How to Make a Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser (Yes, We’re the First to Write It Down!)
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through DIY reels lately, you’ve probably seen folks turning Smucker’s jelly jars into charming little soap dispensers. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying upcycle project that fits right in with homestead living—practical, frugal, and just plain cute. But when I went looking for actual written instructions, I couldn’t find a single one. Not a guide, not a tutorial, not even a blog post on How to Make a Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser.
So my daughter and I made our own, and now I’m writing it all down for anyone else who prefers real instructions over fast‑moving videos. This method works for jelly jars, jam jars, and mason jars, so use whatever you have in your pantry or canning cupboard.
This project is fun, easy, and completely customizable. You can use any soap you like—just be sure to choose the right pump for your soap type (foaming or regular).
Tools & Materials You’ll Need for a Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser
- 1 empty jelly or jam jar (we used a Smucker’s jar because the label is adorable)
- 1 soap pump (Jarmazing makes pumps sized for mason and jelly jars)
- Drill + drill bit sized for your pump
- Hot glue gun
- Paintbrush
- Dishwasher‑safe Mod Podge
- Your favorite soap (castile, foaming, or regular liquid—more on that below)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make a Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser
1. Clean Your Jar
Wash the jar with cool water and dish soap. Avoid hot water if you want to keep that vintage label intact. If you prefer a clean‑glass look, go ahead and peel it off.
2. Drill the Lid
Drill a hole in the center of the lid. The size depends on your pump’s neck, so check before drilling. Go slow and steady—tin lids can grab the bit if you rush.
3. Add the Pump
Slide the pump through the hole. Use hot glue underneath the lid to secure it. Let it cool completely so the pump doesn’t wobble.
4. Fill the Jar-Making Sure You Choose the Right Soap for Your Home
Choosing the Right Soap for Your Jelly Jar Dispenser
Not all soaps behave the same way once you put them into a jar, and the pump you choose matters just as much as the soap itself. Here’s a simple breakdown to help homesteaders pick the right combination without any guesswork.
Regular Liquid Hand Soap
This is the classic option most folks already have at their kitchen or bathroom sink. Regular liquid soap works perfectly in a standard pump—the kind you’d find on any store‑bought dispenser.
- It has a thicker consistency, so it needs a regular pump, not a foaming one.
- If the soap feels too thick, you can thin it with a tablespoon or two of water to help it glide through the pump more smoothly.
- Great for everyday use and gentle on most pumps.
Castile Soap
Castile soap is a favorite among homesteaders because it’s natural, biodegradable, and often made with simple ingredients like olive oil.
- It’s thinner than regular hand soap, so it pumps easily.
- Works well in regular pumps, but you can also dilute it if you prefer a lighter feel.
- You can customize it with essential oils—lavender, peppermint, lemon—whatever fits your home’s vibe.
- A wonderful option if you’re aiming for an eco‑friendly, non‑toxic household.
Foaming Soap
Foaming soap is a different creature altogether. It’s not just “regular soap that foams”—it’s formulated to be much thinner.
- Foaming soap requires a foaming pump, which mixes air with the soap to create that fluffy lather.
- If you want to make your own foaming soap, mix:
- 1 part liquid soap (castile works beautifully)
- 4–5 parts water
- Foaming pumps are gentler on the hands and use less soap overall, making them budget‑friendly and kid‑approved.
If you want your jelly jar dispenser to work smoothly and last a long time, matching the soap type to the correct pump is the key. Once you get that part right, the rest is easy—and your homemade dispenser will work just as well as anything store‑bought, with a whole lot more charm.
5. Seal the Label for Your Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser
Brush a thin coat of Dishwasher‑safe Mod Podge over the label and glass. This keeps the label from peeling when wet. Let it dry fully.
6. Cure the Mod Podge
For a dishwasher‑safe finish, let the jar cure for 28–30 days. Top rack only.
Customizing Your Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser
Homesteaders love making things their own. Try:
- Chalk‑painted lids
- Distressed finishes
- Waterproof stickers
- Stenciled designs
- Twine or jute wrapped around the neck
- Seasonal labels for gifting
This is also where jelly jars shine over mason jars—the smaller size is perfect for bathrooms, guest rooms, or gift baskets.
