Brooke Martin
There are many ways to reuse old candle holders, from creating homemade beauty products to modern takes on old-fashioned oil lamps. Before reusing candle holders, it is important to clean them thoroughly. This can be done by freezing the candle holder, allowing the wax to harden, and then using a butter knife or spoon to remove the wax. Alternatively, hot water can be poured into the candle holder to melt the wax, which can then be absorbed using a paper towel. Once clean, old candle holders can be repurposed for various uses around the house, such as storing pens, paper clips, and other office supplies, or holding jewelry, bath salts, or dried herbs for bath soaks. Old candle holders can also be used as planters for small cacti or succulents, or as decorative containers for dried flowers or wishbones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning methods | Freezing, hot water, boiling water, baking soda and oil, dishwashing |
| Reuse ideas | Planters, storage for office supplies, bathroom storage, kitchen storage, terrariums, fairy lights, gift boxes, vases, cooking utensils holder, jewellery holder, lip balm holder, toothbrush holder, pen and pencil holder, food storage |
| Caution | Do not reuse candle jars to make new candles |
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What You'll Learn
Use them as storage for office supplies, jewellery, or bathroom items
Old candle holders can be reused in a variety of ways to store office supplies, jewellery, or bathroom items. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Office Supplies
Empty candle jars can be used to store a variety of office supplies, such as pens, pencils, paper clips, staples, and post-it notes. Place the jar on your desk and fill it with your favourite writing utensils. You can also use shallow or miniature candle jars to store items like salt and pepper or to help separate ingredients while cooking.
Jewellery
Candle jars can also be repurposed to hold jewellery. Place an empty jar on your vanity or in your bathroom to store jewellery, hair accessories, or lipsticks. This is a great way to keep your jewellery organised and easily accessible.
Bathroom Items
Old candle holders can also find new life as bathroom storage. Taller jars, for instance, can be used to hold your toothbrush and toothpaste. You can even fill the jar with a mix of water and vinegar to keep your toothbrush clean. Alternatively, place a jar on a pedestal to elevate its style and turn it into spa-worthy storage for items like cotton buds or bath salts.
Other Ideas
In addition to the above, old candle holders can be used for a variety of other storage purposes. For example, you can use a jar as a planter for small cacti or succulents, or as a container for matches. You can also fill a jar with candies and leave it on the counter or store it in a cupboard.
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Make them into a modern oil lamp
Old candle holders can be reused in a variety of ways, from storage jars to plant pots. One option is to make them into a modern oil lamp. Here's how to do it:
Firstly, you'll need to clean out your old candle holder. This can be done by freezing the holder, which will harden any remaining wax, making it easier to remove. You can then use a combination of washing-up liquid and hot water, or oil and baking soda, to scrub away any remaining residue. Ensure the holder is completely clean and dry before proceeding.
Next, you'll need to gather your materials. For this project, you'll require a short strip of pure cotton or linen fabric for the wick, a small amount of oil, and a plate to place your lamp on. You can use olive oil, as it burns cleaner, or another type of oil such as vegetable oil or kerosene. If using olive oil, you may wish to add a small amount of alcohol to it to thin the consistency. You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to give your lamp a pleasant fragrance.
Now it's time to assemble your lamp. Cut a strip of your chosen wick material, approximately 1.25cm (½ inch) wide and 10cm (four inches) long. Soak the wick in oil for at least 30 minutes to ensure it absorbs enough oil for a consistent burn. Using a pin, poke a small hole in the centre of the candle holder lid and thread the wick through, leaving a small amount of wick exposed above the lid.
Your modern oil lamp is now ready to be lit! Always exercise caution when lighting an oil lamp, as the flame may burn higher than expected. Never leave the lamp unattended, and always snuff it out using a metal bucket or pan rather than blowing it out. Enjoy the warm glow of your new lamp, and remember to pull the wick up every so often as it will burn down over time.
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Use them as a planter for small plants or succulents
Old candle holders can be reused in a variety of ways, one of which is to use them as planters for small plants or succulents. This is a unique way to repurpose used objects and add a personal touch to your decor.
To convert an old candle holder into a planter, the first step is to remove any remaining wax and the wick. This can be done by freezing the container and then chipping out the wax, or by placing the container in warm water and pouring out the melted wax. You can also use a hairdryer to melt the wax and then wipe it out with a paper towel. Make sure to clean the container thoroughly and remove any stickers or labels.
Once the container is clean, consider adding drainage holes to the bottom. If the container is metal, you can drill holes in the bottom. However, if the candle holder is made of ceramic or glass, drilling holes may cause it to break. In this case, you can add a thick layer of perlite at the bottom of the container to help with drainage.
Fill the container one-third full with planting soil. Select small plants or succulents that will fit well in the candle holder. Herbs, succulents, small bromeliads, ivy, and annual flowering plants are all good options. You can also decorate the candle holder with rope, glitter, gravel, or other materials to give it a unique look.
