Tyler Brooks
Many people who enjoy burning candles wonder what to do with the glass jars once the wicks have burned out. There are several ways to repurpose these jars, including using them for food storage or fermentation, as containers for small window gardens, or for storing sewing kits, tea bags, or sweets. You can also use them to make your own candles, or give them to local artists or recyclers. If you want to recycle the jars, it's important to remove any remaining wax first.
What to do with candles in glass jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycle | Clear soda-lime glass jars can be recycled |
| Reuse | Jars can be reused for storage, food preparation, food fermentation, regrowing food scraps, homemade beauty products, cat toys, decoration, painting, food presentation, and making new candles |
| Clean | Wax can be removed by freezing, boiling water, or melting wax over the stove |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the jars for reuse
Firstly, ensure that the jar is completely cool before handling it to avoid any potential burns or wax spills. Next, fill the jar with hot water, gradually increasing the temperature to prevent the glass from shattering. This will help loosen any remaining wax, making it easier to remove. Allow the wax to melt and then carefully pour out the water and wax. You can also use a butter knife or a similar tool to gently remove any remaining wax from the jar. If there is an old wick, it may fall out on its own after soaking in water, or you may need to use a little more force to remove it. Ensure that you wash the jar thoroughly with soap and water, just like you would with any other dish, and dry it completely.
Inspect the jar for any cracks, chips, or other signs of damage. Even minor imperfections can reduce the jar's ability to withstand heat, potentially leading to accidents. If the jar is damaged, it is best to discard it safely rather than reuse it. If the jar is intact, you can reuse it for various purposes, such as making your own candles, storing small items, or even as a drinking glass, provided it is safe to do so.
It is important to note that reusing candle jars for candles requires careful consideration. Different types of wax burn differently depending on the width of the jar and the type of wick used. Mismatched combinations can lead to fire hazards and potential shattering of the glass. Therefore, it is crucial to have the proper knowledge and calculations for wick type, jar width, and wax type to ensure a safe burning experience. Additionally, always keep flammable materials at least 12 inches away from an open flame to prevent potential fires.
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Use them for food storage
Glass jars from candles can be reused for food storage. Before using them for food storage, the jars must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining wax. This can be done by placing the jar in the freezer for a couple of hours and then using a butter knife to pop out the frozen wax. Alternatively, you can place the jar in a bowl of hot water to melt the wax, or use a candle warmer lamp to melt and remove the wax. Once the wax is removed, wash the jar with soap and water, or in the dishwasher, to ensure it is clean and sanitary for food storage.
After cleaning, the glass jars can be used for various food storage purposes. They can be used to store dry goods such as beans, grains, tea, herbs, and spices. The jars can also be used for food preparation, such as overnight oats or salads, by layering the ingredients in the jar. Just make sure to keep any liquid ingredients, such as salad dressing, at the bottom of the jar to prevent the other ingredients from becoming soggy.
Glass candle jars can also be used for food fermentation. However, it is important to ensure that the glass is food-safe and does not contain any harmful chemicals. Kimchis, sauerkraut, and fire cider are all great options for fermentation in glass jars. When storing fermented foods, leave some extra space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion during the fermentation process.
In addition to food storage, glass candle jars can be used for various other purposes, such as storing makeup brushes, cotton buds, and bath salts. They can also be used for regrowing food scraps, such as green onions, celery, or leafy vegetables, by placing the scraps in water in the jar and providing sunlight. With a little creativity, glass candle jars can be reused in numerous ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
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Make new candles
Making new candles from old ones is a great way to save money and reduce waste. Here is a step-by-step guide to making new candles using old glass jars:
Step 1: Remove the Old Wax
Before you can start making your new candle, you need to remove any remaining wax from the old candle. There are several ways to do this:
- Freezing: Place the jar in the freezer for about half an hour or until the wax hardens. Then, use a butter knife to pop the frozen wax out of the jar.
- Boiling Water: Place the candle jar in a bowl of barely simmering water, ensuring the water doesn't get inside the jar. As the wax melts, it will float to the top. Wait for the water to cool, then remove the wax.
- Oven: Heat the jar upside down in an oven at a temperature lower than 200 degrees Fahrenheit, on a tray lined with parchment paper. The wax will drip out of the jar.
