How to Clean and Reuse an Olive Oil Bottle

Finished a bottle of your favorite olive oil? Give the glass a second life. With a few household supplies, you can remove the label, clean away the sticky residue, and put the bottle to use again.

What you’ll need

• A hair dryer or warm, soapy water

• Olive oil

• Baking soda, if needed

• Dish soap

• A soft cloth or sponge

• A bottle brush, if you have one

1. Remove the label

If the bottle is dry, warm the label with a hair dryer for about 30 seconds. Lift a corner and peel slowly. If it resists, warm it again and continue peeling.

You can also soak the bottle in warm, soapy water until the paper loosens. Peel off as much as you can before tackling the glue.

2. Clear away the sticky residue

Rub a little olive oil over the adhesive and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wipe it with a soft cloth or sponge. For stubborn spots, mix equal parts olive oil and baking soda into a paste and rub gently until the glass feels smooth.

3. Wash and dry the bottle

Wash the outside with warm water and dish soap to remove the oil and any remaining glue. Add warm, soapy water to the bottle and use a bottle brush to clean the inside. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before reusing it.

Give it a new purpose

Try using your clean bottle as a small flower vase, a holder for dried stems, or a simple piece of kitchen decor. If you plan to use it for food again, make sure the bottle and closure are clean and fully dry. Homemade oils containing fresh garlic or herbs require special food-safety handling; cleaning the bottle does not make them safe to store at room temperature.

The next time you finish a bottle, save it. A few easy steps can turn it into something you’ll be happy to keep on the counter.