How to Make a Mason Jar Foaming Soap Dispenser
My sweet little sister, Caitlin, sent me vintage blue Ball Mason jars for my birthday. I had resisted buying them because I might have a bit of a jar hoarding problem. (If you’re in my home, don’t open the cabinet in the laundry room. You might be horrified or shocked by all the jars I’ve rescued from the recycling.)
When I opened the package of six brand new blue jars, I knew I had to keep them and find some ways to display these beauties. Caitlin suggested I should turn one into a soap pump. I agreed, but decided to make it a foaming soap dispenser. Any one else addicted to bubbly foamy soap like I am? Raise your hand and be proud. We can start a foaming soap addicts group (right after the recycled jar addicts group meeting.)
Here’s my tutorial for turning a blue mason jar into a foaming soap dispenser.
- Scrap of wood
- Drill
- 1 1/2″ drill bit
- Foaming soap (Method had the longest stray and the perfect blue liquid)
- Blue Ball Mason Jar with lid
- Clamp
- Utility Knife (with sharp blade)
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
Mason Jar Foaming Soap Dispenser Instructions:
Unscrew the lid off the Ball jar. Measure and mark the center of the jar lid. Clamp the lid securely to the scrap wood.
Very gently drill a hole into the lid with the spade bit. At some point the bit may bind in the lid. You can finish cutting the hole with a sharp utility knife. (Just be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges.)
Test the fit of the hole over the soap bottle.
Pour the liquid foaming soap into the Ball jar.
Use the utility knife to carefully cut off the top threaded portion of the soap bottle (leave enough collar to fit under the hole in the jar lid.)
Line up the pump dispenser, the plastic collar, the jar lid and lid ring.
Assemble the pump dispenser inside the lid as shown below (1. Insert plastic collar into the jar lid. 2. Thread pump onto the plastic collar. 3. Tighten pump lid. 4. Insert pump into jar and screw on the lid ring.):
Pump out luscious foamy soap to your heart’s content!
When it’s empty, refill with more liquid foaming soap (it’s better than using one time soap containers!) Did you know you can make your own foaming soap by mixing water and your favorite liquid soap? Hand soap or dishwashing liquid soap will work.)
I have five more Blue Mason jars. What do you suggest I use them for???
UPDATE: Many people had asked if my jar lid rusted. The answer is, Yes, it did. But, I was able to clean off the rust and seal the lid with clear nail polish and so far it isn’t rusting (four months now.) Also, Michelle from Counting Willows has her own solution!
I have a vintage jar that has turned a pale lavender. I will have to do this as my kitchen is yellow and lavender. Wonderful idea. Thanks.
We love Neutrogena facial cleanser and we use it in the foamer. Product lasts MUCH longer, and cleaning the face with foam works just as well as using full strength product. We keep one in the shower, but take care NOT to get water in the foamer. Water ruins the foamer.
What size is the blue mason jars? Thnx.
By the way love this idea. THANX
What’s your foaming hand soap recipe❓
It’s not scientific. I never measure, but basically I pour some of my favorite liquid soap into water. Use maybe 1 part soap to 4 parts water. Or even less soap.
I went to the Dollar Store and got a few foaming hand soaps…I dumped them out and made my own soap! :0) just wanted to share the least expensive option for the foamers that I’ve found!
Awesome resource Danese! Thanks for sharing.
This is a great idea, thanks for the tutorial. One question, have you experienced any problems with corrosion of the lid over time?
John, not yet, but if it does it will only add an aged patina look 😉
I’ve been wanting to try this. Thanks for the great tut! 🙂
Love it!! The blue mason jars are so cute!! I love that you made it into a soap dispenser. Thanks for the tutorial!! Love them!!
Yes, I have a mason jar hoarding problem. My excuse is that I do can produce. I couldn’t eat all the produce that I have jars for if I did fill all the jars but that is my excuse.
I see a beautiful blue jar chandelier.
Love this idea. I’d been roaming the web to see if any company had come out with a foaming type dispenser top for the jars. Yeah! Someone did! You! 🙂
Talking about these jars. I ordered my first set. The shipping was pitiful! Found the second set at K-Mart for $10. Way cheaper than the ordered set. eek. I should have known to wait.
Thanks. Jake’s a Girl
I was just pricing these … I too have a mason jar hoarding problem. The pumps to fit these are VERY expensive for what they are. Such a great idea!!! Thanks so very much!
Carol
Lakeside, CA
Fab! I love me some foaming soap!