Using old candle holders as planters is a creative way to reuse them and bring a touch of greenery into your home or event. It is an easy and inexpensive project that allows you to showcase your personality and style.
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Create mood lighting by adding fairy lights
Old candle holders can be reused in a variety of ways to create mood lighting with fairy lights. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Clean and Prepare the Candle Holder
Before adding fairy lights to your old candle holder, it's important to clean it thoroughly to ensure there is no wax residue or sticky labels remaining. One way to remove wax is to place the candle holder in the freezer for about half an hour, which will harden the wax and make it easier to remove in one piece. You can then use a mixture of washing-up liquid and boiling water, or soap and a sponge, to clean the jar. For stubborn labels, try a mixture of oil and baking soda, applied with a steel wool pad. Ensure your candle holder is completely dry before adding fairy lights.
Add Fairy Lights for a Magical Glow
Fairy lights, also known as twinkle lights, are a simple and inexpensive way to create a magical and whimsical atmosphere in any space. The soft, warm glow of fairy lights can enhance the ambiance of your home, especially on cooler evenings. When adding fairy lights to your old candle holder, you can simply place them inside the holder, wrapping the lights around the upper third of the holder for a diamond-like glow. You can also get creative and spell out words or shapes with the lights, or pair them with elegant sheer drapery for a fairy tale sanctuary feel.
Create a Faux Fire
If you have a fireplace, you can create a cosy atmosphere without the hassle or danger of a real fire. Drape battery-powered white fairy lights over logs or intersperse them with battery-operated candles to create a soft and romantic glow. This setup is perfect for warm nights when a real fire isn't necessary but you still want to enjoy the ambiance of your fireplace.
Illuminate Dark Spaces
Fairy lights are perfect for illuminating dark corners or hallways. Wrap string lights around your banister or place them in a wine bottle on a shelf to brighten up spaces that overhead lights may not reach. You can also hang fairy lights from the ceiling for an indoor sky effect or drape them over a mirror for a magical glow.
Set the Mood for Dinner
Fairy lights are perfect for setting the mood at dinner parties or casual get-togethers. Display them along the length of your table, either in a straight line or woven around table decorations, for a warm and inviting atmosphere. For an extra special touch, pair the fairy lights with candles and sparkly gems for a glamorous and enchanting dining experience.
With these ideas, you can easily create mood lighting and give new life to your old candle holders. Get creative and experiment with different types of fairy lights and decorations to find the perfect ambiance for your space.
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Use them as a gift box for chocolates or sweets
Old candle holders can be reused in a variety of ways, and one creative way is to use them as gift boxes. Here are some ways to do this:
Gift boxes for chocolates or sweets
Once your candle has burned down, you can repurpose the jar as a gift box for chocolates, sweets, or candies. Clear glass containers, especially those with sophisticated lids, make perfect gift boxes once they have been cleaned out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Cleaning out the candle jar
Firstly, you need to remove any remaining wax and leftover wicks. There are several methods to do this, but two common ways are the freezer method and the hot water method. For the freezer method, place the candle jar in the freezer for at least an hour. Then, carefully use a butter knife or spoon to pop out the wax. If it is stubborn, make cracks in the wax and let the pieces fall out. For the hot water method, boil a cup of water and carefully pour it into the candle jar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use an old sponge or scrubber to wash the jar with soap and remove any residue.
Filling the jar with treats
Once your jar is clean and dry, you can fill it with chocolates, sweets, or candies of your choice. You can layer different types of treats or colours to make it visually appealing. If you are using a clear jar, consider adding some decorative touches, such as a ribbon or a bow tied around the outside.
Adding a personal touch
To make your gift even more special, you can decorate the jar with a personalised label or tag. You could also add a handmade card or a small bunch of dried flowers to the jar. If you want to get really creative, you could even decorate the lid with a fabric cover or a painted design.
Presenting the gift
Your repurposed candle holder is now ready to be given as a gift! This unique and sustainable gift box is sure to impress your friends and family. You can also suggest that they reuse the jar themselves, passing it on to someone else as a gift or using it for another purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to clean out your old candle holders. One way is to put the candle holder in the freezer for half an hour or so, which should harden the wax and make it easier to remove in one piece. You can also try filling the jar with hot water to melt the wax, or using a combination of washing-up liquid and boiling water.
There are many ways to reuse old candle jars. They can be used as storage for items such as pens, paper clips, and other office supplies, or for small items in your bathroom such as jewellery, hair accessories, or lipsticks. They can also be used as planters for small cacti or succulents, or as a container for homemade beauty products like bath salts.
It is not recommended to reuse candle jars by making a new candle in them, as the glass can only take so much heating and cooling before it shatters. It is also not advisable to store food in old candle jars, as they are not food-grade containers and contaminants may leach into the food.
