Squirt bottles for homemade cleansers

[Think of Winter]

I've purchased a ton of squirt bottles for my homemade cleansers, and they all stop working within a few months. I hate to keep tossing all that plastic, not to mention wasting money on them. Anyone know where I can get good squirt bottles? I've tried Joann, Target, the dollar store, etc.

I don't know what makes them not squirt any more. I typically use stuff like water, detergent (sal suds), vinegar, a tiny amount of essential oils, washing soda. Are there just a ton of crappy squirt bottles out there, or is it a physics thing, they'll squirt water but not soapy water?
Edited by Think of Winter - 4/8/11 at 5:32am

[Ruthie's momma]

Thanks for posting this question!  I have the exact same problem.  Hopefully, someone can offer up some recommendations.

[acupuncturemomma]

I have the same problem too, and thought about posting with the same question! You beat me.

Dh called the manufacturer of one spray bottle we had because he was so miffed that it stopped working), and they claimed it is due to the essential oils. I guess the oils clog the spray mechanism somehow.

The company actually sent us two new "industrial quality" spray bottles, and, guess what--they stopped working too. Boo.

Does this mean that all of us using homemade cleansers with essential oils are having this issue?!? I have wondered what other mamas did...

[wandering]

I've had the same problem with no solution yet. I did find one I really liked that my mom had gotten at Costco ages ago; I checked and they have some similar-looking ones now, but they are taller and won't fit on the shelf I have for them. The search continues for me, but maybe those will work for someone else?

[Tumble Bumbles]

We got ours at an auto supply store, like Discount Auto Parts or something similar. Maybe they are more heavy duty since they usually hold really toxic chemicals -- but ours have been working great for about 5 years now (although one did break but the others are holding up great).

You may try there and find more success. Hope that helps :)

[Jaxinator]

I reused one bottle, the Clorox Green Works I think, and that worked really well, it was vinegar/water/EOs.

Just the other day I went to The Container Store, they have large plain bottles for $5. So far, so good... we'll see in a month or two though.

[pammysue]

You could try getting heavy duty bottles from a hardware store. They aren't pretty and generally won't be available in smaller sizes, but they should last longer.

[beebalmmama]

Nope these aren't any better. I used to buy them for work for a state park and we were putting general cleaners in them and they often didn't work from day 1.

Originally Posted by pammysue 

You could try getting heavy duty bottles from a hardware store. They aren't pretty and generally won't be available in smaller sizes, but they should last longer.

[beebalmmama]

I have two Biokleen bottles that I've had for years. I originally bought the cleaner and then started making my own stuff. They both still work going on 10+ years later!! I've got vinegar/water in one. The other has a soap/tea tree oil/lemon mix. No clogging or anything.

[kawa kamuri]

I reuse the Method bottles. 

[NikonMama]

I don't use EO, but I use a small spray bottle that I got from Walmart a couple years ago.  It has vinegar, dish soap, and water in it.  It has yet to give out on me.  It's about the height of a Method hand soap dispenser, so I have to refill it more often, but I like that it is small and light.  I got it in the health and beauty section, by where you get the travel soaps and stuff.  They have small refillable shampoo bottles and small spray bottles.