Mason Jar Soap Dispensers!

There are a million tutorials showing how to make these cute dispensers (like this one from Heather Bullard or this one from Team Bowen), but I couldn’t decide which assembly method I wanted to use. I ended up trying two different versions and both came out great! Since I’ve done all the detective work already AND because I love you so much, I’m going to show you BOTH ways and give you my thoughts on which was easier! I know… I’m so thoughtful. You can send baked goods to thank me : )

Here’s what you’ll need:

mason jar

soap bottle with pump

glue (you’ll need epoxy or a water-resistant adhesive)

spray paint (if you wish to paint the lid)

Method #1

Step One: Empty the bottle of soap into another container and wash the bottle and pump to remove any remaining soap. Place the opening of the soap bottle centered on the back of the mason jar lid and trace around the opening.

Step Two: Put the lid back on the mason jar upside down (so you can see your circle) and screw on the ring to hold the lid in place. Place a small screwdriver (or other pointed object) inside the circle, and using a hammer, tap the screwdriver until it pierces through the lid. Continue making holes until the entire circle is gone. Use small pliers to remove any remaining pieces of lid inside the circle. Try to make your circle as perfect as possible. 

Step Three: Check to see if the opening of your soap bottle fits inside the circle in your lid. You want it to just barely fit. 

Step Four: Next turn your soap bottle on its side, and cut off the top of the bottle just below the threads. (I used a hand saw for this.)

Step Five: Spray paint the lids of your jar, if you wish to do so. I recommend a coat of metal primer first, then your spray paint color of choice, then a few coats of sealer to protect them. I chose oil-rubbed bronze for my lids, and I’ve been going gaga over how gorgeous this color is! Why have I never used it before??

Step Six: Attach the top of the soap bottle to the jar lid by applying a good amount of glue to the underside of the lid. Don’t worry about it being pretty, because it won’t be. It’s on the bottom of the lid, so you won’t see it. Let the glue dry as directed on the package, and screw the soap pump into the lid!

Method #2 

Step One: Take the pump out of the soap bottle and wash to remove any soap left on the pump.
Step Two: Put the lid on the mason jar and make a mark in the center of the lid. Place a small screwdriver (or other pointed object) on your centered mark, and using a hammer, tap the screwdriver until it pierces through the lid. Continue making holes around the center until you create a hole just large enough to fit the pump inside.

Step Three: Spray paint the lids of your jar, if you wish to do so. 

Step Four: If your pump is too tall to fit in the jar, trim the end of your pump until it sits just above the bottom of the jar. 

Step Five: Attach the pump to the lid by applying a good amount of glue to the underside of the lid all around the pump. Let the glue dry as directed on the package, and you’re ready to fill your new soap dispenser!

Here’s the two jars I made before filling them up with soap:

And here’s how cute they look all ready to be used!

So pretty! I used the larger jar for dish soap and the smaller jar for hand soap, and let me tell you, I am totally SMITTEN with them! They were both easy and cheap to make and look adorable sitting by my sink!

Here’s my verdict on Method #1 vs. Method #2:

I tried the first method because I thought it might add a bit more sturdiness holding the soap pump and make it last longer throughout the years. I tried the second method because it sounded easier, and well… I’m all about easier! And although both ways worked great, I found Method #2 to be not only easier but just as sturdy as the first jar, and it saved me the step of having to cut the top of the soap bottle! Method #2 also left more room for error when making the hole in the lid. If you accidentally make the hole a bit larger than needed, the top of the pump will still cover the hole nicely, and you won’t even notice. You don’t have as much leeway with the first method!

So there you have it folks! Two versions of making a mason jar soap dispenser and my thorough research on each! You can use whichever method you’d like, but either way I know you’ll LOVE having these cute soap jars by your sink! Way more fun to look at than a plastic bottle of Dawn dish soap, wouldn’t you say?