Chloe Adams
Candles are a source of comfort and relaxation for many, but what happens to the glass jars once the wick and wax have burned away? Throwing them away is an option, but not the only one. Repurposing candle jars is a creative, eco-friendly way to give them a second life. From using them as storage containers for food, coins, or stationery, to transforming them into plant pots or even new candles, there are numerous ways to reuse candle glass. With a bit of imagination, you can turn these jars into something useful and beautiful for your home or workspace.
How to reuse candle glass
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Remove wax | Freeze the jar, then pop out the wax, or heat the jar in the oven to melt the wax |
| Clean the jar | Use hot water and baking soda, or hand-wash with dish soap and water, or use an oven to melt the wax |
| Reuse ideas | Plant pots, toothbrush holder, pen/pencil holder, tea light holder, glassware, keys/wallet bowl, storage for food, coins, or small items, table decorations, tumbler |
| Warning | Do not reuse candle jars by making a "new" candle in it. Glass can only take so much heating and cooling before it shatters |
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What You'll Learn
- Use candle jars as storage for small items like coins, screws, and stationery.
- Repurpose candle jars as plant pots or terrariums
- Utilise candle jars for food storage and serving, such as overnight oats or smoothies
- Transform candle jars into decorative table centrepieces by filling them with fairy lights
- Create unique drinking glasses or tumblers from candle jars
Use candle jars as storage for small items like coins, screws, and stationery.
Candle jars can be reused in many ways, and one of the most practical ways is to use them for storage. Small items like coins, screws, stationery, and other bits and bobs can easily be stored in candle jars. The thick, beautiful glass of candle jars is perfect for storing items safely, and clear jars have the added benefit of letting you see what's inside.
You can place a candle jar near your entryway to keep your keys, wallet, and other essentials in one convenient spot. It can also be used to store spare change, especially helpful for those who use coin-operated laundry machines or parking meters.
Candle jars are also great for storing stationery. You can place one on your desk and fill it with pens, pencils, paintbrushes, scissors, and other writing or crafting utensils. This is a cute and practical way to keep your workspace organised and easily accessible.
If you have a lot of small items like screws, nails, or batteries, candle jars are perfect for separating and storing them. You can also use them to store items in your pantry or refrigerator, such as dry beans, grains, and other bulk items.
Before reusing a candle jar, it's important to clean it thoroughly. One way to do this is by placing the jar in the freezer overnight, which will harden any remaining wax. Then, you can use a butter knife to break apart and remove the wax. Finally, hand-wash the jar with dish soap and water. If there are any stubborn stains, try soaking the jar in warm, soapy water. With a clean and empty candle jar, you can get creative and find new ways to organise your space.
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Repurpose candle jars as plant pots or terrariums
Repurposing candle jars as plant pots or terrariums is an excellent way to reuse them. It is not only eco-friendly but also adds a touch of creativity and charm to your home. Here are some ways to do it:
Removing the Wax
Before repurposing your candle jars, you need to remove the leftover wax. One way to do this is by placing the jar in the freezer overnight. The wax will freeze and can then be easily knocked out in one large piece. You can also use a butter knife to break apart and remove the wax in pieces if it does not come out cleanly. Alternatively, you can place the jar in a low-temperature oven (200°F) upside down on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once the wax has melted, carefully remove the jar from the oven and pour the wax into a container. Allow the wax to cool before discarding it.
Using Jars as Plant Pots
Candle jars are just the right size for small succulents or herbs. Simply clean out the wax, add some small stones for drainage, and then fill the jar with soil. You can also regrow food scraps like green onions, celery, leafy vegetables, and bean sprouts in your jars by placing them in water and giving them sunlight.
Creating a Terrarium
You can create a terrarium in a wide-mouth candle jar. Add layers of small stones, soil, and moss to create a miniature landscape. Use a terrarium kit to make this even easier. You can also add plants, such as succulents or small herbs, to create a mini garden.
Other Tips
When repurposing candle jars, it is important to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Hand-wash the jars with dish soap and warm water. If there are stubborn stains, try soaking the jar in warm, soapy water. If there is adhesive residue from labels, use a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone to remove it. Be cautious when cleaning tinted or decorated jars, as some cleaning methods can ruin the design. For example, using a dishwasher to clean candle jars may strip away colour coatings.
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Utilise candle jars for food storage and serving, such as overnight oats or smoothies
Glass candle jars can be reused for food storage and serving. Before using candle jars for food storage, it is important to ensure that the jar is free of contaminants and chemicals. One way to do this is to put the jar in the freezer overnight, which will make it easier to pop out any remaining wax. Then, fill the jar with hot water and baking soda and let it sit until it cools. Finally, run the jar through the dishwasher with your regular dishes to ensure it is chemical-free.
