Ben Carter
Shot glasses can be used for various purposes other than drinking. They can be used to make candles, oil candles, or even be repurposed as drinking glasses after the candle has been used. Shot glasses are preferred for candles over other glasses because they are sturdy and don't get affected by soot and smoke easily. They can also be decorated with silver foil and tape. This makes shot glasses a versatile item to have at home.
Ways to reuse shot glass candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking glasses | Shot glasses can be used as drinking glasses for cocktails, orange juice, or mixed drinks with ice. |
| Flower vases | Shot glasses can be used as small flower vases for bouquets or single flowers. |
| Storage containers | Shot glasses can be used to store items such as loose change, writing supplies, paintbrushes, makeup brushes, or lipsticks. |
| Dessert containers | Shot glasses can be used as containers for individual desserts such as cheesecakes, pot au cremes, or chocolate mousses. |
| Coffee cups | Shot glasses can be used for iced coffee, allowing you to see the milk and coffee swirling together. |
| Oil candles | Shot glasses can be upcycled into oil candles by adding water, essential oils, and a wick. |
| Candleholders | Shot glasses can be used as candleholders for tea light candles. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean out the wax residue
Removing wax residue from shot glasses can be tricky, but there are several methods you can try. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you clean out the wax residue from your shot glass candles:
Freezing Method
This method utilises the fact that wax contracts when frozen, making it easier to remove.
- Place the shot glass in the freezer, ensuring it is cool to the touch before doing so to avoid thermal shock.
- Leave it in the freezer for at least an hour or preferably overnight.
- Take the shot glass out of the freezer and, if the wax hasn't already fallen out, tap it gently against your palm to dislodge the wax.
- Use your finger or a dull knife to scrape away any remaining wax.
Boiling Water Method
This method involves melting the wax with boiling water to make it easier to remove.
- Fill the shot glass halfway with boiling water.
- Allow the wax to liquefy and float to the surface.
- Let the water cool for about 15-20 minutes until the wax starts to harden again.
- Remove the wax from the surface of the water with your fingers.
- Use a knife to gently pry away any remaining wax stuck to the glass.
Hair Dryer or Heat Gun Method
This method uses heat to soften and melt the wax for easier removal.
- Place the shot glass on a heat-resistant surface, such as a wooden cutting board.
- Use a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting to target the wax until it softens and starts to melt.
- Wipe away the melted wax with a paper towel or cloth.
- Repeat as needed until all the wax is removed.
Alternative Methods
If the above methods are not suitable or effective for your situation, there are a few other alternatives you can try:
- Soak a cotton ball or swab in vinegar or baby oil, and use it to wipe down the glass, removing any remaining wax residue.
- Use a fork to separate and remove smaller chunks of wax.
- For a thin wax coating, use a razor blade to gently scrape off the wax.
- Wash the shot glass with soap and warm water to remove any remaining wax remnants.
Remember to be gentle and avoid using excessive force to prevent scratching or damaging the glass. Always ensure the glass is cool before handling it, especially when using the freezing or boiling water methods.
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Reuse as drinking glasses
Shot glasses can be reused as drinking glasses, and there are several ways to clean out the wax and prepare the glass for reuse. One way is to put the candle in the freezer for a few hours or even a day or two. As the wax cools, it will harden and shrink, making it easier to separate from the glass. You can then apply pressure to the edge of the wax with a dull knife to pop it out in one go or break it into smaller pieces. Remove the wax chunks and throw them away, then wipe the glass clean.
Alternatively, you can run hot water inside, outside, and on the bottom of the glass to melt and remove the leftover wax. You can then use an old, sturdy fork to pry out the small metal disk at the bottom of the glass that held the wick. Soak off any labels in hot soapy water and use a scrub pad to rub off any remaining glue residue while running the glass under hot water.
