What You Need for a DIY Jam Jar Soap Dispenser

Sheri Wilson, @sheri_wilson_, shows followers how to create the cutest soap dispenser out of an old Smucker’s jam jar. While Wilson uses a Smucker’s strawberry jam jar for this hack, any jar with a traditional red and white gingham lid will be perfect for a soap dispenser (Bonne Maman is another potential option, alongside many jam jars you can find at local farmers' markets).

In the video, she keeps the Smucker’s label on the jar, but to avoid water-damaged labels, you could also consider removing it and painting onto the jar, sealing the label with a spray top coat after. If the jar brand you buy doesn’t come with a lid you like, you can decorate the top in a gingham pattern with acrylic paints or markers. You could also secure a scrap of gingham fabric over the top of your jam jar with twine.

As for the soap pump, you can use the dispenser tube that comes with the soap. Since these pumps are usually made of plastic, you can easily trim the ends to match the size of your jar.

How to Assemble the Jam Jar Soap Dispenser

After finishing the last bits of jam and washing the container, Wilson screws the lid back on and drills a hole in the center. Fill your jar with your favorite soap, take the dispenser from the original soap container, and push it through the drilled hole. Once everything is in place, your soap jar is ready to go.

Choosing the Right Soap for Your Jar

Consider matching the soap's color (and the scent) to the jar's jam flavor. Wilson opts for a bright red, strawberry-scented soap that resembles strawberry jam; you can experiment with your own “flavors,” such as dark blue soap for blueberry jam, purple for grape, or orange soap for an adorable jar of marmalade.w