Have you ever finished burning your favorite candle and just stared at the beautiful glass sitting there, wondering if you should toss it? I have been there more times than I can count. After years of testing every method and trying countless DIY projects.
I can tell you with absolute confidence that learning how to repurpose candle jars is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to save money and declutter your home. I am going to walk you through exactly how to clean them out and turn them into something amazing.
I still remember my first successful project. I had a gorgeous amber glass jar from an expensive vanilla candle. Instead of throwing it away, I spent ten minutes cleaning it out. Now, three years later, that same jar sits on my bathroom counter holding my makeup brushes.
Every time I see it, I smile, knowing I kept that perfect container out of a landfill. Trust me, once you learn these tricks, you will never look at an empty candle the same way again.
Why Bother Saving Old Candle Jars?
I would like to present you with a statistic that made me stand still. Did you realize that of the used candle jars, the percentage of actually recycled jars is very low at approximately 8 percent? It implies that we dispose of millions of glass containers, which are in perfect condition, in the garbage bin annually. It is estimated that glass requires 4,000 years to break down. Having learned that, I understood that a few more minutes to wash a jar could do some actual good for our planet.
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Saving Money While Being Creative
Frankly, nobody does not like to save money. Acquiring new organizers and storage containers may become a costly affair too soon. Those adorable plant pots or office supply holders? You can do them yourself at no cost using jars that you already have. I have saved most likely more than a hundred dollars due to reusing what I had. Besides, the jars of better candles, such as WoodWick, are actually durable, and the reuse of them makes the initial money seem much more attractive.
How to Clean Your Candle Jars?
All right, I will tell you about the most effective method. I have attempted to freeze the wax (so messy!), to scrape it off (so long-lasting!), and to use boiling water. My very favorite trick is the boiling water trick.
Here is exactly what I do. I warm water by an electric kettle. Then I pour the water, which is close to the boiling point, into the vacant candle jar in a carefully measured quantity, up to nearly the brim.
The warm water dissolves the remaining wax that remains on the bottom, and the wax rises up to the surface directly. I leave it until the water is not hot. The wax then becomes solid as a disc in the water, and I can simply pop it out! Every time it seems to be magic.
Getting Rid of Sticky Labels
There are occasions when the label is not making itself easy to come off. In case of the lack of hot water and soap, I apply a very simple trick. I wet a paper towel using rubbing alcohol and put it on top of the label. After that I wrap it in plastic wrap and wait until it takes about 20 minutes. The label then tends to peel off. In any residue of sticky glue, a small drop of Goo Gone or even a paste of coconut oil and baking soda will do miracles.
Creative Ways to Use Your Repurposed Candle Jars at Home
1. How to Repurpose Candle Jars into Bathroom Organizers
My bathroom used to be disheveled. All is found now in my used candle jars. My toothbrush holder is made of a tall and narrow jar. It is a lot more attractive than a plastic cup. Cotton balls and Q-tips are best put in smaller jars. I even have one on the counter in hair ties and clips. It maintains all order and appears very presentable.
2. Turn Them Into Adorable Plant Pots for Succulents
This is possibly my favorite idea. Succulents are tiny and tough, and they would look entirely correct in ancient candle bottles. The following is a pro tip: remember to add some small pebbles to the bottom of the jar and then add soil. This aids in draining so that you do not drown your new plant. I have one succulent on my desk in a blue jar, and it makes me joyful on a daily basis.
3. Using Candle Jars for Desk and Office Storage
My table was a tangle of pencils and needles. Not anymore! The candles are the most suitable containers to keep pens and pencils. I have one also, which is used to take paper clips and push pins. These are much better-looking than the plastic boxes you purchase in the store. I also have one jar where I keep my paintbrushes in case I want to paint.
Fun DIY Projects with Old Candle Jars
Is it worthwhile to buy a new candle when you can make one? Your empty jar can be used to make a brand-new candle with your favorite smell. Some soy wax flakes, a new wick, and some essential oils will be required. The hot wax is melted in a double boiler (adults are the only ones who should handle the hot wax), and it is poured into the clean jar with the wick in the center and allowed to cool. It is a playful activity to carry out with the older children.
Rustic Home Decor with Jute and Beads
My recent experience was a craft project when I covered the bottom of a jar with jute twine and glued the wooden beads with hot glue, which are small and round. It looks so rustic and cozy. Also, a white paint marker can be used to draw simple designs on the glass. They are great gifts or beautiful items to place on a shelf.
Unique Ideas You Haven't Thought Of
A Stylish Jewelry Box
My daily rings and earrings I store in a small candle jar in my dresser. It prevents their lossiness, and it is pretty to sit out. A reader on Reddit posted an image of their mushroom-shaped container of candle jar being utilized in precisely this manner, and it was cute.
Collecting Loose Change
The loose change is all about. Get a jar in front of the front door and make it a change jar. You could have saved some money by the end of the year to go out to eat. You can have a label on it indicating either vacation fund or pizza money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repurposing Candle Jars
Is it possible to place a candle pot in the dishwasher?
Well, when you have washed all the wax off and the label, you can undoubtedly put the jar in the dishwasher. The hot temperature and the harsh detergent will assist in cleaning it and making it clean. All you need to do is remove all the glue leftovers first; otherwise, it would be sticky in a dishwasher.
But what about using hot water when the wax will not come out?
As long as the wax is being recalcitrant, then use the freezer technique. Put it in the jar in the freezer for some hours. The wax will contract and may well pop out with a butter knife. This is very effective with thick-waxed jars at the bottom.
Can all of the candle jars be repurposed?
The majority of glass and ceramic candle jars can easily be used again. Nevertheless, I would not reuse jars that happen to be very thin or cheap. Moreover, caution should be observed with jars with metallic paint or decorations on the interior, as they may not be food-safe.
What do you do to remove the smell of smoke from an old candle jar?
A nice bath in hot and soapy water with a pinch of white vinegar should do the trick. You may also experiment by putting the clean jar out in the sun all day long. The UV rays serve to counteract odors.
Shall I make drinking glasses out of these jars?
Yes, many people do! The only thing you need to do is to make sure that the jar is smooth all the way round where your mouth would be. There is a thick lip on some of the candle jars, which may not be comfortable. And first of all, wash them.
Conclusion: Start Your Repurposing Journey Today
I hope that I have demonstrated that the knowledge of how to repurpose candle jars is not only about environmental saving, albeit that is a terribly large component of it. It is having the creativity, spending less, and making your house full of beautiful and functional things with a story. When you burn the last slice of the wax in your favorite candle the next time, do not simply discard the jar.
Look at it as it actually is: a green glass container that is destined to receive its second life. You are giving that jar a future, whether it will be a home to a little plant or a container for your favorite pens or a Christmas gift to a friend. I assure you, when you begin, you cannot stop. Happy repurposing!
