Eight convenient and economical uses for empty spray bottles

These days, we all need to find ways to save money on our everyday expenses. If you're still buying commercially manufactured products like window cleaner and air fresheners, you know how these items tack on the dollars at the checkout. It's time for some innovative thinking. There are several household products and kitchen helpers you can make yourself, for pennies on the dollar when compared with the commercial equivalent. All you need are some inexpensive empty spray bottles, available at any drugstore for about a dollar and a few ingredients you may already have in your pantry or bathroom cabinet.

1.Instead of buying window cleaner, here's a home made cleaner that actually does a better job. Fill your empty spray bottle about one third full of white vinegar, then fill the remainder with plain water. Shake and spray. Use newspaper to wipe the window to a streak free finish!

2.For a custom room air freshener, pick up a vial or two of your favorite essential oil fragrances at your local herb shop. Fill the empty spray bottle with plain water and add just a few drops of the essential oil. Shake well before each use, as oil and water don't mix well. Shaking vigorously will cause the oil to be dispersed in tiny bubbles, giving you a fragrant spray that won't leave an oily film. Essential oils come in many fragrances. Lavender is relaxing. Rose oil is perfect for the bathroom. Cinnamon provides a spicy scent, as does clove oil. Essential oil fresheners should always be kept out of reach of children!

3.Those cans of cooking spray are not only expensive, but add to air pollution. Make your own, better and much cheaper! Fill an empty spray bottle with olive oil and coat your pan before you put it on the burner. You'll use very little, no measuring is required and you've got a handy, economical cooking spray that lasts for months! Store this in the frig.

4.Combine olive oil and red wine vinegar in a 4:1 ratio in one of your empty spray bottles for a basic vinaigrette salad dressing. If you like, you can add a fresh sprig of the herb of your choice to infuse your salad dressing with extra flavor. A half teaspoon of fresh minced garlic is another nice addition. This spray vinaigrette allows you to avoid an overdressed, soggy salad. A few light sprays is all you need for a perfectly dressed salad.

5.Here's a great way to make your own hand cleaner for the kitchen and bathroom. Fill that empty spray bottle with a 50-50 solution of 2% hydrogen peroxide and water. Shake before using to spray your hands, then rub your palms together briskly. Use a drop of dish washing detergent and suds up. Rub your sudsy hands over the bottle and rinse hands and the bottle with hot water. No more worries of transferring bacteria to other surfaces after handling raw meat or eggs.

6.For a refreshing massage for sore muscles, try plain 70% rubbing alcohol. Fill your spray bottle and spray over the affected area and rub briskly. Do not use this on your face! Do keep this out of reach of children. This mixture is also good for disinfecting minor cuts.

7.Commercial massage oils are quite the pricey item! Make your own with jojoba oil and a few drops of essential oils, both available at herb shops. Jojoba oil penetrates the skin, making it softer and does not abrade the skin.

8.Our last idea for your empty spray bottles? Make your own after shave astringent, filling the bottle with witch hazel lotion, available at any drugstore for about a dollar. Witch hazel has a nice fragrance, closes the pores and doesn't burn, as most commercial after shaves do.

Depending on your personal household needs, you may think of many more uses for empty spray bottles. When you start adding up the savings, these are smart solutions!