Ben Carter
Jar candles are a great way to set a mood or fill your home with a pleasant aroma. However, once the candle is gone, you're left with an empty jar. Fortunately, there are many ways to repurpose these containers instead of throwing them away. Whether you're looking for creative storage solutions or want to try your hand at making your own candles, there are plenty of options for giving new life to your old candle jars.
What to do with burnt-out jar candles:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse the wax | Melt the remaining wax and use it in a candle warmer, or make gift-worthy floral wax sachets |
| Remove wax from the jar | Place the jar in the freezer, then forcefully bang the bottom of the jar with an open palm to remove the wax |
| Clean the jar | Hand-wash the jar with dish soap and water; do not use a dishwasher |
| Repurpose the jar | Use the jar as a container for spare change, or upcycle it into a Halloween character jar or a twinkling votive holder |
| Safety precautions | Never leave a burning candle unattended; place the candle on a heat-resistant surface and keep it away from flammable objects |
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What You'll Learn
Repurpose the jar for food storage or as a drinking vessel
Glass candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways. Before using the jar for food storage or as a drinking vessel, you must ensure that the jar is clean and free of any remaining wax. Here are some methods to remove the wax:
- Fill the jar with boiling water, allowing the wax to melt and rise to the surface as the water cools. You can use a tool to help remove the wax from the jar, being careful not to burn yourself.
- Place the jar in the freezer overnight. The wax will shrink and can be easily popped out when the jar is removed from the freezer.
- Place the candle jar in a small pot, which is then placed inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer, melting the wax. Remove old wicks with tongs and scoop out the wax.
Once the wax is removed, you can repurpose the jar for food storage or as a drinking vessel. Here are some ideas for reusing the jar:
- Use the jar to store dry goods such as beans, grains, herbs, or other bulk items.
- Utilise the jar for meal prepping and storing food such as salads, overnight oats, or desserts like trifle or banana pudding.
- If the jar has a wide mouth, it can be used for storing food in the freezer, remembering to leave extra space at the top for expansion.
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Melt and reuse the wax
To melt and reuse the wax from a burnt-out candle, you must first remove the remaining wax from the jar. This can be done in several ways. One method is to place the jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and easily pop out when removed from the freezer. You can then use a knife to gently remove the wax. Another method is to fill the jar with boiling water, allowing the wax to melt and rise to the surface as the water cools. You can then use a tool to dig the wax out from the bottom of the jar. It is important to note that you should never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax from a glass votive holder, as it may scratch or weaken the glass.
Once you have removed the wax from the jar, you can melt it and reuse it in various ways. One option is to place the wax in a saucepan and melt it over low heat on your stovetop. You can also use the double boiler method, which involves placing the wax in a small pot and then placing that pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer to slowly melt the wax. Different types of wax have different melting points, so the time it takes to melt will vary.
After the wax has melted, you can pour it into a new container, such as a jar, tin, teacup, or votive glass, and create a new candle. You will need to secure a new wick in place before pouring in the wax. You can also add essential oils or dried flowers to the wax to create a scented candle. If you're using multiple scented candles, make sure their fragrances complement each other.
Another way to reuse melted wax is to make wax melts, which are small pieces of wax used with a wax warmer to release a fragrance. You can pour the melted wax into small molds or an ice cube tray and let it harden before removing the wax from the mold. You can also add essential oils or dried flowers to create scented wax melts.
Melted wax can also be used for various DIY projects, such as making balms, sealing things, or polishing wood. You can also use it to make fire starters by pouring the melted wax into a muffin tin lined with paper liners and adding small pinecones, star anise, cinnamon sticks, or herbs.
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Make homemade beauty products
While there are many ways to reuse jar candles, one option is to make homemade beauty products. Here are some ideas for using the wax from your jar candles in your beauty routine:
Lip Balm
Lip balm is a simple product to make at home, and you can use the wax from your jar candles as a base. Combine the wax with natural oils such as coconut oil or almond oil, and add in some honey or shea butter for extra moisture. You can also add essential oils or flavourings to give your lip balm a pleasant scent or taste.
Body Butter
Wax can also be used to create a rich and creamy body butter. Melt the wax and combine it with natural butters such as cocoa butter or mango butter, and add in a few drops of your favourite essential oils for fragrance. You can pour the mixture into a jar or tin and let it set, creating a luxurious body butter that will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Massage Candles
You can create massage candles by melting down the wax and adding essential oils with relaxing properties, such as lavender or chamomile. Pour the mixture into small jars or containers and allow it to harden. When you light the candle, the melted wax will be warm and can be used for a soothing massage.
