Best Mason Jar Uses: So Many Creative Ideas to Try

Sharing is caring!

When you think of timeless, durable, and versatile storage, mason jars immediately come to mind. Whether you’re lucky enough to find vintage Ball mason jars at a thrift store or are a big fan of home canning, there are endless ways to use them around your home. From creative DIYs to everyday organization, the Best Mason Jar Uses highlight how these classic jars can make life easier — and more beautiful!

In this post, we’ll explore the best mason jar uses, why they make such a charming and functional addition to any space, FAQs, how to clean them, and the pros and cons of using vintage mason jars.

Mason jars are not just for canning anymore. They have become very popular for crafts, centerpieces, décor, storing dry goods, etc. Furthermore, you will learn how versatile they are and how to use them in your home.

Growing up, I remember my grandmother spent many hours in her kitchen making delicious preserves that she would gift to family and friends. Because they were given in Mason Jars, the gift kept giving, as the receiver now had Mason Jars to store food or add to their drinkware collection.

Even though I use mason jars for storing my dry goods and other things, I have some in my collection from the mid-1800s, which I only use for decorating. It’s not because I am worried about lead or anything leaking into my dry goods, but because they are over 100 years old. I only handle them when it’s necessary. Check out the photo of my shelf showing how I use my Mason jars. One of my absolute favorites is the pretty blue jars with glass lids. 

Updated Post from March 9, 2021

Mason Jar collecting

Mason Jars have become increasingly popular over the last few years, and my collection keeps growing. If I’m being honest, I lost count! I think I may even be obsessed! Is there a support group for that?  But really, it is no secret that I am obsessed with collecting them, and if they are vintage, I hit the jackpot! My collection of vintage jars started over 20 years ago. 

How Mason Jars Became Essential for Homes Everywhere

When you think of timeless, durable, and versatile storage, mason jars immediately come to mind. Whether you’re lucky enough to find vintage Ball mason jars at a thrift store or are a big fan of home canning, there are endless ways to use them around your home.

From creative DIYs to everyday organization, the Best Mason Jars Uses highlight how these classic jars can make life easier — and more beautiful.

For many generations, they were used for canning food and storing for the long winter months, especially when crops were scarce. Canning is still a common practice used today by many. You can imagine how many jars are needed to store food for those long winters!

Best Mason Jar Uses and the List Goes On

​They are not just for storing food, but are great for storing just about anything that needs a place. We store our nuts & bolts, or anything small, on our worktable in the basement. 

Mason jars are also wonderful for storing dry goods, preserves, coffee beans, spices, etc. The list goes on & on, and the possibilities are endless. Make sure your jars are see-through so it’s easier to find things. 

Here is Another Fun Idea

​Mason jars are great to use as drinking glasses! This new trend is catching on with so many today, and it’s inexpensive drinkware that is trendy and timeless. We use ours all the time for beverages. I love using Atlas mason jars; it’s another brand for drinking water.

What Mason Jars Are Great For

Because of their see-through glass and different sizes (from small 4 oz jars to big 64 oz half-gallon jars), mason jars offer many ways to keep life tidy — and stylish! Since John Landis Mason first invented them, Mason jars have stood the test of time.

Originally designed for home food preservation, they featured a two-piece lid system — a metal lid and an outer band that worked perfectly with pressure canners for safe food storage.

Today, mason jars are still ideal for:

• Repurposing them into water bottles with special lids
• Home canning fruits, vegetables, and sauces like tomato sauce
• Dry goods storage (beans, rice, pasta)
• Salad dressing jars for meal prepping
• Storing store-bought yogurts and snacks
• Organizing paper clips, metal spoons, and office supplies
• Making DIY flower vases and toothbrush holders
• Serving drinks with straw hole lids or silicone sleeves
• Using the half-gallon mason jar for bulk food storage

Safety Tips for Using Old Mason Jars

While vintage mason jars are beautiful and full of character, it’s important to use them safely. Always inspect older jars carefully for any cracks, chips, or thin spots, especially around the narrower sealing surface and screw threads. Damaged jars can easily break under pressure or extreme oven temperatures.

It’s best to reserve fragile, older jars for decorative uses like flower vases or dry goods storage rather than home food preservation. If you plan to use them for home canning, stick with jars in perfect condition and pair them with new, food-safe rubber rings and two-piece lids to prevent seal failures.

Always avoid sudden temperature changes, such as pouring hot contents into a cold jar, to help prevent jar breakage. Following a few simple precautions, you can safely enjoy the charm and history of vintage mason glass jars for years to come!

How to Clean Mason Jars

Keeping your mason jars sparkling is easy if you follow these steps:

Pre-Soak: Fill a sink with warm water and a bit of dish soap. Soak jars to loosen food or residue.

Scrub Gently: Use a bottle brush or sponge. Avoid using metal spoons or abrasive pads that can scratch the glass.

Remove Odors Naturally: If your jars have lingering smells (especially from tomato sauce, garlic, or pickles), try this easy method:

• Fill the jar halfway with warm water and add a few tablespoons of white vinegar.
• Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Vinegar is a natural remedy that’s safe, effective, and chemical-free — perfect for refreshing old mason jars!

Sterilize if Needed: For home canning or home food preservation, submerge clean jars in hot water or run them through a dishwasher’s sterilization cycle.

Inspect Carefully: Check for cracks, chips, or weakened areas — especially important when using a vacuum seal, rubber gaskets, or dealing with a hot jar from a pressure canner.

Dry Thoroughly:  Let the jars air-dry upside down or dry them by hand with a clean, lint-free towel to avoid water spots.

Pro Tip: Got stubborn odors in your mason jars? Fill them with warm water and a few tablespoons of white vinegar. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, rinse well, and your jars will smell fresh again! Vinegar is a natural remedy that’s safe, chemical-free, and super effective for removing odors from mason glass jars.

Where You Can Find Mason Jars

When I’m antiquing or thrifting, jars are the first thing I look for. My collection consists of jars of all shapes and sizes, with glass or metal lids and a rubber gasket for sealing. 

Nowadays, you may be thinking of canning or using them for crafts. In that case, you can find an assortment of Ball jars right in your local store, including many accessories.

Here is a quick tip box mentioning places to find mason jars:

• Thrift store finds
• Estate sales
• Online marketplaces
• Farm supply stores
• Grocery stores (new jars for home canning)

“Last time I went thrifting, I found some vintage jars that still had their rubber gaskets intact — a rare find! Now they’re holding an assortment of dry goods on my shelves above m vintage sink.” ~Dusty

Final thoughts…

The best parts of using mason jars are their adaptability, beauty, and practicality. Whether you’re storing dry goods, repurposing empty glass jars for creative use, or simply admiring the vintage charm of ball jars, mason jars have earned their place in every home.

There are truly different ways for everyone to fall in love with mason jars, from organizing the kitchen to creating stunning DIY projects. So next time you spot a set of mason jars — whether at a thrift store, an antique shop, or the back of your pantry- grab them! You’ll be amazed at how much these humble jars can do.

If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

Gain Access to the Freebie Library

Accessing the freebie library is easy and provides many helpful resources to boost creativity and organization. Inside, you’ll find a variety of free downloads like art prints, handy checklists, a cleaning list, a gardening journal, and much more. Whether you want to stay organized, inspired, or add charm to your home or work, these freebies are designed to help you along the way! Visit the library, pick what you need, and enjoy these exclusive resources today.

ACCESS THE FREEBIE LIBRARY NOW!