Creative Ways To Reuse And Repurpose Old Cologne Bottles

So you've just finished your last spritz of cologne – what now? It can be tempting to toss the bottle in the trash, but there are plenty of ways to recycle or repurpose it for the benefit of both you and the planet. Many cologne bottles have intricate and beautiful designs, making them perfect for reuse. From creating a unique display to crafting a DIY room spray, there are numerous ways to give your old cologne bottle a new lease of life.

Sell or donate them

If you're looking to part with your cologne bottles, selling or donating them is a great way to go about it. Not only will you be giving them a new lease of life, but you might even make some money in the process.

Selling Cologne Bottles

Before selling your cologne bottles, it's important to give them a good clean. Remove the nozzle and any remaining cologne, then wash the bottle with hot water and vinegar. You can also use dish detergent and a bottle brush to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. Once cleaned, dry the bottle in bright sunlight.

Now that your bottles are clean, you can start thinking about selling them. If you have rare or ornate bottles, consider listing them on auction sites like eBay or uBid, where you can often fetch up to $100 per bottle. You can also try your luck on sites like Etsy, which cater to collectors and crafters looking for interesting bottles. If you have multiple bottles to sell, creating a virtual shop on Etsy might be a good idea.

Another option is to post your bottles on free online marketplaces like Craigslist or Freecycle. When using these sites, be sure to follow safety precautions and avoid including personal information in your listings.

Donating Cologne Bottles

If you'd prefer to donate your cologne bottles, the Salvation Army is a great option. They accept full or partially-full perfume atomizers, which can be dropped off at local collection centers. It's worth noting that some resale shops, like Goodwill, do not accept fragrances or fragrance bottles.

So, whether you're looking to make a quick buck or simply pass on your cologne bottles to someone who will appreciate them, selling or donating them is a great option. You'll be reducing waste and giving your bottles a new purpose.

Use as a vase

Old cologne bottles can be reused in many ways, one of which is to use them as a vase. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Cleaning

First, you need to clean the cologne bottle thoroughly to remove any traces of the scent. Rinse the bottle with hot water a few times, then use warm white vinegar to eliminate any remaining odour. Finally, wash the bottle with dish detergent and allow it to dry in the sun.

Removing the Labels

To remove any labels from the outside of the bottle, use soap or a product like Goo Gone to get rid of any residue left by the adhesive.

Adding Flowers or Plants

Once your bottle is clean and dry, you can add some water and pop in a few flowers or trimmings from plants. Perfume bottles are perfect for displaying single stems or a small bunch of wildflowers. You could also add some stones or soil and use the bottle as a mini planter for small seedlings or succulents.

Customisation

There are many ways to customise your new vase. You could add some twine or ribbon, or paint the bottle a solid colour like gold. Alternatively, you could add a mixture of Mod Podge and food colouring to the inside of the bottle to change the colour of the glass.

Displaying Your Vase

Perfume bottles look great in a group, so try lining a few up on your window ledge or placing them on a vanity or dresser. They also make beautiful centrepieces for a wedding or party, especially when combined with nearby candles or string lights.

Make a candle holder

Old cologne bottles can be reused in many ways, one of which is to make a candle holder. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

Step 1: Sourcing the Right Bottle

Firstly, you need to find a cologne bottle with a 3/4-inch mouth. The bottle should be cleaned and rinsed before being reused. If you don't have any old cologne bottles, you can always order empty ones.

Step 2: Sizing the Candle

Before placing the candle inside the bottle, it is important to ensure that it fits well. Adding a candle that is too big will make the bottle top-heavy and cause it to topple over. To avoid this, you can break or cut the candle to the appropriate size. Insert the candle upside down (with the wick inside the bottle) to find the right thickness, and then break it a bit lower than that point. You can also use scissors or a knife to shape the top of the candle.

Step 3: Inserting the Candle

Once you have the right size, wedge the candle into the bottle opening. You can light the candle once it is secure and you are sure it won't fall out.

Step 4: Dealing with Wax Dripping

Wax will likely drip down the sides of the bottle and onto the surface it is placed on. To avoid a mess, it is recommended to set the bottle on a plate or another base to catch the wax.

Step 5: Creative Ideas

You can cluster a few of these candle holders together to create a charming centerpiece for your dining table or add different coloured taper candles to create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. These candle holders can also be used for events like weddings or banquets.

Turn into a reed diffuser

If you want to turn your old cologne bottle into a reed diffuser, the first step is to clean it out. Once you've done that, you can start to get creative. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Find a base oil: You can use any light oil, such as sweet almond, safflower, or grapeseed oil. This will be the carrier oil for your diffuser.
• Add essential oils: Choose your favourite essential oils and add 15-20 drops to your base oil. You can experiment with different combinations and scents to create a unique fragrance.
• Include alcohol: Add a small amount of vodka or rubbing alcohol (around 1 teaspoon) to help preserve your fragrance.
• Optional: Flower water: If you want to include a hint of a more expensive scent, add a teaspoon of flower water. For example, neroli water can give a touch of luxury without the high price tag.
• Mix the ingredients: Use a funnel to pour the oils, alcohol, and flower water (if using) into your clean cologne bottle. Swirl the bottle to combine the ingredients.
• Insert the reeds: Place the reeds into the oil and turn them after 10 minutes. Remember to turn the reeds once a week to boost the scent.

You can also try using your cologne as a reed diffuser by simply spraying it directly into the bottle and inserting the reeds. However, this method may not provide the desired concentration and may be too strong. Adjusting the amount of cologne and adding a carrier oil, such as glycerine, can help to find the right strength for your room.

Create a mini planter

If you're looking to upcycle your old cologne bottles, creating a mini planter is a cute, creative, and super unique idea. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you transform your old cologne bottles into beautiful planters:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Bottle

Select a cologne bottle that has enough room to host the soil and provide the necessary space for your chosen plant to thrive. Ensure that the bottle is made of glass, as plastic bottles may not be as suitable for this purpose.

Step 2: Cleaning the Bottle

Before you begin the transformation process, thoroughly clean the cologne bottle to remove any traces of the fragrance. This step is crucial, as it will prevent the strong scent from overpowering your plant.

Step 3: Preparing the Bottle

Remove any metal spray components or pumps from the bottle. You can use jewellery pliers and wire cutters for this step. Be cautious when handling these tools to avoid injury. Once the bottle is free of metal parts, ensure that the lid fits securely.

Step 4: Adding the Soil

Gather the appropriate type of soil for your chosen plant. You can use a funnel to guide the soil into the bottle, creating a layer deep enough to support the plant's roots and allow for growth. Leave some space at the top of the bottle, about 1 inch, to facilitate watering.

Step 5: Selecting and Planting

Choose small plants or herbs that will fit well within the bottle. Succulents or small herbs like basil or thyme are excellent options. Gently remove the plant from its original pot and loosen the root ball, taking care not to damage the roots. Carefully place the plant inside the bottle, positioning it securely within the soil.

Step 6: Watering and Care

Water your new mini planter carefully, as there is no drainage hole. Use a slow stream of water directed against the inside of the bottle, rotating it to ensure even moisture distribution. Allow the plant to acclimate to its new home and provide bright, indirect sunlight.

Additional Tips:

• Get creative with your new mini planter! Decorate the bottle with paint, twine, or other craft materials to give it a unique look.
• Consider grouping several mini planters together to create a charming display on a windowsill or shelf.
• You can also transform your old cologne bottles into reed diffusers, candle holders, vases, or even terrariums.

Frequently asked questions