Jessie Taylor
Glass candle jars are among the most problematic things humans waste. Not only does it take glass up to 40 centuries to decompose, but it's also one of the most polluting substances on Earth. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to reuse almost empty candle jars. From removing the wax and refilling the jar with a new candle, to using the jar as a vase, storage container, or soap dispenser, there are many ways to give your candle jar a second life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removing wax | Freeze the jar, then flip it upside down and bang the bottom with your palm to pop the wax out. Use a butter knife to gently pry the wax out if needed. |
| Removing labels | Soak the jar in warm soapy water, use lemon essential oil, or rub with a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone. |
| Reuse ideas | Soap dispenser, storage, DIY crafts, planters, vases, toothbrush holder, snack bowls, bathroom organisers, pen holder, cosmetic canisters, coffee/tea storage, food storage, gift containers, etc. |
| Recycling | Curbside recycling is an option for most candle jars made of clear soda-lime glass. |
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What You'll Learn
Use them as storage for toiletries, makeup brushes, or cotton swabs
Glass candle jars are one of the most polluting substances on Earth, taking up to 40 centuries to decompose. So, repurposing empty candle jars is a great way to give them a second life and prevent waste.
Empty candle jars can be used for storage, and they are a great size for toiletries, makeup brushes, cotton swabs, cotton balls, hair ties, and clips. To use them for storage, first, you need to clean out the jar. This can be done by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or by pouring hot water into the jar to melt the wax and wiping it clean. A gentle scrub with a mixture of warm water and vinegar can help remove stubborn residue. Once the jar is clean and dry, you can fill it with your chosen items.
Candle jars are a great way to contain clutter around your home and keep your space organized. They can be used to store everyday items and can be placed in areas such as your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, or office. For example, you could use a candle jar as a toothbrush holder or to store hair ties and clips.
You can also use candle jars to store makeup brushes and cosmetics. The jars can add a touch of charm to your vanity or bathroom counter and help you keep your makeup tools organized and within easy reach.
In addition to storage, candle jars can be used for various other purposes, such as holding coins, serving drinks, or even as plant pots. So, get creative and find new ways to reuse your empty candle jars!
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Repurpose as a toothbrush holder or bathroom storage
Glass candle jars are one of the most polluting substances on Earth, injuring countless animals that cut themselves on shards or ingest them. Repurposing empty candle jars is a great way to reduce waste and create stylish storage solutions.
To repurpose a candle jar as a toothbrush holder or bathroom storage, you must first remove any remaining wax. One method is to freeze the jar, making the wax brittle and easier to pop out. Alternatively, you can melt the wax by heating the jar in a low-temperature oven or pouring hot water into it. Once the wax is removed, clean the jar thoroughly to eliminate any residue. You can use a mixture of warm water and vinegar for stubborn residue and keep the jar crystal clear by regularly wiping it with a soft cloth dampened with vinegar and water.
Once your jar is clean, it's ready to be used as a toothbrush holder or for bathroom storage. You can also use it to store toiletries such as makeup brushes, cotton swabs, hair ties, and clips. If you're feeling creative, you can even transform your jar into a soap dispenser by attaching a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening.
Repurposing candle jars is a simple and sustainable way to reduce waste and add a touch of charm to your bathroom.
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Make a soap dispenser by fitting a pump to the jar
Glass candle jars are among the most wasteful items humans discard. Glass takes up to 40 centuries to decompose and is one of the most polluting materials on Earth. However, it is also one of the easiest waste products to recycle, so it is always worth trying to repurpose your candle jars.
One way to do this is to make a soap dispenser by fitting a pump to the jar. This is a simple process that can add a unique, eco-friendly, and charming touch to your home.
First, you must clean the jar thoroughly, ensuring there is no wax residue and that it is completely dry. To remove wax, place the jar in the freezer to make the wax brittle and easier to remove. You can also pour hot water into the jar to melt the wax, then wipe it clean. For stubborn residue, a gentle scrub with warm water and vinegar can work well.
Next, you need to find a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening. You may need to drill a hole in the jar's lid or modify it to fit the pump securely. If your pump is too tall, trim the end until it sits just above the bottom of the jar.
