Creative Ways To Reuse Old Cologne Spritzers

There are many ways to repurpose old cologne spritzers, from upcycling the bottle to reusing the fragrance. Old cologne bottles can be used as decorations, reed diffusers, tiny planters, vases, or even candle holders. Some people fill the bottles with coloured water, paper mache, or glitter to create a fun art project. If you're looking to reuse the cologne, you can spritz it on your bedding, lampshades, tissue paper, or fans to give them a pleasant scent. You can also use it as an air freshener, add it to your bath, or boil it on the stove to fill your home with fragrance. However, it's important to note that expired cologne may cause skin irritation or allergies, so it's best to use it for purposes other than direct skin application if it's past its shelf life.

Use as a reed diffuser

Using an old cologne spritzer as a reed diffuser is a great way to recycle your old perfume bottles and can be a fun DIY project. However, it's important to note that perfume is not designed to be used in a reed diffuser and may damage the diffuser and clog the reeds. Additionally, perfumes contain alcohol, which can evaporate quickly and leave an unpleasant smell in your home.

If you want to use your old cologne spritzer as a reed diffuser, it's best to use a fragrance oil designed for home use. You can also try experimenting with different combinations of essential oils to create a unique scent. Here are some steps you can follow to make your own reed diffuser using an old cologne spritzer:

• Find an old 200ml bottle, preferably amber, blue, or green to protect your oils from sunlight.
• Obtain the necessary oils: a base/carrier oil (such as sweet almond, safflower, or grapeseed), essential oils of your choice, and optionally, flower water.
• Gather the remaining materials: a teaspoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol (at least 90% alcohol) and wooden reeds.
• Combine the oils, alcohol, and flower water (if using) in the bottle. Use a funnel to pour the liquids into the bottle and swirl to combine.
• Drop the reeds into the oil mixture and turn them after 10 minutes. Remember to turn the reeds once a week to boost the scent.

When creating your own fragrance, take your time to experiment with different combinations. Try different ratios of oils and pay attention to how the scent changes. You can also add flower waters to include expensive oils without breaking the bank. For example, if you love the scent of neroli, add a small amount of neroli water instead of using pure neroli oil.

Remember to use your old cologne spritzer as a reed diffuser at your own risk, as it may not function as effectively as a store-bought reed diffuser due to the differences in fragrance formulation.

Make a room spray

Making a room spray is a great way to repurpose your old cologne spritzer. It's an easy process and can make for a great gift as well. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a room spray using an old cologne spritzer:

Step 1: Clean the Bottle

It is important to clean the bottle thoroughly to get rid of any residual cologne scent. Start by disassembling the bottle and removing the exterior cap and nozzle. Cut off the plastic valve and loosen the metal around the bottle's neck using a knife or a pair of sharp scissors. Rinse the bottle with hot water a few times to ensure it is clean. You can also use white vinegar and dish detergent to eliminate the scent. Dry the bottle in bright sunlight or use a canister of compressed air to speed up the drying process.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients and Work Area

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary ingredients and materials. You will need a clean spray bottle (preferably with a fine mist setting), distilled water, your old cologne, and a measuring cup. It is also recommended to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a chemical mask, to avoid skin and respiratory irritation. Cover your work area with a mat or kitchen towel to protect it from spills.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Pour distilled water into the measuring cup. The amount of water you use will depend on the size of your spray bottle. As a general guideline, use a ratio of 3-4 drops of cologne per 1/2 cup of water. You can also add a few drops of an unscented essential oil, such as jojoba oil, to enhance the scent. Mix the cologne and water in the measuring cup, then carefully pour the mixture into your spray bottle.

Step 4: Shake and Spray

Once you have added the mixture to the spray bottle, secure the pump and lid, and shake the bottle vigorously for about a minute. This will help combine the cologne and water, ensuring a consistent scent when sprayed. After shaking, your room spray is ready to use! Simply spray it into the centre of the room and enjoy the fresh scent.

Tips and Tricks:

• Allow the room spray to sit for 24-72 hours before use for maximum scent throw and to allow the cologne to bind effectively with the water.
• You can decorate the spray bottle and add a personalised label to make it look more appealing or to give it as a gift.
• Be cautious when handling the ingredients and using the spray, avoiding spraying near the face and keeping it out of the reach of children and pets.

Create a DIY Poopourri

If you have old cologne spritzers lying around, you can repurpose them to create a DIY Poopourri. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own poopourri at home:

Step 1: Disassemble and Clean the Spritzer Bottle

Start by removing the exterior cap and pulling out the nozzle. If your cologne bottle has a plastic valve, cut it off and loosen the metal around the bottle's neck using a knife or pliers. Discard the plastic and metal parts, as they cannot be recycled with the glass. Rinse the bottle with hot water, and if needed, use warm white vinegar to eliminate any strong residual scents. Finally, wash the bottle with dish detergent and let it dry in the sun.

