Jessie Taylor
Upcycling candle jars is a great way to reduce waste and save money. Before repurposing your candle jars, you'll need to clean and remove the wax. This can be done by freezing the jar and then breaking up the wax with a butter knife, or by pouring boiling water into the container and peeling off the labels. Once your jars are clean, you can use them for a variety of purposes, such as storing office supplies, holding jewellery, or even drinking glasses. You can also get creative and experiment with making new candles by melting leftover wax and adding essential oils.
How to upcycle candle jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removing wax | Freeze the jar, then break up the wax with a butter knife |
| Boil water and pour it into the container, allowing the wax to float to the top | |
| Heat the jars in the oven at a low temperature (under 200 degrees F) until the wax drips out | |
| Use a double boiler to gently heat the jars on the stovetop | |
| Removing labels | Soak the jar in hot water |
| Use mineral oil and hot soapy water to help lift the adhesive, then scrape it off | |
| Place the jar under a warm hair dryer for 30 seconds to a minute, then peel off the label | |
| Scrub a mixture of oil and baking soda onto the jar with a steel wool pad | |
| Uses for jars | Planters for succulents and cacti |
| Storage for makeup brushes, cotton balls, Q-tips, and other bathroom items | |
| Containers for office supplies such as pens, pencils, paper clips, and scissors | |
| Holders for jewellery and hair accessories | |
| Drinking glasses | |
| Vases for flowers | |
| Containers for food storage and meal prep | |
| Gift boxes |
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What You'll Learn
Use jars for storage
Before you start using your candle jars for storage, you'll need to clean them out and remove any wax residue. There are several methods to do this:
- The Freezer Method: Place the candle jar in the freezer for at least an hour. Then, use a butter knife or spoon to carefully pop out the wax layer. If it's stubborn, gently crack the wax and let the pieces fall out.
- The Hot Water Method: Boil a cup of water and carefully pour it into the candle jar. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to float to the top.
- Oven Method: Place the jar upside down on a tray lined with parchment paper in an oven heated to less than 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The wax will melt and drip out of the jar.
Once the wax is removed, you can use a variety of cleaning solutions or hot soapy water to remove any remaining residue. If your jar has a label, you can remove it by soaking the jar in hot water or using a mixture of mineral oil and hot soapy water to help lift the adhesive.
Now that your candle jars are clean, here are some ways you can use them for storage:
- Office Supplies: Candle jars are perfect for storing desk items such as pens, pencils, paper clips, staples, and other office essentials. Keep all your workspace essentials organised and within easy reach.
- Bathroom Storage: Use your candle jars to store cotton balls, Q-tips, hair ties, makeup brushes, or any other small bathroom items. They can also be used as a unique bathroom compost bin.
- Vanity Catch-All: Place your jewellery, lip glosses, nail filers, or other small vanity items in your candle jars to keep them organised and easily accessible.
- Pantry Storage: Bring your clean candle jars to the grocery store to hold dry goods like beans, grains, or bulk items. You can also use them for food storage in your pantry or refrigerator.
- Snack Containers: Fill your candle jars with snacks and treats. They make for pretty storage and are perfect for gifting.
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Create a planter
Upcycling candle jars into planters is a great way to give them a second life. It's a simple process that only takes a little time and almost no money. Here's how to do it:
First, you need to remove any excess wax and wicks from the jar. You can do this by putting the candle jar in the freezer overnight, after which the wax should pop right out. Then, hand-wash the jar with dish soap and warm water. If there are any stubborn black scorch stains, try soaking the jar in warm, soapy water.
Next, you need to consider drainage. Many plants do not like to have wet feet and require the ability to drain. If your candle jar doesn't already have a drainage hole, you can drill one using a glass or tile drill bit for harder or glazed surfaces, or a masonry drill bit for ceramics and terra-cotta pots. Just be aware that if your jar is made of glass or ceramic, it may break if you try to drill a hole in it. In that case, you'll need to choose a plant that doesn't require much moisture, such as cacti or other succulents. You can also add a natural form of drainage to the bottom of the jar, such as a layer of rocks.
Once you've sorted out drainage, it's time to plant! Choose a plant that will fit well in your jar and doesn't require a lot of moisture if your jar doesn't have drainage. After you've added some soil, you can decorate the exterior of the jar with ribbon or twine to give it a personalised touch. Finally, wait a day or two before watering your new plant modestly.
