Container Care 101: How to Safely Reuse and Refill Your Bottles

At the heart of low-tox, zero-waste living is one simple but powerful habit: reusing what we already have. That’s why we’re such big believers in refilling containers—it reduces landfill waste, conserves the energy it takes to produce and recycle new bottles and supports a more sustainable lifestyle overall.

But while reusing containers is a beautiful step toward living lighter on the planet, it’s essential to do it safely. Not all containers are created equal, and knowing how to properly clean and sanitize them helps preserve the integrity of the products you refill them with—especially natural and plant-based ones.

Here’s your go-to guide for smart, safe container care.


Best Containers for Refilling

We encourage you to refill just about any container you already own, but some materials are better suited than others.

Glass is our top pick—it’s non-porous, easy to sanitize, and won’t absorb scents or residue.
#5 Plastics (Polypropylene) are the sturdiest plastic option. They can handle higher temperatures during cleaning and are ideal for soaps, lotions and cleaning products.

Avoid thin or flimsy plastics, especially if they show signs of wear or are hard to fully clean inside. Mold and bacteria love hiding in those hard-to-reach spots.


How to Sanitize Your Bottles

Clean bottles mean safer refills and longer product shelf life. Here's how to do it right:

  1. Remove all product residue.
    Wash thoroughly with hot water and soap or run through the dishwasher.
  2. Sanitize glass containers.
    Boil in water for 5 minutes—especially important for skincare or leave-on face products.
  3. Sanitize plastic containers.
    Rinse with 120-proof alcohol (60% alcohol content) like Everclear. Our alcohol-based hand sanitizer works just as well for this final rinse.
  4. Dry completely.
    Bottles must be 100% dry before refilling—moisture invites mold, yeast and bacteria.


Don’t Forget the Pumps & Lids

Your pumps and tops need just as much love as the bottles:

  • Pump warm soapy water through several times.
  • Follow with at least 10 pumps of 60% alcohol to sanitize the internal components.
  • Let them dry thoroughly before reuse.


Dry Shampoo Bottle Maintenance

If you’re using one of our aerosol-free dry shampoo pump bottles, be aware that bathroom humidity can cause powder build-up over time.
Use a pin or paperclip to gently clear any clogged spots in the nozzle and unscrew parts to remove buildup if needed.

 

A Few Must-Follow Rules

  • If “topping off”, only refill with the same product. Mixing formulas can lead to contamination or poor performance.
  • Clean and dry before every refill, especially for skincare and leave-on products.
  • Do a “bottle reset” once a year by fully sanitizing even if you’ve been topping off with the same product.


Refilling is a beautiful, sustainable practice—but only when it’s done with care. By following these simple steps, you protect both your products and your health, while keeping your low-tox routine going strong.

Back to blog