment. Here's how:

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz amber glass spray bottle
  • 1/2 cup distilled water
  • 1/2 cup witch hazel
  • 10-15 drops of essential oil (lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or your preferred scent)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix together the distilled water and witch hazel.
  2. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to the mixture and stir.
  3. Using a funnel, pour the mixture into the 1 oz amber glass spray bottle.
  4. Shake the bottle well before each use and spray around the room as desired.

Cleaning and upcycling your empty amber jars and spray bottles is an easy and eco-friendly way to reduce waste and create something useful. With a little creativity, these containers can be repurposed into personalized home decor, storage containers, and even travel-sized toiletries. And with the DIY non-toxic room spray recipe, you can enjoy a fresh and clean scent in your home without using harsh chemicals.

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