50 Ways to Reuse Your Old Glass Jars
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Glass jars – from pasta sauce, jams, pickles, or even mason jars – often pile up in our homes, begging for a second life. Rather than tossing these sturdy, versatile containers into recycling (or worse, the trash), why not give them a purpose? Glass jars are excellent candidates for upcycling, thanks to their durability, timeless look, and transparency. By reusing old jars, we cut down on waste and add some eco-friendly charm to our living spaces.
In this post, we’ll explore 50 ingenious ways to reuse old glass jars. From home decor to storage solutions and DIY gifts, you’ll find ideas for every room in the house. Plus, we’ll answer common questions about cleaning and prepping jars and offer handy tips for safe, long-lasting reuse.
1. Mini Indoor Herb Gardens
- How: Place a layer of small rocks for drainage at the bottom of the jar, add soil, and plant herb seeds or small herb plants like basil or parsley. Water as needed and keep in a sunny spot.
- Why: Fresh herbs are a great addition to cooking, and having them on hand saves you from buying herbs that may go bad quickly.
2. DIY Candle Holders
- How: For a DIY candle, add a wick to the center, melt candle wax, pour it in, and let it set. Alternatively, place a tea light in the jar for an instant holder.
- Why: Glass jars are heat-resistant, making them safe and reusable for candles. They add ambiance to any space and can be customized with scents or colors.
3. Bathroom Storage for Cotton Swabs & Pads
- How: Clean and dry the jars thoroughly. Label them if needed and store cotton swabs, pads, and other bathroom essentials.
- Why: Keeps items organized, accessible, and hygienic, while adding a touch of elegance to the bathroom.
4. Spice Jars with Magnetic Lids
- How: Glue small magnets to the lids of jars and stick them to a magnetic strip or fridge. Label each jar with the spice name.
- Why: It saves counter and cabinet space, and the clear jars let you see spices easily.
5. Homemade Candle Wax Melts
- How: Pour melted wax into the jar, add a few drops of essential oil for scent, and let it cool. Use as a wax melt in a warmer.
- Why: A budget-friendly, customizable alternative to store-bought wax melts with reusable packaging.
6. DIY Terrariums
- How: Place small rocks at the bottom for drainage, add soil, moss, and tiny plants or succulents. Mist lightly and cover with the lid if desired.
- Why: Low-maintenance and decorative, terrariums bring a small touch of nature indoors.
7. Organize Craft Supplies
- How: Fill jars with buttons, beads, thread spools, or small craft supplies, and label as needed.
- Why: Keeps items tidy and easy to find, and looks visually appealing in a craft room or workspace.
8. Flower Vases
- How: Fill with water and add flowers, or wrap with twine or ribbon for added charm.
- Why: Adds a simple, rustic decor touch. Perfect for centerpieces, gifts, or adding a pop of color.
9. Zero-Waste Shopping Jars
- How: Bring jars to bulk stores for filling with grains, nuts, spices, or other bulk foods.
- Why: Reduces single-use packaging and keeps bulk foods fresh and organized.
10. Homemade Salad Dressing Storage
- How: Mix dressing ingredients directly in the jar, seal, and shake. Store in the fridge with a tight lid.
- Why: Saves space, reduces plastic usage, and is convenient for making, storing, and pouring homemade dressings.
11. Makeup Brush Holders
- How: Use clean jars to stand brushes upright. Fill with coffee beans or small beads for added stability.
- Why: Keeps brushes organized and off surfaces, reducing bacteria and adding style to your vanity.
12. Holiday Decorations
- How: Fill jars with small ornaments, pine cones, or fairy lights for a festive look.
- Why: Simple and festive decor option that’s customizable for any holiday.
13. Desk Organizers
- How: Store pens, pencils, paper clips, and other office supplies in jars. Decorate with paint or labels for a personalized touch.
- Why: Keeps your desk neat and makes it easy to find supplies at a glance.
14. Sewing Kits
- How: Store needles, buttons, threads, and other small sewing essentials in jars.
- Why: Keeps small items organized and easy to access for quick sewing repairs.
15. Baking Ingredient Storage
- How: Use jars for flour, sugar, baking soda, or other dry baking ingredients. Label for quick access.
