Tyler Brooks
There are many ways to deal with candle jars, from repurposing them for storage or decor to recycling them. Before repurposing or recycling, it is important to remove any leftover wax and clean the jar. This can be done by placing the jar in the freezer, melting the wax with boiling water, or heating the jar in the oven. Once the wax is removed, the jar can be cleaned with soap and water or isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue. Repurposing ideas include using the jar for bathroom storage, desk organization, a vase, a plant pot, a coin jar, or a snack bowl. Alternatively, the jar can be recycled, although it is important to check if the glass is recyclable and to remove any wax and residue first.
Dealing with Candle Jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse | Storage for toiletries, makeup brushes, cotton swabs, hair ties, clips, pens, paper clips, lip gloss, loose tea bags, coins, etc. |
| Can be used as a vase, small plant pot, or to regrow food scraps | |
| Can be used to serve drinks or snacks | |
| Recycle | Most candle jars can be recycled, but it's important to ensure all wax is removed first |
| Clean | Wax can be removed by freezing the jar, using boiling water, a double boiler, or an oven |
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What You'll Learn
Remove wax from the jar
Freezing the candle jar is a popular method to remove wax. Leaving the jar in the freezer overnight or for a few hours will cause the wax to freeze and peel off the sides of the jar. You can then use a butter knife to help remove the wax.
Another method is to melt the wax by placing the jar in the oven upside down at a low temperature (below 200°F). Once the wax has melted, pour it out into the trash and wipe the inside of the jar with a paper towel.
You can also melt the wax by placing the jar in a pot of boiling water. Make sure the jar is on a heat-safe surface and protected with a towel or newspaper. Only fill the jar halfway as the wax will rise to the surface on its own. Let the jar sit in the hot water until the wax has softened, then remove the container from the water and pop out the wax. Wash with soap and water.
If there are small bits of wax remaining in the jar, you can put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds (ensuring the jar is microwave-safe first) and then wipe away the wax with a paper towel.
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Clean the jar
There are several ways to clean out a candle jar. One method is to fill the jar with hot water and let the wax melt and float to the top. Then, wait for the water to cool and the wax to harden a little, before removing the wax. You can also use a butter knife to pop out the wax in one large piece. If there is still wax stuck to the jar, you can try heating the jar in the oven at a low temperature (below 200 degrees Fahrenheit) until the wax melts and drips off. Alternatively, you can place the jar in the freezer for half an hour or so to let the wax harden, making it easier to remove in one piece.
If you want to reuse the wax, collect it on a baking tray or in a bowl and use it to top off another candle with a similar scent. Be careful not to pour melted wax down the drain as it will clog your pipes.
To remove the sticky labels from old candle jars, scrub a mixture of oil and baking soda onto the jar with a steel wool pad. You can also use a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone to remove adhesive residue.
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Use it for storage
There are many ways to repurpose candle jars for storage. Before using a candle jar for storage, it is important to remove the wax. This can be done by placing the candle jar in the freezer for a couple of hours, or until the wax is frozen, and then using a butter knife to pop the frozen wax out. Alternatively, you can place the candle jar in the oven at a low temperature (less than 200 degrees Fahrenheit) until the wax melts, and then pour the melted wax into a container.
Once the wax has been removed, the jar can be cleaned with soap and water. If there is a sticky residue left on the jar, this can be removed with a mixture of oil and baking soda, or with isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone. Now, the jar is ready to be used for storage!
Candle jars can be used for storage in a variety of ways. In the bathroom, they can be used to store Q-tips, cotton pads, or makeup brushes. On a desk or vanity, they can be used to store pens, paper clips, scissors, or makeup brushes. Candle jars can also be used to store loose tea bags, dry beans, grains, or other bulk items in the pantry or refrigerator.
In addition, candle jars can be used as a stylish vase for flowers or as a plant pot for small plants or houseplant clippings. For cat owners, candle jars can be used to store cat toys coated in catnip. Finally, candle jars can be used as a piggy bank to store spare change.
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Use it for food and drink
Using candle jars for food and drink is a great way to repurpose them, but it is important to ensure the jars are made of food-safe materials. Some candle manufacturers advertise their containers as food-safe, like Paddywax's La Playa collection, which comes with a margarita recipe. Boy Smells is another brand with food-safe jars, which its co-founder Matthew Herman repurposes as tumblers for serving drinks.
If your candle jar is not explicitly labelled as food-safe, it is still generally safe to use for food storage and drinkware once thoroughly cleaned and any wax residue is removed. However, you should ensure the jars have not previously contained any scented candles with chemicals that could be harmful if in contact with food. To clean the jar, you can place it in the freezer overnight to shrink the wax, making it easier to remove. You can also try using a butter knife to break apart the wax or pouring boiling water into the jar to melt and remove the wax. To remove any remaining wax residue, wash the jar with warm water, dish soap, and a sponge.
Once your candle jar is clean, you can use it for various food and drink purposes. For example, you can use the jar to store dry goods like beans, grains, teas, dried herbs, and spices purchased in bulk or plastic packaging. Whole-leaf teas add a decorative touch to your kitchen when stored in clear glass jars. You can also use the jar to store food in the refrigerator, such as prepped salads and overnight oats for the week. Just remember to keep any liquid ingredients at the bottom of the jar to prevent the other ingredients from becoming soggy. Candle jars without lids can also be used for food fermentation, regrowing food scraps, and as a container for cold brew or iced tea.
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Use it for decoration
There are many ways to repurpose your old candle jars for decoration. Here are some ideas:
Bathroom Storage
Fill your empty candle jars with Q-tips or cotton pads and place them on your bathroom shelf or in your cabinet.
Desk Accessory
Use your empty candle jars to store stationery items like pens, paper clips, or scissors on your desk.
Vanity Storage
If you have too many lip glosses, you can use your candle jar for a grab-and-go gloss situation that's both chic and convenient.
Vase
Add some water and a few pretty flowers to your empty candle jar to create a stylish mini vase for your side table or anywhere else in your home.
Small Plant Pot
Fill your empty candle jar with a little greenery to add a pop of nature to any room in your home.
Decorative Display
Decorative glass jars can add beauty to dining room tables, bookshelves, or side tables around the house. Try adding found items from nature like pine cones, pine needles, or dried flowers, which can also add pleasant, subtle scents.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to do this. One method is to place the candle jar in a bowl of barely simmering water, ensuring the wax melts without the jar getting dangerously hot. Alternatively, you can place the candle in a separate pot and slowly pour boiling water around it. You can also put the candle jar in the freezer for a few hours, then use a butter knife to pop the frozen wax out.
Once the wax is removed, hand-wash the jar with dish soap and water. To remove stubborn stains, try soaking the jar in soapy warm water. If there is adhesive residue from a label, use a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone.
There are many ways to repurpose a candle jar. You can use it for storage, such as for toiletries, desk organisation, or pantry items. You can also use it as a vase or a small plant pot. If the jar is food-safe, you can use it for food preparation or to serve drinks.
Yes, you can recycle a candle jar, but you must ensure that all the wax is removed first.