Step 2: Gather Your Potpourri Ingredients

For your DIY Poopourri, you'll need a combination of dried ingredients, spices, and essential oils. You can use dried flowers, such as rose petals, lavender, or calendula, along with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. You can also add dried fruit peels, such as orange or lemon peel, or even dried apple or orange slices. If you want to get creative, you can include pine cones, cedar bark, or other natural ingredients that appeal to you.

Step 3: Prepare and Mix Your Ingredients

Ensure that all your ingredients are completely dry to prevent mould from forming. You can dry fresh ingredients in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) for a couple of hours. Once your ingredients are dry, assemble them in a bowl or jar. Add 5-8 drops of your chosen essential oil and toss the mixture gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Seal the container tightly and let it sit for several days to allow the fragrance to develop and intensify.

Step 4: Display and Use Your DIY Poopourri

After a few days, your DIY Poopourri should be ready to use. Display it in a decorative bowl, jar, or open container in your bathroom or any other room you wish to fragrance. You can also add a gift tag with instructions for use, such as pouring the poopourri into a pot of boiling water to fill the house with fragrance. Your DIY Poopourri should retain its scent for about 2 months, and you can revive it by adding a few more drops of essential oil when needed.

Use as a liquid soap/lotion dispenser

If you have an old cologne spritzer that you no longer want to use, you can repurpose it as a liquid soap or lotion dispenser. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Clean the Bottle

First, you'll need to clean your cologne bottle thoroughly. Remove the exterior cap and nozzle, and discard the nozzle if you don't plan on reusing it. Cut off any plastic encasing the metal with a sharp object, such as a knife or scissors, and gently wiggle the metal connector loose with the edge of a knife or pliers. Rinse the bottle with hot water a few times to ensure it's clean. You can also use white vinegar and dish detergent to eliminate any residual scent. Finally, dry the bottle in direct sunlight or with compressed air.

Step 2: Find a Suitable Pump

To turn your cologne bottle into a liquid soap or lotion dispenser, you'll need to find a pump mechanism that fits the bottle. You can purchase pumps specifically designed for soap or lotion dispensers online or at your local home goods store. Make sure the pump has a tube that reaches the bottom of the bottle.

Step 3: Fill the Bottle

Once you have your pump, it's time to fill your bottle with your choice of liquid soap or lotion. You can opt for a matching set of soap and lotion, or get creative and experiment with different colours and scents. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own liquid soap or lotion at home using natural ingredients.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

After filling the bottle, attach the pump securely. You can also decorate your new dispenser to match your bathroom or kitchen decor. Consider adding a label or some colourful ribbon to give it a personal touch.

Step 5: Enjoy Your New Dispenser

Now you can proudly display your repurposed cologne bottle in your home. Not only have you found a new use for an old item, but you've also created a unique and functional piece of decor that's sure to impress your guests.

Make a flower vase

There are many ways to recycle and repurpose old cologne spritzers and their bottles. Here is a guide on how to make a flower vase out of an old cologne bottle.

Step 1: Clean the Bottle

Before using the bottle as a vase, it is important to clean it thoroughly to remove any traces of the cologne. Start by disassembling the bottle by pulling off the nozzle and cutting off the plastic valve. Remove any metal around the bottle's neck using pliers or a knife. Once the bottle is disassembled, rinse it with hot water several times to remove any residual cologne. You can also use white vinegar and dish detergent to ensure the bottle is thoroughly cleaned. Dry the bottle in direct sunlight or use a canister of compressed air to speed up the drying process.

Step 2: Design and Customisation

Perfume and cologne bottles often have beautiful designs, colours, and accents that make them perfect for displaying natural elements like flowers. You can further customise the bottle by adding accents such as twine or ribbon wrapped around the neck of the bottle. If you prefer a more solid colour, you can paint the bottle with acrylic paint or create a faux-vintage look by mixing Mod Podge with food colouring and coating the inside of the bottle.

Step 3: Prepare the Flowers

Once your bottle is clean and customised to your liking, it's time to prepare the flowers. Remove any labels from the bottle and fill it with water. You can add a few drops of dish soap to the water to neutralise any lingering cologne scent. Cut the stems of the flowers at an angle to ensure maximum water absorption and place them in the bottle.

Step 4: Display Your Vase

Place your new vase on a windowsill, vanity, dresser, or dining table. These vases look especially charming when combined with nearby lights like candles or string lights. You can also group multiple vases together or fill them with succulents for a unique display.

Frequently asked questions