Jelly Jar vs. Mason Jar: Which Should You Use?
If you’re deciding between the two, here’s a quick comparison:
Jelly/Jam Jars
- Smaller, great for sinks with limited space
- Labels often have a nostalgic farmhouse look
- Pumps fit snugly with Mineas or Jarmazing brands
Mason Jars
- Larger capacity (less refilling)
- Easier to find replacement lids
- More options for decorative painting
Both work beautifully—choose based on your space and style.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Leaking around the pump: Usually means the hole is too big. Add more hot glue or switch to a pump with a wider collar.
Pump not working: Foaming pumps require foaming soap. Regular pumps clog if used with thick soaps—thin with a little water.
Label peeling: Add another coat of Mod Podge or switch to a waterproofing alternative like clear acrylic spray.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Store‑Bought
Homesteaders love saving money, so here’s the breakdown:
DIY Jelly Jar Dispenser:
- Jar: free
- Pump: $3–$8
- Mod Podge: pennies per project. Total: $4–$10
Commercial Dispenser:
- $12–$25 for similar farmhouse styles
DIY wins every time—and you keep glass out of the landfill.
How Long Does It Last?
With a good pump and proper sealing, these dispensers last months to years. The jar itself is nearly indestructible. Pumps eventually wear out, but replacements are cheap.
Where to Find Affordable Supplies
- Dollar stores: pumps, glue sticks
- Walmart/Target: Mod Podge
- Amazon: Mineas & Jarmazing pumps
- Thrift stores: jars, paint, decorative bits
- Your own pantry: Smucker’s jars you already bought for toast
Gifting Ideas for Your Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser
These make wonderful homestead‑style gifts:
- Pair with eco‑friendly soaps
- Add a handmade tag
- Include a recipe for natural cleaners
- Tuck into a kitchen‑themed gift basket
People love receiving something useful and handmade.
How to Make a Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser
Turn a Smucker’s jelly jar into a DIY soap dispenser with this fun and easy step-by-step tutorial.
Materials
- 1 empty jelly jar (we used a Smucker’s one)
- 1 soap pump (can reuse one from an old dispenser or buy new)
- 1 paint brush
- Dishwasher-safe Mod Podge
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Your favorite soap
Tools
- Drill with drill bit (size depends on your soap pump)
Instructions
Clean your jelly jar : Use cold water and dish soap to wash out the jar. Avoid hot water—it can loosen or peel the label, and we want to keep that vintage look intact.
Drill a hole in the lid: Using your drill, carefully make a hole in the center of the lid. The drill bit size will depend on the size of your soap pump’s neck. Go slow, and wear safety glasses if you have them
Add your soap pump: Push the soap pump down through the hole. Use hot glue underneath the lid to secure it in place. Let the glue cool and harden completely.
Fill the jar: Pour in your favorite soap—regular or foaming, just make sure the pump matches the type.
Seal and protect the label: Using your paintbrush, apply a layer of dishwasher-safe Mod Podge over the glass and label. This seals and waterproofs the label so it won’t peel when the jar gets wet. Let it dry completely.
Cure the Mod Podge: To make your jar dishwasher safe, let the Mod Podge cure for 28 to 30 days. When washing, stick to the top rack only.
Enjoy!
Want More from The Oklahoma Homesteader?
If you’re itching for more simple, practical projects to bring that handmade, homegrown charm into your daily life, you’re in the right place. Around here, we share the kinds of things homesteaders actually use—no fluff, no fuss, just real skills that make life a little easier and a lot more satisfying.
You’ll find guides on everything from pantry‑friendly natural cleaners to easy garden fixes, seasonal food preservation, and budget‑friendly home crafts that help you make the most of what you already have. We love projects that stretch a dollar, reuse what’s on hand, and keep your home running smoothly without relying on store‑bought everything.
If you’re ready to keep building a home that feels handmade, intentional, and rooted in the land, explore our other tutorials, recipes, and everyday homestead wisdom. There’s always another project waiting to be tried, and we’re right here cheering you on as you make your homestead uniquely yours.
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