November 19, 2018
Glass Spray Bottles: What’s the Big Deal?
If you have spent any time on my blog or social media accounts, you may have noticed that I love using DIY cleaners. Throughout the years that I have been concocting and making my own cleaners, one thing that hasn’t changed is my love for glass spray bottles. On the fence about using glass spray bottles and wondering just why you should make the switch from plastic to glass? Keep reading.
Longevity and Safety:
Plastic is composed of a number of chemicals, most of which are hard to pronounce. When certain ingredients come in to contact with plastic, it can cause the plastic to break down and infiltrate the contents of the container. Using essential oils in your cleaning supplies can add a lovely, non-irritating scent to your home, but they can also permeate whatever container they are in. Glass does not react with any DIY cleaning ingredients or essential oils so you can always be assured of that. While not every DIY cleaner stored in plastic will have adverse effects, there are enough of them that can so I steer away from using plastic whenever I can.
Durability:
Perhaps the biggest misconception about glass spray bottles is that they are fragile. People are worried that they are going to shatter if bumped or dropped. Can glass bottles be fragile and highly breakable? The short answer to that is yes they can be if they aren’t made of high quality, thick glass. There is a big difference in quality from one brand to the other. I worked hard to source the best glass bottle option I could find and offer in my shop. I have used, refilled and washed my glass spray bottles literally hundreds of time. I have even dropped them on wood and tile floor and have yet to break one. If you are going to use glass spray bottles, be sure to use a durable and thick one like this one. I don’t hesitate to let my kids use them when they are helping me clean and am happy to report no breakage from them handling them either.
Cost:
If you look in the cleaning supply aisle at Target, Walmart or your local grocery store, you are bound to see some plastic spray bottle options out there. They may be made of a soft, flexible plastic or a more rigid plastic. While the low price can certainly be appealing in the moment, they simply aren’t made for longevity. While you may initially spend less up front, you will most likely be replacing them significantly sooner and several times over. Glass can literally last years with the proper care while plastic is just not designed to do so.
Sprayer:
Not all sprayers are created equal. I searched for months before finally finding the sprayer that is on all the Clean Mama spray bottles. It sturdy, feels good to hold in your hand – I find that most sprayers aren’t comfortable to hold because the plastic cuts into my hand. My sprayer does not – it’s smooth and easy to use. It also has a spray, stream, and off to choose from – I like spray for large surfaces and stream for tighter spaces.
Interested in checking out my favorite, most often used glass spray bottle? This is it!
This is one of my newest additions to my shop: Clean Mama’s Make Your Own Cleaner Spray Bottle
Four of my favorite DIY cleaner recipes are printed directly on the bottle to make whipping up your own cleaners a breeze.
Do you use glass spray bottles? Any questions about using them? Go here to see all the posts I’ve written about DIY cleaning recipes if you’re looking to try a recipe out for yourself!
Carol A Harris Says
Will your sprayer top fit on my glass spray bottle from The Grove ? I dropped it and the glass didn’t break but the sprayer top did ! So annoying.
b r Says
Post authorI am not sure – I don’t have any Grove bottles to test it on.
Mary Says
I wish I could safely use glass bottle. However, I have. Become klutzy. I would drop them, they break and the. I have a mess to clean up. Also it would not work with my grand’s.
Greta Says
Would love to know if you are planning to sell any 20 ounce bottles. I make your lavender lemon bathroom disinfecting spray and it needs a 20 oz bottle. What do you have that you use?
Leilani Says
What about the tube to bring the liquid up to the nozzle, is that glass, too?
b r Says
Post authorNo, that’s plastic. I have never seen a glass tube 🙂
Tiffany Says
where do you get your sprayers?
b r Says
Post authorI sell them in my shop 🙂
SHELLEY Says
my main issue with using glass is the weight. my arthritis is really affecting my grip, especially as the day wears on. when you add the liquid weight to the weight of the bottle, then have to squeeze as well, it’s pretty much impossible. and i do not like using disposable woes, such a waste to me. I’m a caregiver to aperson in my home and have to respond quickly and often woken out of sleep.
Alix Says
Is it safe to keep DIY cleaners that contain essential oils in clear glass, or should blue or amber bottles be used?
b r Says
Post authorClear glass is great, which is why I recommend it 🙂
Bb Says
What brand of essential oils do you use? There are so many out there!
b r Says
Post authorPlant Therapy and doTERRA – I sell Plant Therapy here:
https://cleanmamahome.net/collections/essential-oils
Jacqueline Says
I have a question about your sprayers. I bought a bunch of plastic bottles and the sprayers haven’t even lasted a year before just not working. I’ve cleaned them, rinsed really well with hot water to work out any possible clogs but they still just stop functioning properly. I bought two of your glass bottles and the sprayer, so far, seems to work (noticeably) better. Have you had any issues with the sprayers you sell? I may eventually switch over to your Make your own glass bottles but still nervous about the glass.
Clean Mama Says
Post authorI haven’t had ANY issues with the sprayers or the glass bottles 🙂
Parrish in Alabama Says
Becky, I am glad to here that breakage has not been an issue for you. That has been my main concern, especially while cleaning in the bathroom where ceramic tile happens to be in our home and old cast iron tub, etc. I especially like the longevity and the look of glass bottles… they just feel nostalgic. And as you say, cleaning can be cute & fun…. I think I will make the switch! Thanks for the content!
Constance Says
In using the glass bottles, how long does the DIY cleaner last?
Clean Mama Says
Post author2 weeks to a month!
Janet Miller Says
Are these bottles safe to use to spray food with water or oil in cooking? I emailed the question and didn’t get a response.
Thank you!
Clean Mama Says
Post authorI respond to all emails – maybe it went to spam 🙁 Yes, just wash them first and use soapy water to run through the sprayer.