How to Collect Ball Jars

Obtaining jars

• 1

  Browse rummage sales for the jars. Look in the local paper for the addresses of sales. Carry small bills and change with you to the sales. Look for the word "Ball" on the side of the jar and a year. Cracked jars are still collectible, but need to be handled carefully to avoid further damage.

• 2

  Log on to an Internet auction site. Search for the Ball jars. Check the pictures carefully before purchasing. Search for websites that collectors have set up to sell their jars.

• 3

  Browse antique shops for the jars. Check the shops frequently, around once every one to two weeks, for jars.

• 4

  Buy new Ball jars from craft, department and other stores that sell craft and canning supplies. The jars usually come in multi-packs.

• 5

  Find old jars at home auctions.

Cleaning and storing jars

• 6

  Pour two to four drops of dish soap into a sink. Fill the sink halfway with hot water. Pour in two cups of vinegar per every four jars.

• 7

  Open the jars and empty out the contents. Place the jars and lids in the water to soak for one hour. Wipe out the jars and lids with the washcloth and rinse. Wipe out the crevices around the word "Ball" etched in the glass. Place the rinsed jars and lids upside down on the towel to dry.

• 8

  Place a large towel on a flat surface.

• 9

  Place the dry lids on the jars. Place the jars on a shelf. Hang the shelf in a low traffic area to avoid people or pets knocking into them.

• 10

  Dust the jars and shelf once a month with a dry rag.