90+ Creative Ways to Reuse Your Hemsworth Homestead Containers

Want to become a lower waste household? Ever wondered what to do with your empty jars and bottles from us? It seems such a waste to throw them away, so I've compiled a huge list of 90+ ways you can reuse our various containers to help reduce your waste and become more eco-friendly (but in practical ways).

First, a couple thoughts: We've been asked several times by customers, but we can't reuse your old containers. Due to sanitation and hygiene reasons, as well as the time constraint of having to wash, sanitize, and peel off and remove old labels or adhesive, this practice just isn't realistic for us right now. It doesn't help reduce cost, unfortunately. If you don't find a way you'd like to reuse your container, I'd suggest washing them and then finding a glass recycling facility near you.

Before You Reuse: How to Remove Labels & Adhesive

A little prep work can make your empty containers look brand new and ready for their next purpose.

Step 1: Empty and Wash Thoroughly

Rinse out any remaining product. Wash with warm water and dish soap. Allow the container to dry completely before reusing.

Step 2: Remove the Label

Method 1: The Soak Method (Best for Most Labels)

Fill a sink or bowl with very warm water. Add a squirt of dish soap. Soak the container for 15–30 minutes. Gently peel off the label.

Many labels will slide right off after soaking.

Method 2: Hair Dryer Method

For stubborn labels:

Warm the label with a hair dryer for 30–60 seconds. Carefully peel from one corner. Pull slowly to avoid tearing.

The heat softens the adhesive and often allows the label to come off in one piece.

Step 3: Remove Sticky Residue

If adhesive remains behind, try:

Oil Method

Apply a small amount of olive oil, coconut oil, or cooking oil. Let sit for 5–10 minutes. Rub away the residue with a cloth. Wash again with soap and water.

Baking Soda Paste

Mix:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Enough oil to form a paste

Rub onto sticky areas and wipe clean.

Rubbing Alcohol

A little rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad can help dissolve stubborn adhesive left on glass.

Extra Tips for Glass Containers

A razor scraper can carefully remove stubborn residue from glass jars (avoid using on plastic).

White vinegar can help remove hard water spots and restore shine.

Polish dry glass with a microfiber cloth for a crystal-clear finish.

Making Your Containers Look Intentional

Once your containers are clean, you can give them a second life that actually looks beautiful on your counter.

Try:

• Simple kraft paper labels
• Chalkboard labels
• Minimalist printable labels
• Glass paint markers
• Twine, ribbon, or dried herbs tied around the neck of bottles
• Waterproof labels for bathroom use
  

A Quick Note About Pumps & Droppers

If you're reusing pump or dropper bottles for skincare or homemade products:

• Clean all components thoroughly.
• Allow them to dry completely.
• Avoid switching between food products and personal care products.
• Replace pumps or droppers if they become damaged or difficult to clean.

Once you've got them all cleaned and ready, here's our list of practical and easy ways to reuse your containers!

Glass Pump Bottles (Former Lotion Bottles)

Around the Bathroom

• Homemade hand soap dispenser
• Shampoo or conditioner dispenser
• Bubble bath dispenser
• DIY body oil bottle
• Mouthwash dispenser
• DIY linen spray bottle (buy a spray nozzle attachment!)

Around the House

• Dish soap dispenser by the sink
• Homemade all-purpose cleaner
• Laundry stain spray
• Plant misting bottle (if pump works for it, or buy a spray nozzle attachment)
  

Fun & Unexpected

• Coffee syrup dispenser
• Pancake syrup dispenser
• Homemade vanilla extract bottle
• Children's bubble solution dispenser
• Paint dispenser for crafts

Glass Dropper Bottles

Beauty Uses

• Homemade perfumes (carrier oil + essential oils)
• Cuticle oil
• Beard oil
  
• Spot treatment blends (for acne, etc.)
• Castor oil for lashes or brows
  

Wellness Uses

• Essential oil blends
• Sleep blend oils
• Massage oils
• Herbal tinctures
• Homemade bug bite remedy

Creative Uses

• Alcohol ink storage
• Liquid watercolor storage
• Natural dye samples
• Seed-saving containers for tiny seeds
• Targeted cleaning solution (ex: for grout lines)
• Plant propagation

Small Jars/Tins (1–2 oz)

Beauty & Self-Care

• Lip balm
• DIY salve
• Travel sizes of regular products
• Homemade perfume balm
• Tooth powder
  

Household Uses

• Spice blends
• Loose tea samples
• Matches
• Sewing kit
• Thumbtacks and paper clips
  

Craft Uses

• Glitter storage
• Beads
• Buttons
• Paint samples
• Tiny treasures for kids

Medium Glass Jars (4–8 oz)

Kitchen Uses (make sure to wash thoroughly!)

• Homemade seasoning blends
• Chia pudding jars
• Overnight oats
• Sourdough starter
• Homemade jams and jellies
  

Household Uses

• Cotton balls
• Bath salts
• Dryer scent boosters
• Baking soda for cleaning
• Pet treats
  

Gift Ideas

• Layered hot cocoa mix
• Cookie mix in a jar
• Homemade sugar scrub
• Tea gift jars

Plastic Jars (yes, these can be reused too!)

Bathroom

• Travel containers
• Hair accessories storage
• Bath salts
• Homemade cleaning scrubs
  

Craft Room

• Crayons
• Stickers
• Embroidery floss
• Paintbrushes
• Craft supply organization
  

Around the House

• Hardware storage
• Garden markers
• Seed storage
• Pet treats
• Drawer organizers
  

For Kids

• Treasure boxes
• Nature collections
• LEGO pieces
• Play dough storage

1 oz Metal Sample Tins

These are probably the most versatile!

Personal Care

• Homemade lip balm
• Lotion bar
• Solid perfume
• Cuticle balm
• Beard balm
• Heel balm
  

Purse & Travel

• Bobby pin
• Hair ties
• Earrings
• Pills (if appropriate)
• Earbuds
  

Emergency Kits

• Mini first aid kit
• Fire starter kit
• Sewing kit
• Camping spice kit
  

Fun Uses

• Watercolor paint pans
• Tiny treasure tin
• Seed-saving tin
• Pocket affirmation cards
• Tooth fairy box

Container Challenge: Reuse your empty Hemsworth Homestead container in a creative way, snap a photo, and tag us. We may feature your idea on our social media!

The most sustainable container is the one you already own. Before you toss that empty jar or bottle, see if it can serve a new purpose in your home for months—or even years—to come. 🌿