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Make a gift box
Upcycling candle jars is a great way to create unique and sustainable gift boxes. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a gift box from a candle jar:
Step 1: Removing Wax and Cleaning the Jar
Before upcycling your candle jar, it's important to remove any remaining wax and clean the jar thoroughly. You can use the freezer method, where you put the jar in the freezer, making it easier to pop out the wax. Alternatively, try the hot water method by boiling water and carefully pouring it into the jar. The hot water will melt the wax, allowing you to remove it easily.
Step 2: Removing Labels and Adhesive
If your candle jar has labels, you can remove them by using mineral oil and hot soapy water. Soak the label with the mixture and scrape off the adhesive. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to heat the label for about a minute before peeling it off.
Step 3: Decorating the Jar (Optional)
You can add a personal touch to your gift box by decorating the jar. Consider painting the jar, adding ribbons or strings, or attaching personalized labels. Get creative and make your gift box unique and visually appealing.
Step 4: Filling the Jar with Gifts
Now it's time to fill your clean and decorated jar with gifts! You can fill it with chocolates, sweets, cookies, or any other treats. If you're feeling creative, you could even make homemade gifts like granola, spiced nuts, or zero-waste items like cloth pads or homemade beauty products such as bath salts.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Add the final touches to your gift box by tying a shiny metallic bow around the jar or attaching a gift tag. You could also include a personalized message or the recipient's name to make it extra special.
By following these steps, you can transform your old candle jars into beautiful and sustainable gift boxes that your friends and family will surely appreciate.
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Repurpose as a vase
Upcycling candle jars as vases is a great way to reuse empty candle containers. It is a simple process that requires little to no DIY skills. First, you will need to clean out the candle jar. One of the easiest ways to do this is by placing the jar in the freezer overnight or for a couple of days. This will shrink the wax, making it easier to remove. If there is no space in your freezer, you can try the hot water method instead. Boil a cup of water and carefully pour it into the candle jar. After a few minutes, the wax should pop up on its own, or you can gently loosen it with a spoon or butter knife.
Once the wax is removed, there may still be some residue left. This can be cleaned with warm water, dish soap, and a sponge. A damp paper towel is also useful for cleaning up wax residue. If there is a label on the jar, it can be removed by soaking the jar in hot water, mineral oil, and hot soapy water, or by placing it under a warm hair dryer for 30 seconds to a minute and then peeling it off.
After the jar is clean, it can be used as a vase for flowers or plants. You can fill the vase with seasonal flowers or plants to emulate the scent of the candle. For example, if you had a Boy Smells Restart Pillow Candle, you could fill the vase with violets or roses to match the scent of the candle. Alternatively, you could fill the vase with an assortment of cooking utensils, seashells, or stones to create a unique table centerpiece.
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Use as drinkware
Upcycling candle jars as drinkware is a great way to add a creative and sustainable touch to your home. Here are some ways to do it:
Cleaning the Jar
First, you'll need to clean out your candle jar to prepare it for its new purpose. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using the freezer method. Place the jar in the freezer overnight, which will harden any remaining wax. The next day, remove the jar from the freezer and use a butter knife or a spoon to gently poke and break the wax into large chunks. Dump those chunks out of the jar.
Alternatively, you can use the hot water method. Boil a cup of water and carefully pour it into the candle jar. After a few minutes, the wax will 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.
Removing Labels and Sticky Residue
If your jar has a label, you can remove it by using mineral oil and hot soapy water to help lift the adhesive. Scrape off the label with a steel wool pad or a similar tool. For sticky residue, scrub a mixture of oil and baking soda onto the jar.
Using the Jar as Drinkware
Once your jar is clean and free of wax and residue, it's time to put it to use as drinkware! Here are some ideas:
- Use the jar as a vessel for your favourite beverages, such as juices, cocktails, whisky, or even just everyday water.
- Take your jar on the go by filling it with cold brew or iced tea to enjoy throughout your day.
- Prepare your teas and coffees in the jar and create a cute coffee bar at home.
- Use tinted glass jars to serve breakfast goodies like overnight oats, smoothies, or parfaits.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to do this. You can place the candle jar in the freezer for an hour and then use a butter knife or spoon to pop out the wax. Alternatively, you can pour boiling water into the jar, which will make the wax float to the top.
You can use mineral oil and hot soapy water to help lift the adhesive, then scrape it off. Alternatively, place the jar under a warm hair dryer for 30 seconds to a minute, then peel off the label.
There are many options! You can use them as storage containers for small items such as paper clips, pens, or makeup brushes. You can also use them as drinking glasses, vases, or plant pots.
Yes, you can melt the leftover wax and create a new candle. You can experiment with different scents by adding essential oils.
Wash the jars with hot soapy water, just like you would with any other dish.
