Jessie Taylor
Religious or not, candles are a source of comfort and relaxation for many. However, once the wax has burned away, the jar it came in doesn't have to go to waste. There are countless ways to reuse candle jars, from creating new candles to adding a touch of creativity and charm to your home or garden. With just a few simple steps to clean out the wax and any remaining residue, you can give your candle jar a second life.
Ways to reuse religious candle jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Remove wax | Place the candle in the freezer for a few hours, then remove and flip it upside down. The wax should pop out, but if not, use a butter knife to gently pry it out. Alternatively, use a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the wax and then scoop it out. |
| Remove labels | Soak the jar in hot water, use lemon essential oil, or scrub with a mixture of oil and baking soda. |
| Repurpose | Use as a vase, plant pot, toothbrush holder, pen pot, makeup brush holder, jewellery holder, spice jar, sugar bowl, salt cellar, storage for office supplies, or a container for homemade beauty products. |
| Make new candles | Melt leftover wax and use it to make new candles. |
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What You'll Learn
Remove wax and leftover wicks using the freezer method
The freezer method is a great way to remove wax and wicks from candle jars. It is a simple process that can be done in a few hours or overnight. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, place the candle jar in the freezer, ensuring that it is level and stable. Leave it for at least an hour, but preferably longer, as the longer it stays in the freezer, the easier it will be to remove the wax. The wax will shrink as it freezes, making it easier to pop out.
After the jar has been in the freezer for a sufficient amount of time, remove it and flip it upside down onto a folded kitchen towel or a dish towel. You may need to gently tap the bottom of the jar or use a lighter to help dislodge the wax. Most of the wax should pop right out, but if there are any remaining pieces, you can use a butter knife, wooden popsicle stick, or a similar tool to gently chip them out. Be careful not to use anything too sharp, as you don't want to damage or break the glass.
Once most of the wax is removed, you can focus on the leftover wax and wicks. One method is to fill the container with white vinegar, which will help loosen any stubborn wicks. You can also try using hot water to soften the wax further. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and carefully pour it into the container, leaving some space at the top. Allow the hot water to soften the wax, and then use a paper towel, sponge, or cloth to wipe away any remaining wax and soot.
Finally, wash the jar with warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining wax residue or oily residue. You can also use an all-purpose cleaner for this step. Make sure to dry the jar thoroughly before reusing it.
The freezer method is an effective and straightforward way to remove wax and wicks from candle jars, allowing you to repurpose and reuse the jars for various purposes.
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Clean the jar with hot water and soap
To clean a religious candle jar with hot water and soap, begin by filling your sink with hot water. Place the jar in the water, ensuring that the water level is just above the wax line. Let the jar sit in the hot water for around 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the jar from the sink and scoop out the wax with a spoon or butter knife. If the wax is still soft, you may need to let the jar cool down first. Once the wax is removed, fill the jar with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. You can also add a spoonful of baking soda or coarse salt to help eliminate odours.
Use a sponge or scrubbing pad to wash the inside of the jar, scrubbing in circular motions to remove any remaining wax or residue. Rinse the jar with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel.
If there are any labels on the jar, you may need to remove them separately. Soaking the jar in hot water for a few minutes will help loosen the glue, making it easier to peel off the label. If there is any sticky residue left, you can use tape to lift it off quickly.
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Repurpose the jar as a toothbrush holder or plant pot
If you're looking for ways to repurpose a religious candle jar, consider using it as a toothbrush holder or a plant pot.
Toothbrush holder
To repurpose your candle jar as a toothbrush holder, start by removing any remaining wax. You can do this by placing the jar in the freezer for a few hours, which will cause the wax to contract and become easier to remove. You can also try using a heat gun or hairdryer to soften the wax, then scoop it out with a spoon or knife. Once the wax is removed, clean the jar with soap and water, or an all-purpose cleaner, to remove any residue. Finally, allow the jar to dry thoroughly before using it to store your toothbrushes and toothpaste. This is a great way to keep your bathroom organised and stylish!
Plant pot
To use your religious candle jar as a plant pot, start by removing any remaining wax and cleaning the jar thoroughly. As mentioned above, you can do this by placing the jar in the freezer and then using a knife to chip out the wax, or by using a heat gun or hairdryer to soften and remove the wax. Once the jar is clean and dry, create a natural form of drainage by adding a layer of rocks or perlite to the bottom of the jar. This is important as most plants do not like to have "wet feet" and require proper drainage. Next, choose a drought-tolerant plant, such as a succulent or cactus, and add a potting mix that will help your plant thrive. Finally, plant your chosen plant in the jar and enjoy your new mini garden!
In addition to the uses mentioned above, there are countless other ways to repurpose candle jars, including using them as vases, storage containers for food or office supplies, or even as a unique serving dish for desserts. So, before throwing away your old religious candle jar, consider giving it a second life with one of these creative and eco-friendly ideas!
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Use the jar for food storage or to carry drinks
Glass jars are a great way to store food. They are versatile, eco-friendly, and can be used for both short-term and long-term storage. Before using a glass jar for food storage, it is important to ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized, especially if it previously held a candle.
