Mason jars are a popular choice for home canning, craft projects, and general storage needs. Their versatility makes them useful to have on hand. But when you’ve used up all the jam or finished your latest DIY project, you’re left with empty jars. Storing empty mason jars properly keeps them clean and free of dust so they’re ready for your next use. Having a good storage system also helps you keep track of how many jars you have and what sizes are available. This article will explore the best practices for storing empty regular and wide mouth mason jars.
Should You Wash Jars Before Storing?
It’s generally recommended to wash mason jars before packing them away for storage. Washing removes any residues from the food or materials that were last in the jars. It eliminates odors that can linger and helps keep the jars fresh. Wash jars in hot, soapy water using a bottle brush to clean the insides. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Let the jars air dry completely before storage. If desired, the jars can be sanitized by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes after washing. This extra step helps kill any remaining germs.
Storing Jars in Cabinets
The most convenient place to store empty mason jars is right in your kitchen cabinets. This works best if you only have a small to moderate jar collection. Arrange jars neatly together on a shelf, stacking them if space is limited. You can buy plastic or wood tiered jar organizers that store multiple rows of jars in a compact vertical space. These organizers have holes cut to hold jars by their rims and keep each stack stable. Label the sides of your jars with their sizes using a permanent marker before stacking. This makes it easier to grab the right size when needed without unstacking everything.
Pantry Storage
Another kitchen storage option is on shelves in a pantry or larder area. This allows you to keep jars accessible but gets them out of prime cabinet real estate. Store jars in neat rows on shelves, just as you would in cabinets. Aim for organizing by jar size and style. If you have a lot of jars, consider adding shelving units just for jar storage. Make sure to label the shelves for easy size identification. You can also box up less frequently used jars and store those boxes on higher shelves. Just be sure boxes are clearly labeled.
Basement or Garage Storage
For those with an extensive mason jar collection, basement or garage storage may be needed. Wire shelving units work great for holding rows of jars of all shapes and sizes. Make sure the shelves are strong enough to hold the weight of the jars when fully loaded. You can organize your jars grouped by size, by standard versus wide mouth, or even by color if you like. Place your most frequently used jars on the lower, easy to access shelves. Box up jar overflow and label the outside of each box with its contents. Store the boxes on higher shelves or on separate shelving units. Keep your jar storage area cool if possible. Avoid storing jars directly on a concrete floor which can lead to moisture issues.
Hanging Jars from Racks or Rods
An space-saving approach is to hang mason jars from racks, rods, or rails. Hanging preserves floor space while neatly displaying your collection of jars. There are plastic and metal mason jar racks available that hook over cabinet doors or mount to walls. These racks typically have two or three rows of holes to hang jars by their handles. You can also create your own hanging jar storage using metal rods. Attached two sturdy rods horizontally to a wall with shelf brackets. Then slide mason jars onto the rods by their handles. Space jars close together to maximize storage. Use s-hooks between jars if needed to keep them secure. Hang jars by size for easiest use. Make sure rods are firmly mounted to support the weight of many filled jars.
Storing with Lids On or Off
Should empty jars be stored with lids on or off? This often comes down to personal preference. Storing with lids on helps keep the insides clean and protects from dust. If you store jars upside down, the lids need to be on to prevent debris from falling into the jars. Keeping lids on also reduces the risk of chipping the jars on adjacent hard surfaces during storage. However, storing jars with lids off makes it easier to see inside. You can do a quick inspection for cleanliness and know exactly how many you have of each size. If lids are kept off, place a piece of paper towel over the jar opening before boxing or shelving to prevent dust buildup.
Reusing Versus Saving Lids
What about saving all those mason jar lids? Lids can technically be reused if they still have a good seal. However, the sealing performance will decline with multiple uses. For canning, it’s generally recommended to use new lids each time to ensure a safe, quality seal. For general dry good storage, reused lids are usually fine. If saving and reusing lids, inspect them carefully for damage like dents or rust before use. When in doubt, throw out old lids and purchase new ones. Lids are inexpensive and readily available. Store saved lids in a dedicated container to keep the seals clean. Never stash lids back with stored jars.
Cleaning and Drying Jars Before Reuse
When it comes time to pull your empty jars out of storage for reuse, they will likely need a fresh wash. Clean each jar thoroughly with hot water and soap or in the dishwasher. Use a bottle brush to scrub away any dust or debris inside. Rinse very well after washing. Allow jars to dry completely on a dish rack or towel before filling or prepping for crafts. You don’t want any water residue left behind to affect the quality of what you’ll store next. If desired do a boiling water sterilization process by submerging clean jars in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. This kills all germs for a sanitized starting point.
