Chloe Adams
There are many ways to repurpose old candle jars instead of throwing them away. One option is to recycle them, which is possible for most old jars made of clear soda-lime glass. However, if you want to get creative, you can upcycle them into storage containers for food items like dry beans, grains, tea, or spices, or even use them for food prep, such as layered desserts or overnight oats. You can also use them as planters for small window gardens or succulents, or as a stylish soap dispenser with a pump. Another idea is to use them for bathroom storage, such as for Q-tips, cotton balls, or hair ties. For those who are artistically inclined, you can paint cleaned candle jars and repurpose them into decorated votives.
What to do with old candle jars?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycle | Clear soda-lime glass jars can be recycled. |
| Reuse | Jars can be reused for food storage, as long as they are thoroughly cleaned and any wax residue is removed. |
| Repurpose | Old candle jars can be repurposed for a variety of uses, including as storage containers, decor, soap dispensers, planters, and more. |
| Refill | Empty candle jars can be refilled with wax to make new candles. |
| Donate | Some people may accept donations of old candle jars for art projects or other purposes. |
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What You'll Learn
Use them for food storage
Old candle jars can be used for storing food items. Before using them for food storage, ensure that the jars are thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue. You can remove the wax by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to pop out, or by gently heating the jar to melt the wax and wipe it clean. To get rid of stubborn residue, scrub the jar with a mixture of warm water and vinegar or baking soda and cooking oil. It is also important to remove any labels or stickers by soaking the jar in warm, soapy water and then gently peeling off the label.
Once your jar is clean, you can use it to store dry goods like beans, grains, and other bulk items. You can also use it to store liquids such as salad dressing, keeping the liquid on the bottom layer to prevent the other ingredients from getting soggy. You can even use the jars for storage in your pantry or refrigerator. Just make sure that the jars have not previously contained any scented candles with chemicals that could be harmful if they come into contact with food.
Additionally, you can use old candle jars to store teas, dried herbs, and spices purchased in bulk or plastic packaging. Whole-leaf teas stored in clear glass jars can add to the decor of your kitchen. You can also use an old candle jar with a lid to carry drinks like cold brew or iced tea to work and store them in the fridge.
Old candle jars can also be used for storing certain types of desserts that are typically not portioned individually, such as trifle or banana pudding. This can give these desserts a new life when layered in individual serving jars.
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Make them into soap dispensers
If you're looking for a way to repurpose your old candle jars, why not try making them into soap dispensers? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
First, you'll need to thoroughly clean your candle jar to remove any wax residue and ensure it's completely dry. An easy way to remove the wax is to freeze the jar, making the wax brittle and easier to pop out, or you can melt the wax by pouring hot water into the jar and then wiping it clean. For stubborn residue, a gentle scrub with warm water and vinegar or a mixture of oil and baking soda can do the trick. Remember to remove any labels or stickers by soaking the jar in warm, soapy water and then gently peeling them off.
Next, find a pump dispenser that fits securely into the jar's opening. You may need to drill a hole in the jar's lid or modify it to fit the pump snugly. Get creative and look for pumps from old bottles that you can adapt and reuse.
Once your jar is prepared and your pump is fitted, it's time to fill it with your favourite liquid soap. Attach the pump, and you've now crafted a unique, eco-friendly soap dispenser that will add a touch of charm to any sink or bathroom.
You can also use your old candle jars for storage in your bathroom or pantry. They are perfect for storing items like Q-tips, cotton balls, hair ties, dry beans, grains, and other bulk items. Just make sure to clean the jars thoroughly and remove any wax residue before using them for storage, especially if you're storing food items.
So, instead of discarding your old candle jars, transform them into functional and stylish soap dispensers or storage containers with these simple steps. It's a great way to reduce waste, add a personal touch to your space, and showcase your creativity.
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Use them for bathroom storage
Old candle jars can be reused for bathroom storage. Before using them for storage, ensure that the jars are thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue. Here are some ways to repurpose old candle jars for bathroom storage:
Storage for Q-tips, cotton balls, and hair ties
Old candle jars can be used to store items typically found in the bathroom, such as Q-tips, cotton balls, and hair ties. Keeping like items together in jars can help with organisation and make your bathroom look neat and tidy.
Storage for herbs
You can use old candle jars to store herbs. Glass jars help keep herbs fresh for longer, and they can also add to the decor of your bathroom.