Homemade Perfume
The fragrance from your jar candles can be reused to create homemade perfume. Melt the wax and strain the liquid to separate the fragrance oils. Combine these oils with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, and you'll have a unique perfume that you can store in a rollerball or small bottle.
To make these beauty products, you'll need to remove the wax from your jar candles. You can do this by placing the jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and pop out easily. Alternatively, you can melt the wax by placing the jar in the oven at a low temperature or by running hot water over it. Just be sure to never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax from the jar, as it may cause damage.
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Use the jar as a small planter
If you're looking for a way to repurpose your jar candles, consider using them as small planters. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
Removing the Wax
First, you'll need to remove the remaining wax from the jar. There are several methods you can use to do this. One popular method is to fill the jar with boiling water, allowing the wax to melt and rise to the surface as the water cools. You can then use a tool to gently remove the wax from the jar. Alternatively, you can place the jar in the freezer overnight. The cold temperature will cause the wax to shrink, and it should pop out easily once you remove the jar from the freezer. If there's only a small amount of wax left, you can also try warming the jar with your hands; the heat will usually cause the wax to slide right out.
Cleaning the Jar
Once the wax is removed, give the jar a good cleaning. Wash it with soap and warm water to remove any residual wax and dirt. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Preparing the Jar for Planting
Before using the jar as a planter, you'll need to create drainage holes in the bottom. Carefully create a few small holes using a drill or a sharp object like a nail and hammer. These holes will allow excess water to drain out, preventing root rot and ensuring your plant stays healthy.
Adding Soil and Plants
Now, it's time to fill your jar with soil and plants! Choose a plant that will fit well within the jar, considering the size and available sunlight. Succulents or small herbs are excellent choices for jar planters. Add a layer of small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the jar for extra drainage, then fill it with well-draining potting soil. Gently remove your plant from its current container and place it in the jar, filling in any gaps with additional soil.
Care and Maintenance
Water your plant according to its specific needs, being careful not to overwater, as the jars don't have a lot of excess space for drainage. Ensure your plant receives adequate sunlight and rotate it occasionally so that it grows evenly. With proper care, your new jar planter will thrive, and you'll have a beautiful and sustainable display.
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Create a cat toy by placing catnip in a sealed jar
There are many ways to reuse empty candle jars, such as melting the remaining wax and using it in a candle warmer or making floral wax sachets. Here, we will focus on creating a cat toy by placing catnip in a sealed jar.
Creating your own catnip toys is cost-effective, customisable, and a fun bonding activity for you and your cat. To create a cat toy with catnip in a sealed jar, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Materials and Prepare the Jar
First, ensure you have high-quality dried catnip, which you can purchase from pet stores or online. Clean your empty candle jar thoroughly to remove any wax residue. You can do this by placing the jar in hot water, putting it in the oven at a low temperature, or freezing it and then popping out the wax. Remove any labels or stickers before cleaning. Ensure the jar is completely dry before proceeding.
Step 2: Prepare the Catnip
Place a generous amount of catnip in the centre of the jar. You can also add other items, such as a small bell, to create a rattling sound that may further interest your cat.
Step 3: Seal the Jar
Securely seal the jar to ensure the catnip is contained and cannot spill out. You can use a tight-fitting lid or use fabric glue or another adhesive to close the jar permanently. If desired, decorate the outside of the jar with paint, stickers, or other craft materials.
Step 4: Introduce the Toy to Your Cat
Once the glue is dry and the toy is safe, introduce it to your cat and observe their reaction. The sealed jar will release the aroma of catnip, attracting your cat's attention, and they can bat and chase the jar as a toy.
Variations and Customisation
You can further customise this toy by attaching strings, ribbons, or feathers to the outside of the jar. Additionally, consider combining the catnip with a small ball of yarn inside the jar to create an enticing combination for your cat.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to remove wax from a jar candle. One way is to place the jar in the freezer, which will allow the wax to shrink and easily pop out. Another method is to run hot water over the wax drippings. A third option is to melt the wax in an oven set to a low temperature.
Leftover candle wax can be reused in several ways. You can melt the wax and use it in a candle warmer, make new candles, or create gift-worthy floral wax sachets.
Jar candles should never be left unattended. The candle should be placed on a heat-resistant surface to protect the surface underneath from damage. Keep the candle away from anything flammable, and make sure the wick stays centered. Extinguish the candle when the wax level gets too close to the bottom of the jar to prevent the glass from cracking or exploding.
