Chloe Adams
Leftover candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways. They can be used as storage containers for small items such as paper clips, buttons, or spices, or for storing homemade jams, jellies, preserves, and curds. They can also be turned into soap dispensers, planters for succulents or small herbs, or even candle holders again by refilling them with wax to make new candles. Other creative uses include using them as centrepieces, terrariums, or fairy lights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse | Fill with new candles |
| Use as storage for small items like paper clips, buttons, or spices | |
| Use as storage for homemade jams, jellies, preserves, and curds | |
| Use as a soap dispenser | |
| Use as a closed terrarium | |
| Use as a vase for fresh or dried flowers | |
| Use as a container for regrowing food scraps | |
| Use as a money box | |
| Use as a decorative item | |
| Use as a planter for succulents or small herbs | |
| Use as a cat toy | |
| Use as a gift | |
| Recycle |
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What You'll Learn
Use them as storage containers for small items like paper clips, buttons, or spices
Leftover candle holders can be used as storage containers for small items like paper clips, buttons, or spices. Larger candle jars are ideal for organizing such tiny items. Before using them for storage, ensure that the jars are thoroughly cleaned and any wax residue is removed. 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. You can personalize the jars with paint, ribbons, or decals to match your decor.
If you're storing food items like spices, make sure the jars have not previously contained any scented candles with chemicals that could be harmful if they come into contact with food. To remove labels or stickers from the jars, soak them in warm, soapy water for a few hours or overnight, then gently peel off the label. For any remaining adhesive, apply a mixture of baking soda and cooking oil, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a soft cloth.
Leftover candle jars are also great for storing homemade jams, jellies, preserves, and curds. However, these should be stored in the fridge, as jars used a second time cannot be hermetically sealed unless you're using a Mason-style jar with a new ring and flat lid. You can also use candle jars to store non-food items like batteries, nails, screws, and coins. Clear jars have the added benefit of making it easy to see what you're storing.
Candle jars without lids can be used as containers for small window gardens. You can regrow food scraps like green onions, celery, leafy vegetables, and bean sprouts in your jars by placing the scraps in water and giving them a little sunlight. Candle jars can also be used for meal prep, such as storing salads and overnight oats for consumption later in the week. If there's liquid in the jar, like salad dressing, keep it on the bottom layer so the other ingredients don't get soggy.
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Make them into soap dispensers
Leftover candle holders can be transformed into stylish soap dispensers with a few simple steps. First, ensure that the candle holder is made of a material that can be washed thoroughly and dried without damage. Next, clean the jar thoroughly to remove any wax residue. This can be done by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or by pouring hot water to melt and wipe away the wax. A gentle scrub with a mixture of warm water and vinegar can also be used for stubborn residue.
Once the jar is clean and dry, find a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening. You may need to drill a hole in the jar's lid or modify it to fit the pump securely. If you have an old bottle with a pump dispenser that fits, you can reuse this instead.
After securing the pump, fill the jar with your favourite liquid soap and attach the pump. You have now crafted a unique, eco-friendly soap dispenser that adds a touch of charm to any sink.
To keep your new soap dispenser crystal clear, regularly wipe it down with a soft cloth dampened with water and vinegar. This will prevent any soap scum or water stains from building up and keep your dispenser looking its best.
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Use them for food storage and prep
Leftover candle holders can be used for storing and preparing food in a variety of ways. Firstly, they are perfect for storing dry goods like beans, grains, spices, and other bulk items. You can take the jars to the grocery store instead of using plastic bags, and then store the items in your pantry or refrigerator. Just make sure to clean the jars thoroughly and remove any wax residue before using them for food storage.
Candle holders can also be used for meal prep. For example, you can use them to prepare salads or overnight oats in advance, layering the ingredients to keep them fresh. You can also use them for storing liquid foods like jams, jellies, preserves, curds, and vinaigrettes. Just be sure to store these items in the fridge, as jars that have been used previously may not be hermetically sealed.
If you're feeling creative, you can even decorate your candle holders to use as centrepieces on your dining table. Add found items from nature like pine cones, pine needles, or dried flowers for a rustic look. Just be sure to use items that are safe to come into contact with food and won't contaminate your meals.
Finally, leftover candle holders can be useful for regrowing food scraps. You can place scraps like green onion, celery, leafy vegetables, or bean sprouts in water in the jar and let them get some sunlight to watch them regrow. This is a great way to reduce waste and always have fresh herbs on hand.
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Create unique candle holders, fairy lights, or a terrarium
Leftover candle jars can be used to create unique candle holders. Before reusing the candle jars, ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue. This can be done by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or by pouring hot water to melt and wipe away the wax. For stubborn residue, a gentle scrub with warm water and vinegar can be effective.
Once the jar is clean, you can decorate it with paint, ribbons, or decals to match your decor. Use paint that can withstand high heat, especially if you plan to burn a candle inside the holder. You can also fill the jar with seasonal decorations, such as pine cones, pine needles, or dried flowers, which can add a pleasant scent.
Another creative idea is to transform leftover candle jars into fairy lights. You can fill the jars with string lights, creating a magical and whimsical display. These lights can be used as centrepieces or hung up to create a unique lighting feature.
Terrariums are another option for repurposing candle jars. Closed terrariums typically consist of rocks, pebbles, moss, soil, and various decorations. To create a closed terrarium, carefully harvest and bug-proof your moss, then assemble the elements inside the jar. Ensure the jar has a lid to maintain the terrarium's closed ecosystem.
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Paint them and use them as decorated votives
Leftover candle holders can be reused in many ways, one of which is to paint them and use them as decorated votives. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, ensure that your leftover candle holder is clean and free of any wax residue. This can be done by freezing the candle holder to harden and easily remove the wax, or by pouring hot water into the holder to melt and wipe away the wax. A gentle scrub with warm water and vinegar can also help to remove stubborn residue. Once clean, ensure the holder is completely dry.
Next, it's time to get creative with paint! Choose a paint that can handle high heat, as the candle holder will be exposed to heat when in use. You can select any colour or design that suits your taste and decor. Perhaps consider a colour that will complement the surrounding space, or a pattern that adds a unique touch.
Once the paint is dry, your decorated votive is almost ready! Simply add a tealight or small candle to your painted holder, and it's ready to be displayed. These painted votives can add a cosy and stylish touch to your home, especially when grouped together.
You can also further personalise your votives by adding decorations such as ribbons or twine. These decorative touches can enhance the appearance of your votives and ensure they perfectly match your interior design theme.
By reusing your leftover candle holders in this way, you not only create a beautiful and personalised decor item but also practice sustainability by reducing waste and the need for new purchases.
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Frequently asked questions
Leftover candle holders can be reused for various purposes, such as storing homemade jams, jellies, or coins and screws.
To clean leftover candle holders, 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.
Yes, recycling is an option for most old jars made of clear soda-lime glass.
Using empty candle jars for food storage is generally safe once they are thoroughly cleaned and any wax residue is removed. However, ensure the jars have not previously contained any scented candles with chemicals that could be harmful if in contact with food.
