Tyler Brooks
Glass candle jars are among the most wasteful things humans throw away. Not only does it take glass up to 4,000 years to decompose, but it's also one of the most polluting substances on Earth. However, glass is also one of the easiest materials to recycle, and there are many ways to repurpose empty candle jars. Before repurposing a candle jar, it's important to clean it out. This can be done by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or pouring hot water into the jar to melt the wax, which can then be wiped clean.
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What You'll Learn
Use them for storage
Glass candle jars can be reused in many ways, one of the most popular being storage. Before using your candle jars for storage, it is important to clean them out. You can do this by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or by pouring hot water to melt the wax and wiping it clean. A gentle scrub with a mixture of warm water and vinegar can help remove stubborn residue.
Candle jars can be used to store food items like jams, jellies, preserves, curds, and leftovers. They can also be used to store dry food items like tea, dried herbs, spices, and sugar. If you're using a jar with a lid, you can even use it to carry cold brew or iced tea to work.
Candle jars are also great for storing bathroom essentials like cotton pads, cotton buds, tampons, hair clips, hair ties, and other beauty products.
For your workspace, candle jars can be used to store pens, pencils, paintbrushes, scissors, paper clips, and other small office supplies.
Other storage ideas include using candle jars to store coins, nails, screws, and small garden accessories like labels, ties, pegs, etc.
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Make new candles
Glass candle jars can be reused to make new candles, which is a more environmentally friendly option than buying new glass jars. It is also a cheaper alternative to buying new candles.
To make candles using old candle jars, start by cleaning out the old jars. You can do this 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 so that it can be wiped clean. A mixture of warm water and vinegar can be used to scrub away any stubborn residue.
Next, attach the wick to the bottom of the jar. Tie a knot at the end of a roll of candle wick and use a hot glue gun to stick the wick in place. You can then measure how much wax you need and melt it down. For beeswax candles, dip the wick into the melted wax, straighten it out, and lay it on parchment paper to cool. After attaching the wick to the jar, carefully pour in the wax and let it cool and harden. Trim the wick once the wax has set.
You can decorate your new candles by gluing pressed flowers to the jar. You can also paint the jars, but take care to use paint that can handle high heat.
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Create DIY crafts
Glass candle jars can be reused for a variety of DIY crafts. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Storage Containers
Empty candle jars can be transformed into elegant storage containers for your home or office. You can use them to store small items such as paper clips, buttons, spices, or bathroom essentials like cotton balls, Q-tips, and hair ties. Decorate the jars with paint, ribbons, or decals to match your decor.
Planters or Vases
Upcycle your empty candle jars into beautiful planters for succulents or small herbs. You can also turn them into glass candle vases for fresh or dried flowers. Decorate the jars with twine, paint, or fabric to enhance their appearance and make them fit any interior design theme.
Bathroom Organizers
Candle jars are perfect for decluttering your bathroom. Use them to store items such as cotton balls, Q-tips, makeup brushes, or bath salts. Customize the jars with labels or decorative elements to achieve a cohesive and stylish look, making your bathroom feel more organized and inviting.
Soap Dispensers
Transform an empty candle jar into a stylish soap dispenser. Clean the jar thoroughly, remove all wax residue, and ensure it's dry. Find a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening or modify one from an old bottle. You may need to drill a hole in the jar's lid to secure the pump.
Fairy Lights or Lanterns
Create unique fairy lights or lanterns using solar-powered yard lights from the dollar store. Simply place the lights inside the candle jar lids and enjoy the colourful display on your yard, deck, or balcony.
Remember to clean your empty candle jars before reusing them. You can remove wax by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to pop out, or by pouring hot water into the jar to melt the wax and wiping it clean. A mixture of warm water and vinegar can help remove stubborn residue, and regularly wiping the jars with a water-and-vinegar solution will keep them sparkling.
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Use them as planters
Glass candle jars can be reused in many ways, but one of the most popular options is to use them as planters. This is a great way to add a touch of greenery to your home or office and get a second use out of the jar before recycling it.
To use your empty candle jar as a planter, you'll first need to clean it out. This 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 so you can wipe it clean. You can also place the jar in an oven set to 200°F, which will melt the wax so that it can be poured out, but be careful not to overheat the jar, as this could cause it to shatter. Once the wax is removed, you may need to use a mixture of warm water and vinegar to scrub away any remaining residue.
After your jar is clean, you can start turning it into a planter. First, add a layer of small stones or pebbles to the bottom of the jar for drainage. Then, add soil and the seeds or seedlings of your choice. Succulents, small herbs, and clippings from houseplants such as pothos, philodendron, and monstera are all good options for candle jar planters. You can also create a closed terrarium in your jar, using layers of rocks or pebbles, moss, soil, and decorations. Just be sure to sustainably harvest your moss and check for bugs.
Candle jars can be decorated and personalized to match your interior design theme. Twine, paint, or fabric can be used to enhance the appearance of the jar, and ribbons or decals can be added to match your decor.
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Make them into bathroom organisers
Glass candle jars can be reused in many ways, but one of the most popular ways is to use them as bathroom organisers. Before reusing candle jars, it is important to clean them thoroughly. To do this, you can freeze the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or pour in hot water to melt the wax and wipe it clean. A gentle scrub with a mixture of warm water and vinegar can work for stubborn residue.
Empty candle jars can be used to store bathroom essentials such as cotton pads, cotton buds, tampons, hair ties, hair clips, and other small hair accessories. They can also be used to store everyday items like paper clips, buttons, and spices, and can be personalised with paint, ribbons, or decals to match your decor.
Candle jars are also great for storing homemade beauty products like bath salts or dried herbs for soaking in the bath. You can also use them to store other bathroom essentials such as makeup brushes, Q-tips, and bath salts. Transform an empty candle jar into a stylish soap dispenser by cleaning the jar thoroughly, removing all wax residue, and ensuring it's dry. Find a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening or adapt one from an old bottle. You may need to drill a hole in the jar's lid or modify it to fit the pump securely.
Another way to reuse candle jars is to decorate them with twine, paint, or fabric to enhance their appearance and make them a perfect fit for any interior design theme. You can also customise the jars with labels or decorative elements to achieve a cohesive and stylish look, making your bathroom feel more organised and inviting.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to repurpose empty candle jars:
- Storage containers for bathroom essentials like cotton pads, cotton buds, hair accessories, etc.
- Storage containers for office supplies like pens, paper clips, etc.
- Storage containers for food items like jams, jellies, sugar, salt, spices, etc.
- Drinking glasses for water, juices, cocktails, etc.
- Planters for small houseplants or succulents.
To clean an empty candle jar, you can either:
- Place it in the freezer overnight and then forcefully bang the bottom of the jar with an open palm to remove the wax.
- Pour hot water into the jar to melt the wax and wipe it clean.
- Place the jar in an oven preheated to 200°F and then pour the melted wax into a container. Clean the jar with a paper towel and, if needed, wash with hot, soapy water.
Yes, glass candle jars can be recycled. Glass is one of the easiest waste products to recycle as it doesn't generate any waste in the process.
