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Mason Jar Soap Dispenser



A few months ago I was inspired by a project on Heather Bullard's blog about making a hand soap dispenser out of a canning jar.  I've been on the lookout for a blue jar with a zinc lid like hers, but haven't come across anything of the sort.  Please stop by Heather's blog - you'll love it!  Please don't compare my soap dispenser with her's - there's really no comparison - her's rocks!

Since necessity is the mother of invention,  I had to go ahead with the project this week - even without the zinc lidded blue jar.  Sigh. . .

Let me set the stage for ya.  I was cooking dinner with my 7 month old grandson sitting in the high chair in the kitchen.  The 3 year old grandson is playing in the sprinkler with Papa (Hubs).  I go to wash my hands at the kitchen sink and I'm out of liquid soap.  I look under the sink and realize the refill bottle is gone.  (what happens under the sink when we're not looking? )   I get the baby out of the highchair and trudge upstairs to get some soap from under the bathroom sink.  The only thing I can find is a bottle of foaming soap in it's own dispenser that I had gotten as a teacher gift.  I don't like to use the dispensers that advertise the store they came from if ya know what I mean.  I grabbed the bottle and went downstairs.  

I just couldn't put the bottle, as is, on the sink.  I had to "fix" it.  Then I remembered Heather's idea.  So I grabbed an empty canning jar from the cabinet, an empty milk jug from the recycling bin, and a pair of scissors from the drawer. 

First, I traced the lid of the canning jar onto the side of the milk jug.  Then I cut it out.  I'm sorry I don't have pics for you - remember, there's a 7 month old in this story.  

I removed the pump from the soap dispenser and trimmed it down to fit the shorter canning jar.  Then I cut a whole in the center of the new lid (from the milk carton) making it just big enough for the pump to slide onto. 

Next, I slid the pump onto the new lid, filled the jar with the new soap, and screwed everything together with the screw band from the jar.  Then I gave it a try and it worked! 



I like using a foaming soap.  When it's time to refill this baby, I'll just use my regular jug of refill soap and use a 6:1 water to soap mix to make a foaming soap.  This will help my soap last longer.  I love being frugal!

Comments

  1. What a fabulous idea!! I'm totally going to make a few =)

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  2. My young and hip daughter tells me I am behind the times for never having seen this before, but I LOVE THIS ONE!!! I'm making this soap dispenser for my own sink at my earliest availability. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  3. I love this one! I kind of like it for a gift idea, too. thanks!

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  4. What a fantastic idea! I hate my ugly soap dispenser, but could never find anything that looked any better - until now! Can't wait to find a vintage ball jar and try this out for myself!!!!!

    I often have a big burly man hand pushing down on that pump handle! Is the milk jug lid really strong enough to support the pump dispenser?

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  5. Hey Sheri, I'm thinking of replacing the milk jug plastic with a harder plastic from a lid of some sort. It has held up to Ryan's handwashing so far and you know how strong he is!

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  6. Well I couldn't wait to find a vintage mason jar, so I went with what I had! I used the lid from a small size container of lemonade mix. It was a hard plastic and tough to cut - I had to use the pruners! It works perfect and I love it!! Now I can take my time and search for a cute vintage one and then use this in the kids bathroom!
    Thanks for such a fantastic idea!

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  7. love this...other one is only blue i think due to blue soap! i do like her oxidized lid, but you shouldn't sell yours short! :) you used a foaming pump!!! thanks!

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