Using Glass Spray Bottles for Cleaning
Why should you try using glass spray bottles for cleaning? There are so many reasons. Years ago I made the switch to using ONLY glass bottles for cleaning recipes in my home and haven’t looked back since.
I also made the switch to DIY cleaning recipes using more natural ingredients. If natural cleaning is something you’re also interested in, I encourage you to grab a free copy of my Free Green Cleaning Checklist . It’s a guide that will help you get started and on your way to a more naturally clean home.
Glass vs. Plastic
The most common materials used for cleaning spray bottles are glass and plastic. Occasionally you will see a stainless steel option, but that’s less common. If you’re trying to decide between investing in glass spray bottles for cleaning or saving with plastic spray bottles, first take a look at the pros and cons of each below.
Cost
Upon initial purchase, plastic spray bottles are definitely the more cost-effective option. You can find plastic spray bottles at places like dollar stores VERY inexpensively.
However it’s worth considering the fact that plastic bottles (especially those sold at dollar stores) are simply lower quality and not nearly as long-lasting as well-made glass bottles.
I purchased my amber glass spray bottles 5 years ago and have not had any need to replace a single bottle. On average, a pack of two quality glass spray bottles costs around $20. That means over the course of 5 years my glass bottles have cost me around $2 per bottle per year.
In another 5 years, I’ll have spent the same amount I would have by purchasing new dollar store plastic bottles every year (and I anticipate using mine beyond 10 years) – without generating all of the plastic waste!
Sustainability
Speaking of plastic waste… when it comes to the more sustainable or eco-friendly option for cleaning spray bottles, glass is easily the better choice. As I mentioned above, the quality of plastic used in spray bottles will degrade over time while glass can be used over and over again so long as the bottle is still intact.
Additionally, once your bottle has reached the end of its usable life, glass can be recycled repeatedly, indefinitely (here are some helpful tips for how to properly recycle glass). Plastic can only be recycled a handful of times before it is no longer recyclable and instead is sent to a landfill.
Durability
But won’t glass bottles break more easily than plastic? Yes… if they are poor quality. These are the glass spray bottles I have been using for years without any issues. It’s worth it to invest in a good set of glass spray bottles that will withstand the test of time.
If you invest in quality glass bottles, they can absolutely last you longer than any plastic bottle will. And with glass there is no concern of bottle material tampering with the quality of your cleaning ingredients over time.
Preservation of the Quality of Cleaning Ingredients
When plastic bottles are in frequent contact with certain cleaning ingredients, the plastic material will break down and infiltrate the bottle’s contents.
Additionally, if you like to use essential oils in your cleaning solutions, they can permeate plastic containers. With glass, you don’t have to worry about either of these issues!
One thing worth mentioning is the benefit of amber glass vs clear glass as a cleaning container. Ingredients like certain essential oils or hydrogen peroxide degrade when exposed to light. Amber glass will preserve the quality of these ingredients much longer than a clear glass bottle might, depending on where the bottle is stored.
Aesthetics
Would you rather clean with a mismatched collection of store-bought plastic spray bottles, or a uniform collection of amber glass spray bottles?
I like using this exercise analogy. Many fitness experts will recommend investing in quality workout attire that makes you feel good to workout in because it is motivational!
I think that attractive cleaning supplies are also motivational! I am FAR more likely to clean when using attractive cleaning tools and supplies.
To label my cleaning supplies, I use this inexpensive label maker. Nice labels keep things looking streamlined. Cleaning with pretty bottles always makes me feel better about doing household chores.
My Favorite Glass Cleaning Bottles
If you’re ready to invest in glass spray bottles for cleaning, these are the bottles I use and love. I have not had any issues with quality, the spray nozzle is comfortable, and they have been reliable in countless cleaning jobs.
- UV protection - heavy duty protection against degradation from ultraviolet light and keeps your essential oils safe plus the glass is not affected by strong oils like citrus.
- Great design fits in your hand but is large enough that you will not have to constantly refill. Looks great and is sturdy with a reliable squeeze trigger sprayer. Includes 2 caps and 4 labels.
- Reduce plastic chemicals in your house with a chemical free reusable food grade mister for all your professional and personal needs.
Interested in Natural and Sustainable Cleaning?
Also something worth mentioning for people who can not afford or do not want to spend the 20 dollars to try it out. Spray parts of old Plastic spray bottles fit on some glass bottles like some likeur bottles or other bottles with a twisting cap. So you can actually reuse those for the glass spray bottles. Especially if the plastic spray part is a nice quality one. So once your plastic spray bottles are empty just reuse the spray part and reuse a glass bottle. I have an old small glass bottle of lemonade.
That’s true and a fantastic tip – thanks for sharing!