Why Your Mason Jars Are Rusting (And How To Prevent It)

Mason jars are cherished as much for canning as they are for their rustic, utilitarian look. There's something satisfying about getting a glimpse of jars lined up and at the ready inside a kitchen cabinet. But storing mason jars with their rings is a no-no, however pretty they look.

If left on jars, rings can become difficult to remove, often rust, and may not work properly again. This is especially true if there is any moisture from the pressure canner. When not in use, all rings should be cleaned, washed, and dried thoroughly, then put away separately from jars. This will preserve the life of the rings and prevent unsafe-to-ingest oxidized iron from getting into food. A good practice is to remove a ring 24 hours after a jar's content has been sealed. An intact flat prevents bacteria from growing inside the jar. Later on in the process, if food does spoil inside a jar, it releases a gas that will pop open the flat. With a band on the jar, it's impossible to know whether the flat is truly sealed or whether it has been disturbed from content that's gone bad.

Some suggest storing clean, dry rings in airtight plastic bags or containers. Others display them, using metal coat hangers like the ones used at dry cleaners. To do this, straighten out the hanger and wrap one end around one of the rings. Then, place the rest of the rings on the wire and hang for easy access. If you use more than one size ring, create a wire hanging system for each size to keep the rings organized. A similar method uses shoestring and carabiner clips, both of which can be purchased at the Dollar Store, as well as bungee cords, cable ties, and rope.

Other ideas for storing include using countertop paper towel holders, skirt hangers, pants hangers, or simply screwing the rings without their flats onto clean dry mason jars after everything has been cleaned and dried. The latter method is supposed to protect the metals' edges from sustaining damage that can make a band useless for canning. 

There are easy methods for removing rust from old canning rings with a household staple you already have: vinegar. If that does not work, you might want to consider thinning your collection. Some recommend only keeping as many as you might need within a 24-hour period when you're canning. Some veteran canners have hailed the arrival of stainless steel canning rings because they do not rust, but find that they are more expensive and still might stain if left in water too long.

Instead of throwing out rusty old rings, you can also upcycle them to make a DIY canning rack for your instant pot. There are also clever ways to repurpose old mason jar lids in the home and garden. With a few materials, you can create Christmas ornaments, plant tags, coasters, windchimes, wreaths, bird feeders, and more. Remember the 1970s Sears Magic Mushroom canister craze during the pandemic? With just a few extra materials and a little more effort, you can turn your empty jars Into whimsical mushroom decor.