- Why: Glass jars are airtight and keep ingredients fresh, while reducing plastic in your pantry.
16. Loose Leaf Tea Storage
- How: Store loose leaf teas in jars, away from sunlight and moisture.
- Why: Keeps tea fresh, organized, and free from pests, while reducing clutter in your tea collection.
17. Homemade Beauty Products
- How: Store homemade scrubs, lotions, and balms in clean jars. Label with ingredients and date for freshness.
- Why: Reusable jars keep beauty products organized and reduce waste.
18. Dog Treat Container
- How: Store your pet’s treats in a labeled jar for easy access.
- Why: Keeps treats fresh and easily accessible for you or your pet.
19. Homemade Spice Blends
- How: Combine spices in a jar and label with the blend name and ingredients.
- Why: Great for organizing custom spice blends and adding flavor variety to meals.
20. Craft Paint Storage
- How: Pour small amounts of paint into jars for easy storage and access during projects.
- Why: Jars keep paint fresh and minimize mess during crafting.
21. Chalkboard Paint Labels
- How: Paint a section of the jar with chalkboard paint for a writable, erasable label.
- Why: Easy way to create reusable labels that are customizable for different contents.
22. Marble or Stone Fillers
- How: Fill jars with decorative stones, marbles, or beads for visual interest or as a weight.
- Why: Adds texture and color for decorative displays or paperweights.
23. Succulent Planters
- How: Plant a small succulent with soil and rocks for drainage.
- Why: Succulents thrive in small containers, making these jars ideal for a small plant that adds greenery.
24. Picnic Utensil Holder
- How: Use jars to hold forks, knives, and spoons at an outdoor gathering or BBQ.
- Why: Keeps utensils organized and easily accessible for guests.
25. Glass Jars as Soap Dispensers
- How: Replace the lid with a pump dispenser and fill with soap or lotion.
- Why: Provides a rustic, eco-friendly alternative to plastic soap bottles.
26. Button or Sewing Notion Holders
- How: Store buttons, pins, and other small sewing items.
- Why: Keeps sewing supplies organized and easy to find.
27. Paintbrush Holders for Artists
- How: Keep paintbrushes upright in a jar to dry and for easy access.
- Why: Keeps brushes in good shape and ready to use.
28. Emergency Candle Stash
- How: Store a few tealights or candles in a jar to have on hand during power outages.
- Why: Great way to keep emergency lighting supplies organized and accessible.
29. Lid Storage in the Kitchen
- How: Store lids from jars or containers in a larger jar for easy access.
- Why: Prevents lid clutter and keeps matching lids handy.
30. Air Freshener Jars
- How: Add baking soda and essential oils to a jar, punch holes in the lid, and place in a room.
- Why: Provides a natural, chemical-free way to freshen air.
31. DIY Snow Globes
- How: Fill a jar with water, a few drops of glycerin, glitter, and a small figurine glued to the inside of the lid. Seal tightly.
- Why: Fun and festive decor for winter or holiday seasons, especially with custom figurines.
32. Homemade Sauces & Condiments
- How: Use jars to store sauces, like pesto or homemade mayo, in the fridge.
- Why: Airtight glass jars keep flavors fresh and are ideal for sauces with strong scents.
33. Gift Jars for Baked Goods or Treats
- How: Fill with homemade cookies, candy, or even a layered “cookie mix” with dry ingredients.
- Why: Thoughtful, reusable, and zero-waste gift packaging.
34. Drinking Glasses for Parties
- How: Serve drinks in jars for a rustic look at parties or BBQs.
- Why: Adds charm to gatherings and is environmentally friendly compared to disposable cups.
35. DIY Lamps or Lanterns
- How: Insert a small LED light or string of fairy lights in the jar. Decorate the outside if desired.
- Why: Great for mood lighting or DIY lanterns that are safe and unique.
36. Lemon & Herb Infused Olive Oil
- How: Add olive oil, lemon slices, and herbs like rosemary. Let infuse in the fridge for a few days.
- Why: Adds flavor to cooking and is a thoughtful homemade gift.
37. DIY Bath Salt Mixes
- How: Mix Epsom salt, essential oils, and dried flowers, and store in a jar.
- Why: Homemade bath salts are perfect for relaxing baths or gifting to friends.
