Ben Carter
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere and fill your home with a beautiful scent. However, once they're finished, it can be tempting to simply throw them away. But with a little creativity, you can give your old candle jars and leftover wax a new lease of life. Whether you're looking to create new candles, organise your space, or add a decorative touch to your home, there are plenty of ways to reuse and recycle your old candles. So, before you toss those empty jars, explore the endless possibilities for transformation and give your candles another chance to shine.
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What You'll Learn
- Use candle jars to store everyday items, such as makeup brushes, toothbrushes, and Q-tips
- Reuse candle wax to make new candles, wax melts, or fire starters
- Use candle jars as creative pots or vases for houseplants
- Remove wax from candle jars by freezing, boiling water, or a double boiler
- Clean candle jars with lemon essential oil, kitchen cleaner, or disinfectant spray
Use candle jars to store everyday items, such as makeup brushes, toothbrushes, and Q-tips
If you're someone who loves lighting up scented candles, you probably have a lot of empty candle jars lying around. Instead of throwing them away, you can give them a second life by storing everyday items or using them as decorative pieces in your home. Here are some ways to reuse candle jars to store everyday items, such as makeup brushes, toothbrushes, and Q-tips:
Makeup brushes and other cosmetics
Use decorative candle jars to organize your makeup and brushes in one place. If the jars aren't aesthetically pleasing, you can always decorate them to your liking. Spruce up plain jars with paint, ribbons, or other craft materials to create unique storage containers for your vanity or bathroom counter.
Bathroom essentials
Candle jars are perfect for storing bathroom essentials and maximizing counter space. Use them to hold your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss picks, and Q-tips. You can also use them to store extra soaps, bath bombs, or small hand towels. Place the jars near your sink or bathtub for easy access to your daily essentials.
Stationery and desk accessories
Candle jars can be used to declutter your desk or workspace. Use them to store pens, pencils, markers, and other writing instruments. Tall candle jars are also great for holding items like scissors, rulers, or paintbrushes. Keep your stationery organized and within reach to make your workspace more functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Coins and small essentials
Keep an empty candle jar near your entryway or in your bedroom to store loose change. It's a convenient way to collect coins and have them readily available when you need them. You can also use small candle jars to hold other small essentials like keys, lip balms, or jewelry. Place one by your bedside table to keep your essentials organized and easily accessible.
Before reusing candle jars, it's important to properly clean them. Remove any remaining wax by using the freezer method or boiling water. Be careful not to overheat the jars, as it may shatter fragile containers. Remove labels and any sticky residue using lemon essential oil or a DIY disinfectant spray. Once cleaned and dried, your candle jars are ready for their new purpose!
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Reuse candle wax to make new candles, wax melts, or fire starters
Candles are great for creating a cosy atmosphere, but they can be expensive and it's frustrating when there's wax left over that you can't burn. Luckily, there are several ways to reuse candle wax to create new candles, wax melts, or fire starters. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions for each method.
Making New Candles
To make new candles from leftover wax, you'll need to melt the wax and pour it into a new mould. You can use a variety of items as moulds, such as vintage teacups, small jars, or disposable plastic cups. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare your workspace by lining your surface with wax paper to catch any spills.
- Melt the leftover wax. You can do this in the microwave, heating it for one minute at a time, or use an electric kettle or stove to boil water and melt the wax in a heat-safe container over the hot water.
- If you're using a jar or container with a wick, cut a piece of wicking that is 2 inches taller than the jar. Knot one end and thread it through a wick tab. Tie the free end around a wooden skewer and rest the skewer on the jar's rim.
- Pour the melted wax into your chosen mould, stopping about 1/2 inch below the rim.
- Let the wax stand until it sets, which usually takes about an hour.
- If you want to create a layered scent or colour, repeat the process with a different wax, pouring it over the first layer once it has set.
Creating Wax Melts
Wax melts are a great way to enjoy your favourite fragrances without the flame of a candle. To make your own wax melts, follow these steps:
- Melt the leftover wax and pour it into small moulds of your choosing.
- If you're combining the wax from several scented candles, ensure that the fragrances complement each other.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to enhance the scent, if desired.
- Place pressed flowers, herbs, or spices in the wax for a decorative touch.
- Allow the wax to harden, then remove it from the moulds.
- To use your wax melts, place them in a wax melter or candle warmer and enjoy the fragrance.
Crafting Fire Starters
Wax can also be reused to create fire starters, perfect for cosy winter fires. Here's how to make them:
- Gather dried flowers, herbs, spices, wood shavings, or small pine cones to include in your fire starters.
- Place muffin liners in a muffin tin and add your chosen natural materials to each liner.
- Reheat your leftover wax to 150°F (65.6°C) and pour it into the muffin liners, covering the natural materials.
- Allow the wax to harden, then remove the fire starters from the moulds.
- Use these wax fire starters to easily light your fireplace or outdoor fire pit.
