I never throw away good glass jars. From candle jars to salsa jars to pickle jars, every time we empty one, I remove the label, wash the jar and stow it away with the others because there are so many ways to repurpose glass jars.
Reusing Glass Jars in the Kitchen
Measuring Cups – The jars with measuring lines are perfect to use as a measuring cup. I keep a couple on hand for measuring liquids, especially if it’s a small amount.
Food Storage – A friend of mine reuses her glass jars to store pasta and other pantry staples. But, you can also use them to store other foods. Glass jars are perfect for storing:
- homemade salad dressings
- make-ahead salads
- canning
- homemade or leftover sauces
Silverware Holder – Set out three jars to hold spoons, forks and knives for everyday use or when you’re entertaining. Be sure the jar you use can support the weight of the silverware.
Drinking glasses – My husband’s favorite drinking glasses are the one’s we made from empty salsa jars. He always reaches for those jars first. We drink straight out of the glass, but you can always get drinking lids with straws.
Baking Organizer – Cupcake liners and cookie cutters look cute in glass jars. You can store them in your baking zone or keep them out on the counter.
Glass Jar Decorating Ideas
Vases – Some glass jars make perfect vases. I used jars filled with daisies as centerpieces during my daughter’s high school graduation party. You could also put flower-filled jars on nightstands or on bathroom counters.
Candle Holders or Luminaries – During the holidays, I love adding a little salt or flour to a vase and topping it with a votive candle. You could also just fairy lights.
Cloche – Turn your jar upside down to use as a cloche. Put keys, paper scrolls, figurines, feathers, a bird nest, or any decoration that fits under your cloche.
Household Uses for Glass Jars
Over the years, I’ve discover so many practical ways to upcycle glass jars.
Cleaning
Sprinkle Jar – When I needed a sprinkle jar, I poke holes in the lid to an olive jar and use it to store and use my DIY carpet freshener. You can store any powder cleaner like baking soda, Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend.
Diffuser Blend Storage – Sometimes you’re ready for a new scent in your diffuser. Use a glass jar to store any leftover blend still in your diffuser. Be sure to label the jar.
Infusing Vinegar for Cleaning – Add vinegar and lemon or orange peels to a jar. Cap it tightly and let is sit in a cool, dark place for at least a week. When the vinegar is infused, pour it into a spray bottle for household cleaning, or use it to make DIY cleaners. .
Laundry Supply Storage – Save your large glass jars for storing laundry detergent, bleach, fabric softener, dryer balls, clothes pins…basically any laundry supplies you’d like to display. Doing this cuts down on the visual clutter of packaging in the laundry room as well.
Bath & Body
Toiletry Storage – Glass jars are a pretty way to store cotton balls and other toiletries, especially if you love industrial or farmhouse decor.
Makeup Brush Holder – Keep your makeup brushes handy in a glass jar.
Scoop – I use small candle jars as a scoop for Epsom salts.
Body Scrubs – Jars make the perfect container for DIY body scrubs or bath salts.
Office & Craft Supplies
Glass jars come in really handy for office supplies, school supplies and craft supplies. Some examples are:
- keep loose change
- corral paper clips or rubber bands
- store buttons, googly eyes or pompoms for crafts
- sort pipe cleaner or markers by color
- hold pens and pencils
Place your jars on a lazy susan for easy access.
Collecting Glass Jars
If you’re empty glass jar collection gets a little too big, you can always recycle some of the jars. Just be sure they are clean before putting them your recycle bin or take them to a recycling center.
Alternatively, if you prefer to buy jars as you need them Amazon has a great selection of all different sizes. You could also make a hobby out of collecting vintage and antique mason jars.
You may also want glass jar labels for storage and organization. Or you could use paint pens designed to write on or paint glass.
I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the many ways to repurpose glass jars.
For more creative storage solutions read:
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