Plastic-Free Spray Bottles: Best Eco-Friendly Options
- Olga Shavrina
- Jan 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 17
Most household spray cleaners come in single-use plastic bottles that are thrown away long before they wear out. Switching to environmentally friendly spray bottles is one of the simplest ways to cut plastic waste at home.
A plastic-free spray bottle or non-plastic spray bottle made from durable glass can be reused for years, works just as well as conventional options, and pairs perfectly with refill tablets or concentrates for low-waste cleaning.
Let’s explore what is currently on the market.
What Makes a Spray Bottle Environmentally Friendly?
Not all spray bottles are the same, and the way we use them also affects their sustainability. So, here’s what to pay attention to when making a choice:
Material.
Opt for glass bottles that can last for years without losing their properties or leaching microplastics into the environment. Unfortunately, the spray head is almost always made of plastic – at least, I haven’t come across a truly plastic-free option yet. That said, choosing a high-quality spray head still makes a difference, which leads to the next point.
Quality and durability.
Heavy, thick, well-made non plastic spray bottles can be more expensive than cheap alternatives, but they last much longer. This durability is what makes a spray bottle a genuinely sustainable choice.
Conscious use.
Buy a bottle only when you truly need one. Don’t throw it away if it’s still solid but no longer useful to you – consider donating or selling it instead. If it does break, dispose of it properly: glass is fully recyclable. And whenever possible, keep reusing the plastic spray bottles you already own for as long as they last.
Best Environmentally Friendly Spray Bottles: My Top Picks
I chose these bottles for their durability and appearance. Some have silicone sleeves, some have nice vintage labels, and others include measurement markings. Choose what works best for you.
Isn't it cool to have several glass bottles with vintage labels and mysterious liquids in them? It brings a taste of alchemy, or at least a bit of nostalgia about a school chemistry class.
Alternatively, if you still have a plastic bottle from an old cleaner, simply reuse it as long as it remains functional. Often, the best planet-friendly choice is to avoid making any new purchases at all.
Author's Pick on Non Plastic Spray Bottles
A huge benefit of living in a relatively small apartment is the extra incentive not to buy things you don’t need. Spray bottles are one of those items I only buy when there’s no other option.
I have one non plastic glass bottle for a dissolvable all-purpose cleaner and a couple of glass environmentally friendly spray bottles for watering and spraying my plants. I also reuse a few plastic bottles from an organic insecticide for my terrace plants, as well as a couple of old plastic spray bottles from a leave-in hair conditioner for beauty products. And that’s it. True story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Environmentally Friendly Spray Bottles
Where can I buy a glass spray bottle?
Glass spray bottles are widely available online (e.g. click the links on the products above) and in eco-focused stores. You can find them in zero-waste shops, home goods retailers, and online marketplaces that specialize in sustainable household products. Look for bottles designed specifically for cleaning, as they usually have more durable spray mechanisms and thicker glass.
Can I wash a non plastic spray bottle in a dishwasher?
The glass bottle itself is usually dishwasher-safe, but the spray head is not. High heat can damage plastic components and internal springs. For best results, wash the glass bottle in the dishwasher if needed, and clean the spray head separately by hand with warm water.
How do I properly clean a glass spray bottle?
Empty the bottle completely, rinse it with warm water, and wash it with mild dish soap. For deeper cleaning or odor removal, fill the bottle with warm water and a splash of white vinegar and baking soda, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, use a bottle brush if needed, then rinse thoroughly. Always let the bottle dry completely before refilling.
What material is best for spray bottles?
Glass is one of the best materials for spray bottles because it’s durable, non-toxic, and does not leach chemicals over time. Plastic bottles can be reused, just take in mind that they degrade over time and are more likely to absorb odors or chemicals.
Is it safe to keep a cleaning solution in a non plastic spray bottle?
Yes, it’s safe to store most cleaning solutions in glass spray bottles. Glass is chemically stable and won’t react with or absorb ingredients from eco-friendly or conventional cleaners. Just make sure the spray head is compatible with the solution you’re using.
Is it safe to reuse a spray bottle that was previously used for a cleaner?
It can be safe if the bottle is cleaned thoroughly and reused for the same purpose. However, please don't reuse a bottle that held strong chemicals for food-related or personal-care products! Always label reused bottles clearly to avoid accidental misuse.
Is glass a sustainable material?
No, glass is not 100% sustainable. Its production is energy-intensive, releases pollutants, and glass is heavier than plastic, which increases transportation emissions. However, glass can still be a more sustainable choice when it is reused long-term. It’s made from abundant natural materials, does not degrade with use, and can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality. In practice, glass becomes the better option only when a bottle is used for many years, replacing dozens of single-use plastic bottles and recycled after the end of its life.
How long do glass spray bottles usually last?
A well-made glass spray bottle can last for many years, often a decade or more, if it’s not dropped or exposed to extreme temperature changes. The glass bottle itself rarely wears out; the spray head is usually the first part to fail. Just replacing the spray mechanism when needed and enjoy your bottle becoming more and more sustainable choice over time.
#️⃣ Tags: Eco-friendly packaging, Green cleaning, Zero-waste solutions