Ben Carter
There are many ways to reuse old candle jars, from creating new candles to using them as storage containers for food, drinks, or office supplies. Before reusing candle jars, it's important to remove the wax and clean the jar thoroughly. This can be done by freezing the jar and popping out the wax, or by melting the wax with hot water and pouring it out. After cleaning, the jars can be decorated or painted to create stylish storage containers, soap dispensers, vases, or even planters for small houseplants.
Uses for Old Candle Jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Q-tips, cotton balls, hair ties, makeup brushes, toothbrushes, coins, office supplies, food, etc. |
| Planters | Small houseplants or succulents |
| Vases | Can be used for flowers or to store teas, dried herbs, and spices |
| DIY crafts | Paint cleaned candle jars and repurpose them into decorated votives |
| Bathroom organizers | Soap dispensers, holding toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. |
| Drinking glasses | For water, cold brew, iced tea, cocktails, etc. |
| Food preparation | Layering desserts, brining lemons, storing leftovers |
| Cat toy | Place catnip and small cloth cat toys in a sealed jar |
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What You'll Learn
Use them for storage
Old candle jars can be used for storage in a variety of ways. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the jar is thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue. This can be done by freezing the jar to harden the wax, making it easier to pop out, or by warming the jar slightly to melt the wax and pouring it out. Hand-washing the jar with dish soap and water is recommended, and for stubborn residue, a mixture of warm water and vinegar can be used.
One way to repurpose old candle jars is to use them for food storage. They can be used to prep food, such as salads and overnight oats, and to store bulk items like dry beans and grains purchased from the supermarket. It is important to ensure that the jars did not previously contain scented candles with chemicals that could be harmful if in contact with food.
Old candle jars can also be used for storing items in the bathroom, such as Q-tips, cotton balls, and hair ties. They can also be used to store herbs, teas, dried herbs, and spices purchased in bulk, as well as for carrying drinks on the go, such as cold brew or iced tea.
Additionally, old candle jars can be used as a stylish soap dispenser by cleaning the jar, removing wax residue, and ensuring it is dry. A pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening can be found or adapted from an old bottle. The jar can then be filled with liquid soap and the pump attached.
Old candle jars can also be used to store spare change, especially near the front door or wherever one is most likely to dump out their pockets when they come home. This can be helpful for those who use coin-operated parking meters or laundromats.
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Create new candles
If you're looking to create new candles using your old candle jars, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure the process is safe and successful. Firstly, it's important to remove any remaining wax from your old candle jars. This can be done by freezing the jars, which will harden the wax and make it easier to pop out. Alternatively, you can gently heat the jars on a stovetop using a double boiler or place them in a low-temperature oven (200°F) to melt and drip the wax out.
Once your jars are free of wax, it's time to source your wax and wicks. You can purchase wax specifically designed for candle-making, such as soy candle-wax flakes, or you can recycle the wax from your old candles. If recycling wax, ensure there are no charred chunks, as these will not be suitable for new candles. You can melt the wax in a microwave or on a stovetop, being careful to maintain a low heat to avoid boiling the wax.
When your wax is melted, it's time to add colour and fragrance. You can use colour chips, blocks, or liquid dye to achieve your desired shade, and almost every major scent is available as a candle-making oil. The typical fragrance ratio is 1 ounce of scent to 1 pound of wax. Stir the dye and fragrance into the melted wax until well combined.
Now, it's time to prepare your wicks. Trim the wicks to be a few inches taller than your jar. Use a hot glue gun or glue tab to secure the metal disc to the centre of the bottom of the jar. Wrap the excess length of the wick around a skewer or chopstick to keep it out of the way.
Finally, carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared jars. Allow the wax to cool completely, which may take up to 24 hours, before trimming the wicks to 1/2 inch from the top of the candle. And there you have it—your very own homemade candles in upcycled jars!
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Make them into soap dispensers
Old candle jars can be reused in many ways, one of which is making them into soap dispensers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, you need to clean the jar thoroughly. This involves removing all wax residue, which can be done by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or by pouring hot water into the jar to melt the wax and then wiping it clean. A gentle scrub with a mixture of warm water and vinegar can also be effective for stubborn residue. Once the jar is clean, ensure it is completely dry.
Next, you need to find a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening. You may be able to reuse one from an old bottle, or you may need to purchase a new one. If the pump does not fit securely, you may need to drill a hole in the jar's lid or modify it in some way.