Candle jars can be used to store and serve various foods, such as overnight oats, smoothies, parfaits, and salads. When preparing salads, it is recommended to keep any dressing at the bottom of the jar to prevent the other ingredients from becoming soggy. Candle jars can also be used as containers for dry goods like beans, grains, and other bulk items purchased from the supermarket.
Additionally, candle jars can be used for storing and serving homemade jams, jellies, preserves, and curds. These items should be stored in the fridge, as jars being used for the second time may not be hermetically sealed. Candle jars can also be used as a creative way to serve drinks to your guests.
Candle jars can be a great way to add a touch of creativity and charm to your food storage and serving while also being eco-friendly. However, it is important to note that some candle jars may contain lead or other heavy metals that can contaminate food or drink. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the candle's manufacturer to ensure that the jar is food-safe before using it for storage or serving.
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Transform candle jars into decorative table centrepieces by filling them with fairy lights
Transforming candle jars into decorative table centrepieces is a creative and eco-friendly way to reuse them. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Cleaning the Jars
Before filling your candle jars with fairy lights, it's important to clean them thoroughly. One way is to put the jar in the freezer overnight, which will make the wax pop right out. You can then use a toothpick or knife to remove any remaining wax. Fill the jar with hot water and baking soda, letting it sit until it cools, to get rid of any residual scent. Finally, run the jar through the dishwasher to ensure it's free of any chemicals or contaminants.
Filling the Jars with Fairy Lights
Now it's time to fill your clean candle jars with fairy lights! For a magical and romantic ambiance, use tinted glass jars in colours like amber or green. You can find fairy lights with small battery packs that can be hidden discreetly at the bottom of the jar or covered with moss, ribbon, or lace. If you're concerned about the battery pack being visible, try using fairy lights with very small battery packs or hide them underneath a wooden box or vase filler beads.
Adding Decorative Touches
To enhance the visual appeal of your centrepiece, consider adding some decorative touches. Surround the jar with foliage like eucalyptus or place it on a wooden base. You can also paint the glass before dropping in the lights to create a unique effect. For a whimsical touch, submerge willow branches in a clear vase and add a floating candle on top, casting a decorative shadow across your table. Combine your illuminated jars with flowers or pebbles for a natural and elegant touch.
Creating a Centrepiece Display
To create a stunning table centrepiece, arrange multiple transformed candle jars with fairy lights in a cluster or line them up along the centre of the table. If you have a larger candle jar, it can be used as a key holder or bowl to store decorative items like sweets or flowers. For a warm and inviting atmosphere, combine your illuminated centrepiece with traditional candles of varying heights and colours.
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Create unique drinking glasses or tumblers from candle jars
Reusing candle jars is an eco-friendly way to add a creative and charming touch to your home. It's important to note that many candle jars are made with lead and other heavy metals, which can contaminate food or drinks held in the glass. Therefore, it is recommended to use these jars for storing non-consumable items.
Step 1: Removing Wax Residue
First, you need to remove any remaining wax from the candle jar. An easy way to do this is by pouring boiling water into the jar. The hot water will cause the wax to float to the top. Allow the water to cool, then discard the wax. You can use a spoon or paper towel to wipe away any remaining wax residue.
Step 2: Removing the Wick
Next, use a butter knife to gently remove the wick at the bottom of the jar. Be careful not to scratch the glass during this process.
Step 3: Cleaning the Jar
Once the wax and wick are removed, give the jar a thorough wash with warm, soapy water to ensure it is clean and safe for use. You can also put the jar through the dishwasher to make sure it is chemical-free, especially if you plan to use it for food or drinks.
Step 4: Decorate (Optional)
If you want to get creative, you can decorate your drinking glasses or tumblers. You can paint the glass before using it or add other decorative elements.
Step 5: Enjoy Your New Drinking Glass
Your candle jar is now ready to be used as a unique drinking glass or tumbler! Enjoy sipping your favourite drinks in style from your eco-friendly, upcycled glassware.
Remember, always be cautious when repurposing candle jars, especially if you intend to use them for food or drinks. Avoid using jars with lead or heavy metal contaminants, and ensure thorough cleaning before use.
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Frequently asked questions
One way to remove wax from a candle jar is to put the jar in the freezer overnight, then bang the bottom of the jar with your palm to remove the wax in one large piece. You can also use a butter knife to break up the wax and remove it in pieces.
To clean candle jars, hand-wash them with dish soap and water. To remove stubborn black scorch stains, soak the jar in soapy warm water. To remove sticky adhesive residue, use a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone.
Clean candle jars can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing food, pens, coins, or other small items. They can also be used as plant pots, toothbrush holders, or drinking glasses.
No, it is not recommended to put candle jars in the dishwasher as it could strip away the colour coating and decorations from the glass.
Yes, you can make new candles using old candle jars. However, be aware that glass can only take so much heating and cooling before it shatters. Always check with the manufacturer if the jar is suitable for reuse.
