If you're like me, you don't like to waste. So when you enjoy herbal preparations in your daily life, you're sure to get a bunch of perfect containers that you can still use. But how do you make sure they're clean enough to be reused, and how do you keep getting them to be used again and again? We've put together our staff tips and tricks to help you keep those bottles flowing.
How to Clean and Reuse Glass Bottles and Metal Containers
The following methods are mainly used for cleaning:
Glass bottle with dropper top (tincture bottle)
glass bottle with mr top
Glass bottle with screw cap
Glass bottle with therapy pump
essential oil bottle
roller bottle
cork top bottle
metal can
Repeat the cleaning process for glass and plastic containers. Soapy water helps remove glue, stickers and labels, while a wire brush cleans the inside of the container.
prepare your container
We all know the importance of labeling homemade medicines and ingredients, so when reusing bottles, you'll want to make sure to remove old labels to clear up any confusion.
If possible, remove the label by hand. If it doesn't come off like a piece or two, you'll need to soak the bottle in warm water to loosen them.
Rinse each bottle first, then fill it with lukewarm water, and put the cap on. Soaking the bottle with the lid will keep confetti and glue residue from getting into the bottle. Fill them with water to keep them from sloshing around.
Put them in a pot full of warm water and let sit for about five minutes. Some may take longer than others.
Rub the label with your thumb and/or fingernail and the label will start to roll off.
If there is some glue left, no need to re-soak - we have another life hack to share! This product from DIY Natural is brilliant and requires simple ingredients: baking soda, coconut oil, and orange essential oil (though I love lemon oil too!).
Fill the bottle with water and prepare for the cleaning step.
Various containers are cleaned and ready to be reused and repurposed. Glass containers, roll-on bottles, spice jars, metal jars and droppers.
Glass and Metal Cleaning Process
Now that your labels and glue are completely removed, you can start cleaning the inside.
Disassemble all parts of the container. Note that for dropper bottles you will need to separate the glass tube from the dropper cap, and for spray and pump bottles you will need to pull out the plastic tube.
Fill a pot or basin with hot, soapy water and place the container pieces in it.
Soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
If possible, scrub each piece with a small brush.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
For the atomizer and treatment pump top, reassemble the parts and pump clean water through the tubing to make sure all the soapy water comes out of the nooks and crannies.
If you want to sterilize the bottle further, you can place a clean bottle and glass dropper (without rubber) in a pot and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Dry in a clean environment.