Step 2: Clean the Jar
Once the wax is removed, it's important to clean the jar thoroughly. Use soap and water to wash the jar, just like you would with any other dish. You can also use a mixture of oil and baking soda with a steel wool pad to scrub off any sticky labels or residue.
Step 3: Prepare the Wick
Measure the width of your jar and purchase a wick of appropriate size. Cut the wick to fit the jar, leaving some extra length to trim later. Wrap the excess wick around a skewer or chopstick to keep it centred in the jar.
Step 4: Melt New Wax
Choose a wax of your choice, such as soybean wax or paraffin wax. Melt the wax in a double boiler or microwave, following the manufacturer's instructions. You can also add candle dye or essential oils for colour and fragrance if desired.
Step 5: Pour the Wax into the Jar
Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into the clean jar. Centre the wick and hold it in place while the wax hardens. You can place the jar in the refrigerator or a cool place to help the wax harden faster.
Step 6: Trim the Wick
Once the wax has hardened, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) above the surface of the candle. Your new candle is now ready to be burned!
Making your own candles is a fun and creative way to reuse old glass jars. It allows you to customise your candles with your favourite colours, fragrances, and wick sizes. Enjoy your homemade candles and the cosy atmosphere they create!
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Donate them to schools or artists
If you have a lot of candle jars and don't know what to do with them, consider donating them to schools or artists. While glass items are generally not accepted by schools due to safety concerns, some schools may be willing to take them for specific projects, such as stained glass crafts. Contact your local schools or early childhood centres to inquire about their policies and needs. You can also reach out to art teachers to see if they would be interested in using the jars for their classes.
Artists, especially those working with recycled materials, may also appreciate donations of glass candle jars. Consider connecting with local artists or art communities to see if there is interest in upcycling your jars. You can also offer them to artists at your local farmer's market or through online platforms.
Another option is to donate the jars to schools or community centres for non-art-related purposes, such as using them as pencil pots or storage containers. These institutions often appreciate donations that can be used for organisational purposes.
Before donating, ensure that the jars are clean and free of any wax residue. Properly preparing the jars will increase the likelihood that they will be accepted by the recipient and ensure that they can be used safely and effectively.
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Use them for decoration
Glass candle jars can be used for decoration in a variety of ways. One way is to repurpose them into decorated votives. To do this, clean the jars thoroughly and remove any remaining wax. You can then paint the jars, ensuring that you use paint that can withstand high temperatures. These painted jars can be used as decorative votives, adding beauty to dining room tables, bookshelves, or side tables.
Another decorative use for glass candle jars is to fill them with found items from nature, such as pine cones, pine needles, or dried flowers. These natural elements can also add subtle, pleasant scents to the jars. You can place these decorated jars around your home to create a natural, rustic ambiance.
If you're feeling creative, you can also use the jars for food presentation. Layer individual dessert servings in the jars to give them a unique and elegant presentation. This is especially useful for desserts that don't typically shine when portioned individually, as the jar can elevate their visual appeal.
Additionally, glass candle jars can be used as storage containers for various items. You can use them to store items such as cotton buds, cotton wool, or bath salts in your bathroom. In the kitchen, they can be used to store dry goods like beans, grains, tea bags, or herbs. The jars can also be used to prep and store food items like salads, overnight oats, or fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, provided the glass is food-safe.
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Frequently asked questions
To clean your candle jars, you can use the freezer method or the stovetop method. For the freezer method, place the candle in the freezer for a couple of hours, or until the wax is frozen, and then use a butter knife to pop the wax out of the container. For the stovetop method, put the candle jar in a bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, which ensures the wax melts without the jar getting dangerously hot.
To remove sticky labels from candle jars, scrub a mixture of oil and baking soda onto the jar with a steel wool pad.
There are many ways to repurpose your cleaned-out candle jars. You can use them for food storage, as containers for small window gardens, for food fermentation (provided the glass is food-safe), or for storing homemade beauty products. You can also use them for decorative purposes, such as adding found items from nature like pine cones, pine needles, or dried flowers.
Yes, recycling is an option for most old jars made of clear soda-lime glass. However, make sure to remove any remaining wax from the jar before recycling.