Remember, when reusing candle wax, it's important to know what type of wax you are working with. Combine only the same types of wax, and always work in a well-ventilated area to ensure your safety.
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Use candle jars as creative pots or vases for houseplants
If you're looking for creative ways to reuse candle jars, why not try using them as pots or vases for houseplants? Not only is this a great way to give new life to your old candle jars, but it's also a unique way to display your plants. Here are some tips to get you started:
First, you'll need to remove any remaining wax from the candle jar. There are a few different ways to do this. One method is to place the candle jar in the freezer for a few hours until the wax is frozen, and then use a knife or similar tool to chip it out. Alternatively, you can fill the jar with warm water to melt the wax, and then pour out the liquid wax. Just be careful not to overheat the jar, as this could cause it to shatter.
Once your jar is clean and dry, it's time to think about drainage. Most candle jars don't have drainage holes, which can be a problem for plants that don't like to have "wet feet". To solve this issue, you can add a layer of rocks or drainage stones to the bottom of the jar, which will allow excess water to drain away from the plant's roots.
When choosing a plant for your candle jar, it's best to avoid moisture-loving plants. Instead, opt for drought-tolerant plants such as succulents or cacti, which will be happy in a container without perfect drainage. If you're feeling creative, you can even use your candle jar as a vase for a small bouquet of flowers or a single floating bloom.
Finally, don't be afraid to decorate your candle jar to match your style. You can paint the outside of the jar, add some twine or ribbon, or even glue on some gems or other decorations. With a little imagination, your old candle jars can become beautiful and unique plant pots or vases.
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Remove wax from candle jars by freezing, boiling water, or a double boiler
There are several ways to remove wax from a candle jar for repurposing. Here are three effective methods: freezing, boiling water, or using a double boiler.
Freezing
Place the jar in the freezer overnight. Wax shrinks when frozen, allowing it to separate from the jar's walls. In the morning, take the jar out of the freezer and turn it upside down. Scrape off the wax with a spoon or butter knife. This method works best with wide-mouthed jars and thick glass (thin glass may shatter due to temperature changes).
Boiling Water
Add boiling water to the jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Protect the surface you set the jar on, as it will be very hot. As the water cools, the wax will rise to the top. Once the water is cold, strain it carefully, ensuring that no wax goes down the drain as it will cause clogging. Remove the wax from the surface of the water and dispose of it appropriately.
Double Boiler
For softer waxes, like soy and coconut, the microwave or boiling water methods may be too intense, so a double boiler is recommended. Pour hot water into a large pot or container. Place the candle jar into a smaller bowl and set that bowl on top of the larger container. The wax will soften around the edges, making it easy to remove with a knife.
Leftover wax can be used to make new candles or wax melts. You can also use a heat gun or hairdryer to melt the wax inside the jar and then wipe it away with a paper towel. Always be cautious when using heat, and ensure the candle is on a heat-proof surface.
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Clean candle jars with lemon essential oil, kitchen cleaner, or disinfectant spray
If you're looking to clean out your old candle jars and give them a second life, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, it's important to remove any leftover wax before cleaning the jar. You can do this by placing the candle jar in the freezer for a couple of hours and then using a butter knife to pop out the frozen wax. Alternatively, you can fill the jar with boiling water and let the wax float to the top, then remove it once the water has cooled. Remember not to overheat the jar, especially if it's made of thin glass or another fragile material, as this can cause shattering.
Now, onto the cleaning methods! If you want to remove the label from your candle jar, lemon essential oil is a great option. Simply apply the oil to the label and rub it with a cloth. Lemon essential oil has powerful hygienic properties and can help combat microorganisms, making it ideal for homemade cleaners. You can also use a homemade heavy-duty kitchen cleaner or a DIY disinfectant spray if lemon essential oil doesn't do the trick.
If you're looking for a natural cleaner, you can make your own by mixing baking soda and vinegar in a bowl, then carefully pouring in water and adding in citrus essential oils like lemon, grapefruit, or bitter orange. This mixture can be used on hard surfaces and will leave your home smelling amazing. However, avoid using it on marble or wood as it can cause erosion.
Once your candle jar is clean, there are endless possibilities for reusing it! You can use it to store everyday items like hand cream, essential oils, or sleep sprays. It can also be used as a decorative piece to hold flowers or floating candles. In the kitchen, these jars can be used to store utensils or organize pantry items. Get creative and give your old candle jars a new purpose!
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Frequently asked questions
Reusing a candle until it's completely burnt out can be dangerous. The glass might get too hot and crack. It is recommended to stop burning a candle when there's about half an inch of wax left.
One way to clean out a candle jar is to place it in the freezer overnight. This allows the wax to shrink and easily pop out. You can also melt the wax and scoop it out.
Leftover candle wax can be reused for DIY projects. You can melt and pour the wax into a mould to make a new candle. You can also mix and match different waxes to create new scents.
You can repurpose empty candle jars in many ways. You can use them as glasses, storage containers, or even as planters.
