12 Ways to Use Your Expired Essential Oils

Expired essential oils may not be as potent or effective as fresh ones, but they can still be used in various ways. Keep in mind that the aroma and therapeutic properties of expired oils may have diminished. Here are some ways to repurpose expired essential oils:

1. Natural Air Freshener: Mix a few drops of expired essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use it as a natural air freshener for rooms, linens, or fabrics.
2. DIY Cleaning Products: Add expired essential oils to homemade cleaning solutions for a pleasant scent. They might not provide strong antimicrobial effects, but they can still contribute to the fragrance.
3. Potpourri: Combine expired essential oils with dried flowers, herbs, or citrus peels to create potpourri for scenting small spaces like drawers or closets.
4. Bath Soak: Add a few drops of expired essential oil to your bathwater for a relaxing aromatherapy experience, even though the scent might be less pronounced.
5. DIY Candles: Mix expired essential oils into melted wax to make scented candles. The fragrance might not be as potent, so you may need to use more oil.
6. Massage Oil: Dilute expired essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) to create a massage oil. The scent might not be as strong, but it can still provide a pleasant experience.
7. Scented Sachets: Place a few drops of expired essential oil on a cotton ball or fabric scrap and put it in drawers, closets, or under pillows.
8. Steam Inhalation: Add a few drops of expired essential oil to a bowl of hot water, lean over it, and cover your head with a towel to create a steam inhalation experience. This can offer mild aromatherapy benefits.
9. DIY Beauty Products: Incorporate expired essential oils into homemade skincare products, such as body scrubs, lotions, or bath salts, for a subtle aroma.
10. Refresh Potpourri: If you have existing potpourri that has lost its scent, you can add a few drops of expired essential oil to revitalize it.
11. Aromatherapy Diffuser Jewelry: Apply expired essential oils to aromatherapy diffuser jewelry, such as necklaces or bracelets, to carry the aroma with you throughout the day.
12. Refreshing Carpets: Sprinkle a few drops of expired essential oil onto your carpet before vacuuming to infuse a light scent.

Remember that the potency and safety of essential oils decrease over time, so exercise caution and do a patch test before using expired oils on your skin. Also, avoid using expired essential oils internally, as their chemical composition could have changed. If the oil has an unpleasant or rancid odor, it’s best not to use it at all.

You can also shop essentials oils that are nearing their expiration date over at my Apothecary. PSST…they’re all on sale.

I’d love to hear about any creative ways you have come up with to use every precious drop of essential oil. Just reply in the comments below.