Avoiding Moisture and Pests
Take precautions to keep empty jars stored in a dry area away from water sources like sinks or flooding risks. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and bacteria. Damp jars can quickly become contaminated and unusable. Check for signs of moisture like rust on metal lids. Discard any compromised jars. Also keep an eye out for tiny bugs or larvae that can infest dried food residue in neglected jars. Wash any infested jars thoroughly in hot soapy water. Consider doing the boiling water dip for extra protection before restocking jars. Inspect jars occasionally for dark specks indicating pests and immediately dispose of those jars safely.
Stacking Jars Safely
While it’s fine to stack mason jars on shelves and in organizers, take care not to overload. Make sure shelves are rated to hold the accumulated weight of stacked jars, which can get heavy. Restack shelves if you notice bowing that could lead to a collapse. Stack no more than two to three layers deep for safety. Similarly, hanging jars from racks or rods creates a tipping hazard if overloaded. Abide by weight limits for hardware and anchor rods securely. Add support brackets underneath long rod installations to reduce stress points. Never stack jars more than two rows deep on hanging racks.
Preventing Breakage
One of the biggest risks when storing glass mason jars is accidental breakage. Take steps to pack jars carefully to minimize shifting and banging together:
– Use boxes or cardboard between layers when packing multiple jars in a box
– Separate sizes into their own boxes or on separate shelves
– Wrap jars individually in newspaper or bubble wrap when boxing for storage
– Add cushioning at pressure points like box corners
– Avoid over-packing shelves or racks
– Keep floors and shelves free of clutter to prevent tripping hazards
– Transport boxes of jars safely using two hands and a cart
– Pad bottom of box with ample padding before setting down
Labeling Jars
Labelling your empty mason jars makes storage and retrieval so much easier. Use a permanent marker or adhesive labels to note jar size on the lid or side of each jar. You can get creative with a labeling system if desired:
– Color code labels by size (green = 4oz, red = 8oz, etc)
– Label standard versus wide mouth
– Use initials of each jar size – PT for pint, QT for quart, etc.
– Number jars on lids and store inventory list separately
– Barcode stickers with size info for scanning
– Apply labels vertically for easier reading when stacked
Knowing When to Toss Jars
Mason jars are durable but not necessarily forever. Inspect old jars carefully before reuse. Look for chips, cracks, rust lines, and compromised lids. When a jar is too damaged for safe use, it’s time to recycle. Cracks in glass can worsen under pressure during canning. Rust means the metal lid can no longer seal. Chips create cleaning headaches and broken glass hazards. Don’t take risks with older jars. Recycle them and purchase fresh replacements.
Creative Storage Ideas
– Stack jars in magazine holders or racks intended for wine bottles
– Display in bookcases like decorative vases – great for crafters
– Hide smaller jars inside larger ones for a nested Russian doll effect
– Use inside cabinet doors too – attach mesh pouches, racks, or magnet shelves
– Repurpose old crates, buckets, and baskets for rustic open storage
– Use under sinks, beds, or stairs for efficient hidden storage
Conclusion
Mason jars are too useful not to save for repeated projects and tasks. Properly stored empty jars stay clean and accessible for your next canning session, craft project, storage needs, and more. Implementing an organized mason jar storage system keeps your jars looking their best and makes finding the right size and shape easier. Prioritize keeping jars dry and minimizing damage to preserve freshness. With just a little effort, you can create practical jar storage that also adds decorative charm to your kitchen or workspace.
| Storage Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Cabinets | Convenient, hides clutter, jars accessible | Uses up cabinet space, hard to organize large quantities |
| Pantry Shelving | Out of the way storage, can hold many jars | Less convenient access, requires pantry space |
| Hanging Racks | Saves floor space, creatively displays jars | Can get heavy, racks could come loose |
| Basement Shelves | Holds many jars neatly, remains cool | Inconvenient access, moisture concerns |
| Garage Storage | Keeps jars out of the house, provides overflow space | Temperature fluctuations, risk of damage |
Tips for Proper Mason Jar Storage
- Wash thoroughly before packing away
- Store with lids on to protect from dust
- Organize neatly by size and mouth style
- Label jars for easy identification
- Use boxes or wrapping to prevent breakage
- Keep in a cool, dry storage area
- Check for damage before reusing
- Recycle old jars once they are compromised
