Glass spray bottle safety: what to put in and what never to mix
Refillable bottles are convenient, but they remove the safety information that comes on the original product. These rules keep them safe.
Never mix cleaning products
The CDC warns never to mix household bleach, or any disinfectant, with other cleaners or disinfectants, because it can release vapors that are dangerous to breathe. Use one product per bottle, and rinse the bottle thoroughly before switching products.
Follow the original label
- Dilute exactly as the label says. Stronger is not better and can be harmful.
- Some products are meant to be used undiluted, and some should not be stored once mixed. The label will say.
- Keep the original container so you can check instructions and first-aid advice.
Label every bottle
Write what is in it, the dilution and the date you mixed it. Remove or cover old labels when you change contents.
Store safely
- Keep bottles out of reach of children and pets.
- Store away from heat and direct sun.
- Keep bottles upright and on a stable shelf, since glass breaks when dropped.
Ventilate and protect yourself
Use cleaning products with good airflow and wear gloves or eye protection if the label calls for them. Spray onto a cloth for small surfaces to reduce mist in the air.
If a bottle breaks
Keep people and pets away, wear gloves, pick up large pieces carefully and use damp paper towels for small fragments. Ventilate the area if the contents were a cleaning product.