Empty jars—whether from pasta sauce, pickles, or jams—aren’t just trash or recycling. With a little creativity, they can be invaluable in the kitchen and around the home. Use them to store dry beans, pasta, or spices, organize buttons, screws, or threads, or even turn them into mini lanterns to light up your space at night. The possibilities are almost endless, and with a bit of effort, these jars can become unique decorative pieces.
The trickiest part ? Removing stubborn labels. A jar looks so much cleaner without leftover adhesive, but even after soaking in hot water or running through the dishwasher, labels can cling stubbornly. So what’s the easiest, safest solution ? Surprisingly, your kitchen might already have the answer.
Olive oil, your secret cleaning weapon
While commercial products exist to remove sticky residues, many contain harsh chemicals that irritate the skin or eyes. Fortunately, olive oil—a staple in every pantry—can do the job naturally. Rich in antioxidants and gentle on surfaces, olive oil softens stubborn adhesives effortlessly. Simply apply a small amount with a cloth or paper towel, let it sit, and watch the label loosen. Within minutes—or overnight for the toughest cases—you’ll have a clean, adhesive-free jar ready for storage or craft projects.
This trick is especially handy if you’re trying to use up old or inexpensive olive oil. Keep your extra-virgin oil for salads or finishing dishes, and let the leftover oil tackle sticky labels. For labels that resist the first treatment, reapply and let the jar sit overnight. Persistent glue? Scrape gently with a utility knife or steel wool, then sprinkle some baking soda and scrub lightly. The combination lifts residue without damaging the glass.
Neutralize lingering odors naturally
After removing the label, wash the jar in hot, soapy water. But sometimes odors linger, especially if the jar previously held strong-smelling foods like pickles, kimchi, or spicy condiments. Here’s a simple hack : coat the interior with baking soda. This natural ingredient neutralizes stubborn smells by altering the pH of acidic residues, leaving your jar fresh and ready for use.
Once clean and odor-free, your jars are ready for practical or creative purposes. Store pantry staples, leftovers, or even small household items. You can also transform them into decorative vases, desk organizers, or mini herb planters. With clean jars, the only limit is your imagination.
Create personalized labels for organization
If you want to identify contents neatly, try creating your own labels. Purchase decorative sticker sheets or craft your own using kraft paper or printable adhesive sheets. For a DIY touch, secure them with a bit of glue, double-sided tape, or clear packaging tape. Personalized labels make jars functional and visually appealing, adding charm to your kitchen while keeping everything organized.
A few creative ideas: use floral stickers for spices, chalkboard labels for leftovers, or even print fun graphics for craft jars. Labeling not only helps identify contents but can also prevent cross-contamination or confusion in a busy kitchen. Once you master quick label removal and reuse, these jars can serve multiple purposes for years.
Repurpose jars in surprising ways
Jars aren’t just storage solutions—they’re versatile tools for home creativity. Turn them into lanterns by adding tea lights or fairy lights, or use them as containers for homemade candles. They can hold small office supplies, sewing materials, or bathroom essentials like cotton balls and swabs. DIY enthusiasts even use jars to create snow globes, terrariums, or layered craft kits.
One of my favorite projects involved transforming a set of mismatched pasta jars into a mini herb garden. With fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary, my windowsill turned into a tiny kitchen oasis. Simple tweaks—removing labels with olive oil and cleaning with baking soda—made the jars look polished and ready for display. These jars now not only hold herbs but brighten the kitchen with a natural, charming vibe.
Every jar cleared of labels and odors has potential. From functional storage to unique décor, they’re eco-friendly, cost-effective, and endlessly creative. Instead of tossing those empty jars, think of them as a blank canvas for organization and inspiration.
Have you tried this trick with olive oil and baking soda before ? Or do you have your own hacks for repurposing jars around the home ? Share your tips and ideas in the comments—let’s inspire each other to give every empty jar a second life.