38. Natural Air Dehumidifiers
- How: Fill jars with silica gel or rice, which helps absorb moisture from small areas.
- Why: Prevents dampness and keeps small spaces, like closets, fresh and dry.
39. Portable Salad in a Jar
- How: Layer salad ingredients in the jar with dressing at the bottom. Shake before eating.
- Why: Perfect for meal-prepping and taking salads on the go without getting soggy.
40. Marinade Jars
- How: Place meat or veggies in the jar, pour marinade over, seal, and refrigerate.
- Why: Keeps the marinade contained, prevents leaks, and allows for easy mixing.
41. Bug-Repellent Candle
- How: Add citronella oil, water, and a floating wick or tea light to the jar.
- Why: Repels bugs naturally, making it great for outdoor gatherings in warmer months.
42. Breakfast Parfaits To-Go
- How: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a quick, on-the-go breakfast stored in the fridge.
- Why: Makes breakfast portable, fresh, and easily customizable to taste.
43. Jam & Preserve Jars
- How: Fill jars with homemade jam, seal tightly, and store in the fridge or pantry.
- Why: Preserves stay fresh longer in glass and are lovely for gifting.
44. Holiday Treat Holders for Neighbors
- How: Fill jars with holiday treats like fudge or chocolate and decorate with ribbons.
- Why: A charming and reusable way to spread holiday cheer to friends or neighbors.
45. Car Cup Holder Trash Can
- How: Use a small jar with a lid to contain small trash items like receipts and wrappers.
- Why: Keeps your car tidy with an easily emptied container.
46. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
- How: Layer hot cocoa ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and marshmallows in a jar.
- Why: Makes for a cute, giftable treat and easy, portion-controlled hot cocoa servings.
47. Jarred Soup Kits
- How: Add dry ingredients for soup (like lentils, spices, and noodles) in layers. Include cooking instructions on a label.
- Why: Convenient meal-prep for homemade soups, and great for gifting during winter months.
48. Hair Tie & Clip Organizer
- How: Store hair ties, bobby pins, and clips in a small jar to keep them from getting lost.
- Why: Keeps small accessories together, neat, and easy to grab.
49. Dried Fruit Storage
- How: Use jars to keep dried fruits like raisins or apricots fresh in the pantry.
- Why: Airtight glass helps prevent moisture from spoiling dried foods.
50. Loose Change Jar
- How: Place a jar by your door or on your dresser to collect spare change.
- Why: A classic use that helps you keep track of loose coins while preventing clutter.
Practical Tips for Reusing Glass Jars
- Removing Labels: Soak jars in warm, soapy water for a few hours, then scrape off with a sponge. Use a bit of oil to remove any sticky residue.
- Sanitizing Jars: To reuse for food, sanitize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a hot dishwasher cycle.
- Painting and Decorating: For a decorative twist, try painting the outside of the jar with acrylic paint or using chalkboard labels for easy labeling and organization.
- Storing with Ease: Use stackable lids or add a shelf to better organize jars in cabinets.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Are glass jars safe for storing food items? A: Yes, glass jars are food-safe as long as they’re properly cleaned and sanitized. They’re excellent for storing dry goods, refrigerated items, and homemade preserves.
Q: How can I safely make glass jars into candle holders? A: If you’re using them for DIY candles, make sure to use heat-resistant wicks, and don’t let the candle burn too low as this can cause the glass to overheat and crack. Stick to jars without any cracks or chips.
Q: Can glass jars be recycled indefinitely? A: Yes, glass can typically be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. However, reusing them at home reduces the energy required for recycling, making it an even greener option.
Q: Are there any types of glass jars that shouldn’t be reused? A: Avoid reusing jars that have cracks or chips, as they can break easily. Be cautious with certain jars that may have held non-food items, as they could have absorbed harmful chemicals.
Conclusion
Repurposing glass jars is an easy way to add eco-friendliness and organization to your life while cutting down on waste. With these 50 ideas, there’s no shortage of ways to creatively reuse your old jars, whether for storage, decoration, or even growing fresh herbs. By giving glass jars a second life, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also crafting something beautiful and practical for your home. Try a few ideas, and discover just how versatile these humble containers can be!