To clean your religious candle jar, start by removing any remaining wax. One method is to place the jar in the freezer for a few hours, which will cause the wax to contract and become brittle. Once the wax is frozen, gently pop it out of the jar and use a butter knife to pry it out if needed. You can also fill the jar with hot water or vinegar to loosen the wax, making it easier to remove. After removing the wax, use an oil-based solution or lemon essential oil to remove any labels or sticky residue. Finally, wash the jar with hot soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner to ensure it is clean and sterile.
Once your religious candle jar is clean, you can use it for various food storage purposes. Here are some ideas:
- Dry food storage: Use the jar to store dry goods such as rice, pasta, beans, grains, tea, coffee, sugar, salt, spices, or seeds. Glass provides an effective oxygen and moisture barrier, keeping your dry goods fresh and extending their shelf life.
- Liquid storage: Use the jar to store liquids such as salad dressing, sauces, or drinks like cold brew or iced tea.
- Food prep: Use the jar to prep meals like salads or overnight oats. Layer liquid ingredients at the bottom to prevent sogginess.
- Grocery shopping: Take the jar to the grocery store to purchase dry goods in bulk and store them directly in the jar, reducing the need for plastic bags.
- Homemade gifts: Use the jar to package homemade gifts like cookies, granola, or spiced nuts.
When using glass jars for food storage, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always ensure the jar is clean and dry before filling it with food. Leave some space at the top of the jar to prevent overflow, especially if you plan to store the jar in the freezer. Additionally, handle glass jars with care, especially when frozen, as they can be more susceptible to breakage.
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Make new candles in the jar
Making new candles in your old religious candle jars is a fun and sustainable way to repurpose them. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your own candles:
Clean the Jar
First, you will need to remove any remaining wax from your religious candle jar. One method is to place the jar in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will contract and become brittle, making it easier to remove. Take the jar out of the freezer and flip it upside down onto a kitchen towel. The wax should pop out easily. If it needs some encouragement, gently pry it out with a butter knife.
Alternatively, you can use a heat gun or a hairdryer to soften the wax. Aim the heat source at the areas of the jar where wax remains, softening it, and then scoop it out with a spoon or similar utensil.
Prepare the Jar
Before you begin making your new candle, ensure the jar is clean and dry. You can use hot water and soap to wash the jar, and a cloth or paper towel to wipe it clean. If there are any labels on the jar, soak them in hot water to loosen the adhesive, and then scrub them off with a mixture of oil and baking soda and a steel wool pad.
Choose Your Wax and Fragrance
For candle-making, you can use wax flakes, which are available at craft stores or online. Soy wax is a popular choice as it burns cleaner and longer than traditional paraffin wax. You can also use beeswax, which is a natural, renewable resource that burns with little to no smoke and emits a bright light.
To add fragrance to your candle, you can use essential oils or fragrance oils. Popular choices include vanilla, cinnamon, and apple cinnamon. You will need around 1-1.5 ounces of oil per pound of wax for a strong scent. You can also add spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for extra fragrance and a unique look.
Melt the Wax
To melt the wax, you can use a microwave, a heat-proof container placed in a pot of simmering water (a double boiler), or a metal pitcher placed directly on a stove. If using a microwave, melt the wax in 30-second increments, stirring in between until fully melted. If using a double boiler or stove, stir continuously until the wax reaches a temperature of between 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the Wick
While your wax is melting, prepare the wick for your candle. Cut the wick a couple of inches longer than the height of your jar. Use a hot glue gun to secure the wick in the centre of the jar, wrapping any excess around a skewer or chopstick.
Pour and Set
Once your wax has melted and your wick is in place, carefully pour the wax into your jar in a slow, steady stream. Allow the wax to cool and harden undisturbed for several hours.
Trim the Wick
After the wax has set, trim the wick to approximately 1/8 of an inch above the surface of the wax. Your new candle is now ready to be lit and enjoyed!
Remember to never leave a burning candle unattended, and always supervise children and pets when burning candles.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to remove wax from a candle jar. One way is to place the jar in the freezer for a few hours, then use a butter knife to gently pry the wax out. Alternatively, you can fill the sink with hot water and place the candle jar in it for about 30 minutes, or boil a cup of water and pour it into the jar.
To remove the label, you can use a mixture of oil and baking soda and scrub it off with a steel wool pad. Alternatively, you can use lemon essential oil, mineral oil, or soak the jar in hot soapy water and then peel it off.
Cleaned-out candle jars can be used for various purposes, such as storing items like Q-tips, office supplies, or toothbrushes in the bathroom. They can also be used as plant pots, especially for small succulents or herbs.
Yes, candle jars can be used in the kitchen for storing sugar, salt, spices, or ingredients when cooking. They can also be used as glasses for beverages or to carry cold brew or iced tea.
Yes, old candle jars can be reused to make new candles. Simply clean out the wax and any leftover wicks, and then add new wax and a wick of the appropriate size for the jar.