Storage for drinks
Old candle jars with lids can be used to store and carry drinks, such as cold brew or iced tea. You can keep them in the fridge and even take them with you on the go.
Soap dispenser
You can transform an old candle jar into a stylish soap dispenser. Clean the jar thoroughly, remove any wax residue, and ensure it's dry. Find a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening or adapt one from an old bottle. Fill the jar with your favourite liquid soap, attach the pump, and you've crafted a unique, eco-friendly soap dispenser.
Repurposing old candle jars for bathroom storage is a creative and sustainable way to reduce waste and give new life to these containers.
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Make them into planters
Old candle jars can be reused in many ways, and one popular method is to make them into planters. Here are some steps you can follow to transform your old candle jars into stylish planters:
Step 1: Removing the Wax
The first step is to remove any leftover wax from your candle jar. You can do this by freezing the jar for about half an hour, which will harden the wax and make it easier to pop out. Alternatively, you can gently heat the jar on a stovetop using a double boiler or place it in a low-temperature oven (200°F) to melt the wax, which can then be poured out or wiped away.
Step 2: Cleaning the Jar
Once the wax is removed, ensure that you clean the jar thoroughly to get rid of any remaining residue. You can fill the jar with hot, soapy water and let it soak for about 30 minutes before scrubbing the inside. For stubborn residue, a mixture of warm water and vinegar, or baking soda and cooking oil, can be effective. You can also use a steel wool pad with a mixture of oil and baking soda to scrub off any sticky labels. Regularly wiping the jar with a soft cloth dampened with water and vinegar will keep it crystal clear.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Plants
When selecting plants for your new planter, consider the size of the jar and the amount of sunlight it will receive. Small, low-maintenance succulents or cacti are excellent choices for candle jar planters, as they typically require minimal care and can thrive in various lighting conditions. You can also create a small window garden with herbs or other plants that require ample sunlight.
Step 4: Planting and Care
Prepare your jar by adding a layer of small rocks or pebbles at the bottom for drainage. Then, fill the jar with well-draining potting soil, leaving enough space for your plant. Gently remove your plant from its original container, loosen the roots if they are compact, and place it in the jar. Fill in the gaps with more soil and gently pat it down. Water your plant according to its specific needs, ensuring not to overwater, as candle jars may not have drainage holes.
Step 5: Decoration (Optional)
If you want to get creative, you can decorate your new planter to match your style or living space. Paint the outside of the jar with high-heat paint, add labels or decorations, or leave it as is, showcasing the beauty of the simple, upcycled planter.
By following these steps, you can transform your old candle jars into charming planters, adding a touch of greenery to your home or workspace while promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
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Give them to schools or youth centres
If you have old candle jars that you no longer want, consider donating them to schools or youth centres in your area. While some schools may not accept glass items, others do, and youth centres can also benefit from these donations. Before donating, ensure that the jars are thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue. Here are some specific ways you can give your old candle jars a new life by donating them:
School Art Projects
Some schools may accept glass donations for art projects. For example, elementary school students can create stained glass projects using the jars. With the proper supervision and guidance, students can engage in creative activities that involve painting and decorating the jars.
Youth Centre Crafts
If your local youth centre expresses interest in your old candle jars, they can put them to good use. Youth leaders can use the jars for various crafts and activities with the children. For example, the jars can be transformed into pencil pots, providing a fun and unique way for toddlers to organise their stationery.
Storage Solutions
Schools and youth centres often require storage solutions for various items. Your old candle jars can be utilised as storage containers for art supplies, stationery, or other small items. Ensure that the jars are properly cleaned and de-labelled before donating them for this purpose.
Science Experiments
Donating your old candle jars to schools can also benefit science classes. Teachers can use the jars for experiments or to store scientific specimens. For example, biology classes might use the jars for observing and studying small creatures like insects or worms.
Community Gardening
Schools and youth centres with gardening programmes or initiatives can put your old candle jars to good use. The jars can be transformed into small planters for herbs, succulents, or other small plants. This encourages children to engage with nature and learn about gardening.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to repurpose old candle jars. You can use them for storage, as a planter, as a soap dispenser, or as a food container.
To remove wax from old candle jars, you can freeze the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to pop out, or pour in hot water to melt the wax and wipe it clean.
Yes, as long as the wax is cleared out, the empty vessels can usually be recycled.
You can get creative and paint cleaned candle jars to repurpose them into decorated votives.
