15 Ways to Use a Mason Jar (Besides Canning)

Anybody else have a mason jar collection that borders on hoarding? Put those jars to work around your house! They are better for than just canning. I’ll show you 15 ways to use a mason jar (besides canning). Although canning is always a great way to use them too. They can be useful in every room of the house if you’re anything like me.

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Mason Jars are Good for More Than Just Canning

I have a large collection of mason jars. When we moved this summer, my husband finally realized how many jars I had. He was astonished. After loading several boxes of jars on the trailer, he finally asked the million dollar question. The answer was that I have absolutely no idea how many jars I have. I do know that they come in handy for all sorts of things though.

Of course some are used for canning up tomato sauce and applesauce. Others hold all of the DIY body products I make and use. Some are used to organize craft supplies. One thing is for sure, you can never have enough mason jars. In fact I’ve put together 15 ways to use mason jars (besides canning).

In fact, I’d be hard pressed to tell you a single place in my house that doesn’t have a mason jar within 5 feet. They’re everywhere! Maybe my husband did have a point by saying I had a mason jar problem. But the mason jars solve so many problems!

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5 Ways to Use a Mason Jar in the Kitchen

Store leftovers in the fridge

I love using jars to keep soups, broth, fruit, and anything tomato based. They don’t stain and there’s a size for every shelf.

Keep utensils on a shelf

I don’t have many drawers in the kitchen, so I’ve taken to keeping the utensils out on shelves. A mason jar works great for this purpose. This is also a cute way to put out the fine plastic cutlery when company comes.

Drinking glasses

We use mason jars as our drinking glasses. The only time we don’t is when the drink is hot or going on the road with us. They’re dishwasher safe and very durable. Plus if you have kids or just want a lid they are all interchangeable.

Store dish scrub brushes

The dish scrub brushes need a good container that allows them to dry and drain. A mason jar fits the bill. It allows the water to run down the handle right into a jar and lets the air dry them out.

Hand or dish soap dispenser

Every soap dispenser in my house is a mason jar. I love being able to paint them to match the decor and change it as often as I wish. They are so easy to make, check out my tutorial here. I like having my dish soap out on the counter with an ugly plastic bottle.

5 Ways to Use a Mason Jar in the Bathroom

Hand soap dispenser

I’ve made a matching bathroom set using mason jars for mason jars. The best part is that when I moved I just had to paint the jars to match the new towels. Easy as pie. I’ve had so many compliments too. This one is a must try. All you need to turn your jar into a soap pump is add a lid.

Hold cotton swabs

Part of the bathroom set is a jar to hold cotton swabs. I particularly love this idea in a guest bathroom. The jars are cute enough to sit out, so that guests don’t have to hunt for the things that they need.

Keep homemade body butter

There is always a mason jar of body butter near the bathtub. Nothing beats some moisturizer after a nice long soak in the tub. I prefer to keep it in a short mason jar so that it’s easy to reach to the bottom. Only once have I had one break when dropped on the tile floor and to be fair it fell off the counter.

Toothbrush Holder

This is another piece of the bathroom mason jar set. I must admit it’s one of my favorites. So much cuter than one of those plastic cups you find at the store.

Hold cotton balls

Another piece of the bathroom mason jar set is a jar for cotton balls. Again this is great for guest bathrooms. It’s always awkward to go ask a host for things like that, so I try to keep them easily accessible on the counter.

5 Ways to Use a Mason Jar Around the House

Contain pens and pencils

Nothing like a few mason jars to make your office feel a bit more farmhouse. Colored jars can add a bit of flair to your desk if you so desire.

Store craft supplies

With so many size options there’s a jar for every size craft supply. Buttons, beads, sequins, crayons, and stickers all work well stored in mason jars. Oh and don’t forget the googly eyes.

Keep the car clean with DIY car wipes

I like to keep a cleaning wipe in the car for those times when something spills or gasoline happens to get on my hands and then on the steering wheel. I’ve made a recipe that disinfects too for those times when your car needs a bit more than just spill control.

Display fresh flowers

A mason jar of fresh cut flowers on the table, dresser, or nightstand really brightens up the room. The clear jars make the flowers pop. A blue jar full of white flowers just feels like summer to me. Whatever you pick, a mason jar of flowers is bound to be beautiful.

Wrap homemade gifts

Getting some foot soak or oyster crackers in a mason jar tied up with string makes a beautiful gift and an effective way to transport gifts. Simple yet beautiful in my opinion. Change up the ribbon or string for the holidays.