Most kitchens have a cabinet that slowly fills with empty jars. Pasta sauce, pickles, jam, an old candle. They feel too nice to throw out and too random to use, so they just sit there.
With a little prep, those jars can become vases, storage, lanterns and gifts that look like they came from a home store. Most of these projects take under an hour and cost a few dollars, since the main material is free.
Here is how to get jars clean and label free, the supplies worth having on hand, and nine easy ways to give them a second life.
What You Need
- Empty glass jars with lids, washed
- Baking soda and a neutral cooking oil (for label residue)
- A plastic scraper or an old gift card
- Rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth
- Chalk-finish or acrylic craft paint in soft neutrals
- A foam brush or small flat brush
- Painter’s tape
- Spray paint for metal lids (optional)
- Jute twine, cotton ribbon or thin cord
- Fine sandpaper (220 grit)
- A low-temp glue gun and glue sticks
Most of this is probably in a junk drawer already. If you need to buy paint and twine, expect to spend under $20 for enough to cover a dozen jars.
How to Remove Labels and Sticky Residue
Clean glass is the difference between a project that looks polished and one that looks unfinished. This method works on most paper labels.
- Fill the sink with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. Soak the jars for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Peel off the paper label. Most will slide right off after a good soak.
- Mix equal parts baking soda and cooking oil into a paste. Rub it over any leftover glue and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Scrape the residue with a plastic scraper or old gift card, then wash again with soap and hot water.
- Wipe the outside with rubbing alcohol before painting so the paint grips well.
For lids that still smell like pickles, an overnight soak in equal parts white vinegar and water usually clears it. Lids with small rust spots can be sanded lightly and spray painted.
1. Frosted Bud Vases
Small jars with narrow mouths make sweet bud vases for a single stem or a few sprigs of eucalyptus.
- Brush a thin coat of white chalk paint over the outside of the jar.
- Let it dry for about an hour.
- Sand lightly with 220 grit paper so the glass shows through in soft, frosted patches.
- Group three jars of different heights on a tray or windowsill.
Only paint the outside. Paint on the inside of a vase will peel once it sits in water.
2. Dipped Paint Jars
For a clean, modern look, paint just the bottom third of each jar. Wrap painter’s tape around the jar at an even height, paint below the line with two thin coats, and peel the tape while the second coat is still slightly wet for a crisp edge. Soft clay, sage and cream look lovely side by side on an open shelf.
3. Pantry Storage With Matching Lids
A set of matching lids makes mismatched jars look intentional.
- Remove the lids and set them face up on cardboard outside or in a well ventilated garage.
- Spray paint them matte black, white or soft gold in light, sweeping coats about 10 inches from the surface.
- Let them cure for a full day before screwing them back on.
- Fill the jars with dry goods like rice, oats, lentils or pasta, and tie on a simple handwritten tag.
Keep paint on the outside of the lid only, and do not put painted jars in the microwave or dishwasher.
4. Twine-Wrapped Utensil Holders
Wider jars make good holders for kitchen utensils, pens or makeup brushes. Add a small dot of hot glue near the base, press the end of the jute twine into it, and wrap tightly upward, adding a dot of glue every few rows. Stop about an inch below the rim and tuck the end under.
Safety note: Hot glue can cause real burns. Use a low-temp glue gun when you can, keep a bowl of cool water nearby, and rest the gun on its stand away from kids and pets.
5. Candle Lanterns
A clean jar with a tea light inside makes a pretty lantern for a patio table or mantel. Wrap a length of craft wire around the neck, twist it tight, and form a handle loop if you want to hang it.
Place real flames in jars only on a stable, heat-safe surface, never leave them unattended, and keep them well away from curtains and dried decor. Battery tea lights are the safer choice around kids and pets.
6. Bathroom Organizers
Small jars hold cotton rounds, swabs, hair ties and bath salts. Clear glass with matching lids looks neat on a marble counter or open shelf. Line them up on a small tray so they all lift together when you wipe the counter.
7. Herb Jars for the Windowsill
Cuttings of basil, mint and rosemary will root in water in a sunny window. Fill a clear jar about two thirds with water, strip the lower leaves, and set the stems in. Change the water every few days. Once the roots reach an inch or two, they are ready to pot up in soil.
8. Homemade Gift Jars
Jars make lovely packaging for homemade gifts like hot cocoa mix, bath salts or a small cutting. Cover the lid with a circle of linen or kraft paper, tie it with ribbon, and add a plain tag. It looks thoughtful and costs almost nothing.
9. Hanging Jar Propagation Station
Hang three or four small jars from a wall rail with wire loops and fill them with pothos or philodendron cuttings in water. Glass has no drainage, so water propagation works much better here than soil.
Tips for a Polished Look
- Stick to two or three colors across a set so the jars read as a collection.
- Group jars in odd numbers with a mix of heights.
- Use thin coats of paint. Thick coats drip and chip.
- Seal painted jars with a clear matte acrylic sealer if they will be handled often.
- Hand wash painted jars gently and never soak them.
An empty jar is one of the easiest things to upcycle because the shape is already pretty. Start with the cleaning step, pick one or two projects, and you may find yourself saving jars on purpose.
Which jar project are you making first, and what kind of jars are piling up in your cabinet right now? Tell us in the comments.
Quick Questions
What is the easiest way to get sticky labels off glass jars?
Soak the jar in hot soapy water, peel the paper, then rub a paste of baking soda and cooking oil over the glue. After 10 minutes it scrapes off easily with a plastic card.
Can I paint glass jars and still use them for food?
Yes, as long as the paint stays on the outside of the jar and lid and the jar is hand washed. Keep paint away from the rim and anywhere food or mouths will touch.
What kind of paint sticks to glass?
Acrylic craft paint and chalk-finish paint both stick well when the glass is clean and wiped with rubbing alcohol first. Paint made for glass is more durable, so check its label for curing directions.
How do I keep painted jars from chipping?
Use thin coats, let each one dry fully, and finish with a clear matte sealer. Hand washing instead of soaking also helps the paint last much longer.