Once the jar is clean and dry, and you have a pump that fits, simply fill the jar with your favourite liquid soap and attach the pump. You now have a unique, eco-friendly soap dispenser that will add a touch of charm to any sink or bathroom!
You can also get creative and decorate your soap dispenser jar. This could involve painting the jar, as long as you use paint that can handle high heat. You could also try removing any labels from the jar to give it a more minimalist look. To remove labels or stickers, soak the jar in warm, soapy water for a few hours or overnight, and then gently peel off the label. For any remaining adhesive, apply a mixture of baking soda and cooking oil and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a soft cloth.
By reusing your old candle jars in this way, you are not only being creative and saving money, but also reducing waste and helping the environment. So, get crafting and enjoy your new soap dispensers!
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Use them as vases
Old candle jars can be reused in many ways, and one of the most popular ways is to use them as vases. Here are some ways to do this:
Firstly, it is important to clean out the candle jar before using it as a vase. This involves removing any remaining wax. One way to do this is to place the jar in the freezer overnight, which will cause the wax to freeze and become easier to remove. You can then knock the frozen wax out of the jar and use a butter knife to break it up if necessary. Alternatively, you can place the jar in a bowl of hot water to melt the wax, or pour boiling water around the candle, being careful not to get water inside the jar. Once the wax is removed, you can clean the jar with a mixture of warm water, vinegar, and dish soap to remove any residue and leave it sparkling.
Once your jar is clean, you can use it as a vase for flowers or plants. You can add a few inches of water to the jar and place a small bouquet of flowers inside, using it as a vase on your table or countertop. This is a great way to display flowers and add a decorative touch to your home.
If you're feeling creative, you can also use old candle jars as vases for small houseplants or succulents. However, keep in mind that most plants need some form of drainage, so you may need to add drainage stones to the bottom of the jar before potting your plant. Clippings from houseplants such as pothos, philodendron, and monstera can form new roots in water, so you can use your candle jar as a temporary home for these clippings until they grow roots and can be potted in soil.
Using old candle jars as vases is a simple and effective way to decorate your home and display flowers or plants. It is also a sustainable practice that reduces waste and gives new life to your old candle jars.
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Upcycle into drinking glasses
Upcycling old candle jars into drinking glasses is a creative and sustainable way to reuse them. Here's a step-by-step guide to transform your old candle jars into stylish drinkware:
Removing Wax Residue:
Start by removing any remaining wax residue from the jar. You can do this by freezing the jar, which will make the wax brittle and easier to pop out. Alternatively, you can gently heat the jar on a stovetop or in a low-temperature oven (<200°F) to melt the wax, allowing you to pour it out or wipe it clean. Boiling water can also be carefully poured into the jar, causing the wax to float to the top for easy removal.
Cleaning the Jar:
Once the wax is removed, give the jar a thorough cleaning to eliminate any stubborn residue and ensure it's safe for drinking. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to wash the jar. A mixture of warm water and vinegar can also be effective in removing any stubborn residue or fingerprints. Remember to be gentle and careful not to scratch the glass during the cleaning process.
Removing the Wick:
After cleaning, use a butter knife to gently remove the wick at the bottom of the jar. Take your time with this step to avoid scratching or damaging the glass.
Drying and Decorating:
Ensure the jar is completely dry before using it as a drinking glass. You can add decorative elements, such as personalized labels or ribbons, to give it a stylish and cohesive look.
Using Your New Drinking Glass:
Your upcycled candle jar is now ready to be used as a drinking glass! It's perfect for sipping your favourite drinks, from cocktails to iced tea. You can even use it for carrying drinks on the go, as the jar's lid will keep your beverage secure and spill-free. Remember to hand wash your upcycled drinking glass to prolong its life and avoid potential dishwasher damage.
By following these steps, you can give your old candle jars a new lease of life as stylish and functional drinking glasses, reducing waste and embracing sustainability in your daily routine.
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Frequently asked questions
Old candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways. They can be used for storage, as food containers, as planters, as soap dispensers, or as drinking glasses.
To remove wax from a candle jar, you can freeze the jar to harden the wax, making it easier to pop out, or warm the jar slightly to melt the wax and pour it out. To remove labels or stickers, soak the jars in warm, soapy water for a few hours or overnight, then gently peel off the label.
Yes, recycling is an option for most old jars made of clear soda-lime glass. However, many candles are made of other types of glass to increase heat resistance or are dyed to make them more attractive.
Yes, but be cautious. Different types of wax burn differently depending on the width of the jar and type of wick used. If you don't have the proper wick type and jar width matched with the wax type, you could end up with a fire hazard.
