Eight convenient and economical uses for empty spray bottles

These days, we all need to find ways to save money on our everyday expenses. If
you're still buying commercially manufactured products like window cleaner and a
ir fresheners, you know how these items tack on the dollars at the checkout. It'
s time for some innovative thinking. There are several household products and ki
tchen helpers you can make yourself, for pennies on the dollar when compared wit
h the commercial equivalent. All you need are some inexpensive empty spray bottl
es, available at any drugstore for about a dollar and a few ingredients you may
already have in your pantry or bathroom cabinet.
1.Instead of buying window cleaner, here's a home made cleaner that actually doe
s a better job. Fill your empty spray bottle about one third full of white vineg
ar, then fill the remainder with plain water. Shake and spray. Use newspaper to
wipe the window to a streak free finish!
2.For a custom room air freshener, pick up a vial or two of your favorite essent
ial oil fragrances at your local herb shop. Fill the empty spray bottle with pla
in water and add just a few drops of the essential oil. Shake well before each u
se, as oil and water don't mix well. Shaking vigorously will cause the oil to be
dispersed in tiny bubbles, giving you a fragrant spray that won't leave an oily
film. Essential oils come in many fragrances. Lavender is relaxing. Rose oil is
perfect for the bathroom. Cinnamon provides a spicy scent, as does clove oil. E
ssential oil fresheners should always be kept out of reach of children!
3.Those cans of cooking spray are not only expensive, but add to air pollution.
Make your own, better and much cheaper! Fill an empty spray bottle with olive oi
l and coat your pan before you put it on the burner. You'll use very little, no
measuring is required and you've got a handy, economical cooking spray that last
s for months! Store this in the frig.
4.Combine olive oil and red wine vinegar in a 4:1 ratio in one of your empty spr
ay bottles for a basic vinaigrette salad dressing. If you like, you can add a fr
esh sprig of the herb of your choice to infuse your salad dressing with extra fl
avor. A half teaspoon of fresh minced garlic is another nice addition. This spra
y vinaigrette allows you to avoid an overdressed, soggy salad. A few light spray
s is all you need for a perfectly dressed salad.
5.Here's a great way to make your own hand cleaner for the kitchen and bathroom.
Fill that empty spray bottle with a 50-50 solution of 2% hydrogen peroxide and
water. Shake before using to spray your hands, then rub your palms together bris
kly. Use a drop of dish washing detergent and suds up. Rub your sudsy hands over
the bottle and rinse hands and the bottle with hot water. No more worries of tr
ansferring bacteria to other surfaces after handling raw meat or eggs.
6.For a refreshing massage for sore muscles, try plain 70% rubbing alcohol. Fill
your spray bottle and spray over the affected area and rub briskly. Do not use
this on your face! Do keep this out of reach of children. This mixture is also g
ood for disinfecting minor cuts.
7.Commercial massage oils are quite the pricey item! Make your own with jojoba o
il and a few drops of essential oils, both available at herb shops. Jojoba oil p
enetrates the skin, making it softer and does not abrade the skin.
8.Our last idea for your empty spray bottles? Make your own after shave astringe
nt, filling the bottle with witch hazel lotion, available at any drugstore for a
bout a dollar. Witch hazel has a nice fragrance, closes the pores and doesn't bu
rn, as most commercial after shaves do.
Depending on your personal household needs, you may think of many more uses for
empty spray bottles. When you start adding up the savings, these are smart solut
ions!