Sanitizing Your Refillables

How to Properly Sanitize Your Reusable Bottles

At Wonderfill Refillery, we’re passionate about reusing containers—it’s the very reason we exist! By reusing bottles, we save valuable resources and energy required to produce new ones, while also reducing the impact of recycling. If you’re living a low-waste lifestyle, you likely have bottles at home that are piling up, ready to be reused. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you're doing it safely.

Why Proper Sanitation is Essential

Many companies shy away from offering refills due to concerns over contamination. Our plant-based products contain naturally derived preservatives, which prevent the growth of yeast, mold, and fungus—but only if your containers are free from contaminants like tap water, dust, or residue from old products.

To maintain the quality of your product, it’s crucial to refill only very clean and 100% dry containers, especially when using natural and plant-based products for face and body care like lotions, oils, and serums. We also recommend giving your bottles a "reset" by sanitizing them at least once a year when refilling with the same product to prolong the life of your refills.

Best Containers for Reuse: Glass & #5 Plastics

We encourage refilling all types of containers, but glass and #5 plastics (polypropylene) are the best options. Glass is non-porous, easy to sanitize, and ideal for preserving the quality of your product. Some plastics, however, can harbor bacteria or mold, making them harder to sanitize. #5 plastics are sturdy and can withstand high temperatures, which makes them great for refilling soaps and cleaning products.

How to Sanitize & Prep Containers for Reuse

Follow these steps to ensure your bottles are properly cleaned and ready for reuse:

  1. Remove all residue: Thoroughly clean your container with hot water and soap to remove any leftover product. If possible, run it through a dishwasher.

  2. Sanitize glass containers: Place glass bottles in boiling water for 5 minutes, which is especially recommended for face and skincare products.

  3. Sanitize plastic containers: For plastics, do a final rinse with 120-proof alcohol (60% alcohol), like everclear, to evaporate any excess water. Our hand sanitizer also works as a great final rinse.

  4. Ensure complete dryness: Be sure your containers are entirely dry before refilling. Moisture can cause bacteria or mold to grow, so it's critical to start with a fully dry container.

How to Clean Tops and Pumps

Tops and pumps need extra care since residue can get trapped inside:

  1. Clear pumps and tops of residue: Rinse thoroughly with hot water and soap.

  2. Sanitize pumps: Pump hot soapy water through the pump until all residue is gone. Follow up by pumping 60% alcohol (120 proof everclear or hand sanitizer) through for at least 10 pumps to fully clean the inside.

By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your containers are safe to reuse, keeping your refilled products fresh and uncontaminated. Not only are you reducing waste by reusing your containers, but you’re also playing a crucial role in sustaining a healthier planet.

Join Us at Wonderfill Refillery

We’re thrilled to bring low-waste and refillable options to Cookeville, Tennessee, and beyond. Don’t forget to try out our simple process: Hi. Weigh. Refill. Pay. Let’s work together toward a more sustainable future, one refill at a time!