Another method is to carefully pour boiling water into the candle jar. Allow the water to cool, then discard the wax that has floated to the top. Use a spoon or paper towel to wipe away any remaining wax residue. Use a butter knife to gently remove the wick at the bottom of the jar, being careful not to scratch the glass. Finally, wash the jar with warm, soapy water.
After cleaning, your shot glass candle jars are ready to be reused as stylish drinking glasses for cocktails, orange juice, or any beverage of your choice.
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Make oil-burning candles
Oil-burning candles are a great way to reuse shot glasses sustainably and safely. They are easy to make and can be reused over and over again. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:
Firstly, you will need to gather your materials. For this project, you will need shot glasses, water, olive oil, cotton twine, binder clips, and some essential oils if you want your candle to be scented. It is important to use 100% cotton twine, as other materials may not be safe for burning. You will also need a saucepan, a stirring stick, and a thermometer to make the candle wax.
Next, you will need to prepare your wicks. Cut the cotton twine to the height of your shot glass and soak the strings in olive oil before assembling. This step is crucial to the success of your candle. Prepare as many wicks as you have shot glasses.
Now, you can make the candle wax. Fill a saucepan one-third full with water and bring it to a boil. Add soy wax flakes to the saucepan and stir with a wooden stick until the wax melts completely. The temperature required will depend on the type of wax you are using, so use your thermometer to guide you. For soy wax, a temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit is needed for it to melt completely. Allow the wax to cool down to room temperature, then add your chosen essential oil.
Once the wax has cooled, you can start assembling your candles. Attach the wicks to the centre of the shot glasses, using a binder clip to keep them centred. Then, fill each shot glass with water and add a couple of drops of oil. Light the wick and enjoy your oil-burning candle!
These candles are a great way to create a romantic and ambient atmosphere. However, always exercise caution when burning candles, and never leave them unattended.
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Store non-food items
Once your shot glass candle has burnt down, you can repurpose the glass to store non-food items. Here are some ideas:
Stationery
Shot glasses can be used to store stationery items such as writing supplies and paintbrushes.
Loose change
You can use your cleaned-out shot glass to store loose change.
Flowers
Fill the glass with water and pop in a small bouquet of flowers.
Self-care
Shot glasses are the perfect size for storing small self-care items such as lipsticks or small pots of cream.
To clean out your shot glass candle, you can place it in the freezer for a few hours or even a couple of days. This will help to separate the wax from the glass, and it may come out in one go as a solid puck. If not, apply some pressure to the edge of the wax with a dull knife to crack it, then tap it out. You can use baby oil or vegetable oil on a piece of tissue paper to dissolve any remaining wax residue. Give the glass a thorough wipe and wash with warm, soapy water.
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Use as a vase
If you're looking to reuse your shot glass candle as a vase, there are a few steps you should follow first to ensure it's clean and ready for its new purpose.
Firstly, you'll need to remove any remaining wax. One method is to put the candle in the freezer for a day or two. As the wax cools, it will harden and shrink, making it easier to separate from the glass. You can then apply pressure to the edge of the wax with a dull knife to pop it out in one go or break it into smaller pieces. Remove the wax chunks and throw them away, then give the glass a thorough wipe with a tissue and some baby oil or vegetable oil to dissolve any remaining wax residue.
Alternatively, you can pour boiling water into the candle jar. The hot water will cause the wax to float to the top, and you can then discard it once it has cooled. Use a spoon or paper towel to wipe away any remaining wax residue.
Once the wax is removed, you'll need to remove the wick at the bottom of the jar. Be careful not to scratch the glass while doing so. A butter knife or old, sturdy fork should do the trick.
Finally, give the jar a thorough wash with warm, soapy water to remove any glue residue. You can also soak off any labels in hot, soapy water.
Now your shot glass candle jar is ready to be reused as a vase! Simply fill it with water and add some flowers, trimming them to length if needed. You can create a beautiful display with small bouquets scattered on a table or running down the centre.
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