Once your pump fits, attach it to the lid by applying glue to the underside of the lid around the pump. Let the glue dry, then fill your jar with liquid soap.
You can also decorate your new soap dispenser. You could use glass beads, marbles, stones, water beads, or anything that takes your fancy.
Now you have a stylish, unique soap dispenser that is kind to the planet.
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Use as a vase to hold flowers or a plant pot
Glass candle jars are among the most wasteful items humans discard. Glass takes up to 40 centuries to decompose and is one of the most polluting materials on Earth. It is also dangerous for animals, who can cut themselves on shards or ingest them.
Instead of throwing away your candle jars, you can repurpose them as vases to hold flowers or as plant pots. This is a creative and sustainable way to reuse them.
Before using your candle jar as a vase or plant pot, you must ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and dried. To remove wax from the jar, you can try freezing the jar to harden the wax, making it easier to pop out. You can also warm the jar slightly to melt the wax and pour it out. For stubborn residue, you can fill the jar with hot water and vinegar, then wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Keep your jars crystal clear by regularly wiping them down with a cloth dampened with water and vinegar.
Once your jar is clean, you can use it as a vase for flowers. Eden Passante, the person behind the Instagram account @sugarandcharm, says, "I upcycle my candle jars when they're finished burning and use them as vases to hold my seasonal flowers. After doing this for a while, I have a wonderful collection of empty candle jars to use as vases that are all different heights." You can also match the type of flowers you put in the vase to the scent of the candle. For example, if you had a Boy Smells Restart Pillow Candle, you could fill the empty vase with violets or roses to emulate the scent.
You can also use your candle jar as a plant pot. Small jars work well for hosting starter plants before the roots grow too large and they need to be transplanted. Just make sure that the plant is not one that likes wet feet, as the roots could rot due to a lack of drainage. Candle jars can also be used to create an adorable balcony garden for veggies, seed sprouts, and more.
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Create a unique coffee bar by storing tea and coffee in candle jars
Empty candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways, including for storage, DIY crafts, planters, vases, and bathroom organizers. Here are some tips to create a unique coffee bar by storing tea and coffee in candle jars:
Choose the Right Candle Jars
Select candle jars that are made of glass and have a tight-fitting lid. Ensure that the jars are clean and free of any wax residue. You can remove wax residue by freezing the jar, which makes the wax brittle and easier to pop out, or by pouring hot water into the jar to melt the wax and wiping it clean.
Prepare the Jars
Before using the candle jars for storing tea and coffee, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Remove any labels or stickers by soaking the jars in warm, soapy water or using lemon essential oil. You can also use a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone to remove any sticky residue. Keep your jars crystal clear by regularly wiping them down with a soft cloth dampened with water and vinegar.
Store Tea in the Jars
Loose-leaf tea can be stored in candle jars, but it is important to use opaque jars or keep them in a dark cabinet to protect the tea from light and UV rays, which can degrade the quality. Avoid storing tea near strong odours or humid areas, as tea easily absorbs moisture and odours. Label the jars so you know what type of tea is inside.
Store Coffee in the Jars
Similarly, coffee beans or ground coffee can be stored in candle jars. Coffee is also sensitive to light, heat, and moisture, so it is best to use opaque jars or store them in a dark, cool, and dry place. Ensure that the jars are airtight to maintain freshness.
Display Your Coffee Bar
Once you have filled your candle jars with tea and coffee, you can display them on a shelf or counter to create a unique coffee bar. You can also add decorative elements, such as labels or twine, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your coffee bar.
By reusing candle jars to store tea and coffee, you not only create a stylish and functional coffee bar but also reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the jar in the freezer for a few hours, then flip it upside down and bang the bottom with your palm. The wax should fall out in one piece. If not, use a butter knife to break it up.
Clean and repurpose your candle jar to store toiletries such as makeup brushes, cotton swabs, hair ties, and clips. You can also use it as a toothbrush holder or to store your Q-tips.
Yes, you can use it to store everyday items like spare change, stationery, or other small knick-knacks.
Yes, but ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue. You can use them as snack bowls, drinkware, or to store food in your pantry or fridge.
Soak the jar in hot water, use lemon essential oil and rub it with a cloth, or soak the jar in warm soapy water overnight.
