Brooke Martin
Glass candle jars are among the most wasteful items humans discard. Glass can take up to 40 centuries to decompose, and it is also one of the most polluting materials on Earth, causing injuries to countless animals. However, glass is also one of the easiest waste products to recycle, and repurposing empty candle jars is an even more sustainable option. Before recycling or repurposing candle jars, it is important to remove the wax. This can be done by placing the jar in the freezer and then using a butter knife to pop out the frozen wax or by pouring boiling water into the jar and then removing the wax once it has melted. After removing the wax, the jar can be cleaned with soap and water. Once cleaned, candle jars can be repurposed for a variety of uses, including as storage containers, DIY crafts, planters, vases, or bathroom organizers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling | An option for most old jars made of clear soda-lime glass |
| Repurpose | Use for storage, food prep, planters, vases, bathroom organizers, DIY crafts, or make new candles |
| Clean | Use hot water, baking soda, oil, steel wool, vinegar, or soap and water |
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What You'll Learn
Use them as storage containers for food, bathroom items, or office supplies
Old candle glasses can be reused in many ways around the house, especially for storage. Before reusing candle glasses, it is important to clean them thoroughly. One way to do this is to place the candle glasses in the freezer for half an hour or until the wax inside hardens. Then, use a butter knife to pop out the frozen wax. Alternatively, you can heat the jars upside down in a low-temperature oven (less than 200 degrees Fahrenheit) until the wax drips out.
Once cleaned, old candle glasses can be used for food storage and transportation. For example, you can use them to prep meals like salads and overnight oats for consumption later in the week. If there's liquid in the jar (e.g., salad dressing), keep it on the bottom layer so that the other ingredients don't get soggy. You can also use candle jars to store dry goods like beans, grains, and other bulk items in your pantry or refrigerator. Additionally, candle jars with lids can be used to carry drinks like cold brew or iced tea to work and can be kept in the fridge.
In the bathroom, old candle glasses can be used to store items like Q-tips, cotton balls, hair ties, makeup brushes, bath salts, and toothbrushes. You can also transform an empty candle jar into a stylish soap dispenser by cleaning the jar, removing all wax residue, finding a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening, and drilling a hole in the jar's lid or modifying it to fit the pump securely.
Old candle glasses can also be used to store office supplies such as pens, pencils, staples, paper clips, and Post-it notes, helping to keep your workspace organized.
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Make your own candles by refilling them with wax
If you have old candle glasses lying around, you can easily make your own candles by refilling them with wax. This is a fun and creative way to recycle your old candle containers and save money on buying new candles. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Remove Old Wax
Start by removing any leftover wax from your old candle glasses. You can do this by placing the jars in the freezer for about half an hour to harden the wax, making it easier to pop out. Alternatively, you can warm the jar slightly to melt the wax and pour it out, or use the double boiler method by placing the jar in a container of hot water. Another method is to boil water and pour it into the jar, letting it sit until the wax floats to the top and then dumping out the water and wax. Make sure to clean the jars thoroughly and dry them completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Wick
Measure the width of your jar and order a wick of the appropriate size. You can find wicks of various sizes online or at craft stores. Attach the wick to the bottom of your jar by tying a knot at the end of the wick and using a hot glue gun to secure it in place. Hold the wick in place by laying a popsicle stick or a skewer across the top of the jar. You can also wrap the extra length of the wick around the stick to keep it centred as the wax hardens.
Step 3: Melt the Wax
Now it's time to melt the wax. Measure out the amount of wax you need to fill your container, then double it to allow for shrinkage as the wax cools. Cut the wax into small pieces to speed up the melting process. Create a double boiler by placing a metal cookie cutter or a smaller jar inside a saucepan. Fill the saucepan with water until it reaches about one inch up the side of the jar. Place the wax inside the cookie cutter or jar and heat it gently until it melts. You can also use a microwave-safe container to melt the wax in short intervals, stirring in between.
Step 4: Pour and Cool
Once your wax is melted, carefully pour it into your prepared candle jar. Use a paper towel around the edge of the jar to catch any drips. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely, which may take about an hour.
Step 5: Trim the Wick
After the wax has hardened, trim your candle wick to less than half an inch long. Your new candle is now ready to be enjoyed! You can experiment with different types of wax, colours, and fragrances to create unique candles that suit your style and scent preferences.
Making your own candles by refilling old candle glasses is a rewarding and sustainable hobby. You can get creative with decorations and even give them as gifts to your loved ones. So, instead of throwing away those old candle containers, give them a new life by turning them into beautiful, fragrant candles.
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Use them as planters for small herbs or succulents
Glass candle jars can be reused in many ways, and one popular option is to use them as planters for small herbs or succulents. Before using the jars for planting, it is important to clean them thoroughly and remove any wax residue. This can be done by placing the jars in the freezer for half an hour or more to harden the wax, making it easier to remove in one piece. Alternatively, one can heat the jars upside down in a low-temperature oven (less than 200 degrees F), on a tray lined with parchment paper, until the wax drips out.
Once the wax is removed, the jars can be decorated with twine, paint, or fabric to enhance their appearance and make them fit any interior design theme. It is important to use paint that can handle high heat if painting the jars.
Small herbs or succulents can then be planted in the jars, but it is important to note that plants should not be allowed to grow in the jars for too long as the roots may rot due to a lack of drainage. Instead, the jars can be used to host starter plants before the roots grow too large, and the plants can be transplanted to larger pots or gardens.
Using candle jars as planters is a creative and sustainable way to reuse them and reduce waste. It also adds a unique decorative touch to one's home or garden.
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Paint them and repurpose them into decorated votives
If you're looking to upcycle your old candle glasses, one creative option is to paint them and repurpose them into decorated votives. This is a simple and sustainable way to give your candle glasses a new lease of life and add a unique touch to your home decor.
To get started, you'll need to clean your candle glasses thoroughly to remove any wax residue. This can be done by freezing the jar, which will harden the wax and make it easier to pop out, or by warming the jar slightly to melt the wax so it can be poured out. Once your jar is clean, you can begin the transformation into a decorated votive.
When it comes to painting your candle glasses, it's important to use paint that can handle high heat, as your votives will be holding candles. You can find specialised paint for this purpose or opt for a heat-resistant spray paint. Get creative with your designs! You can use different colours, add patterns or designs, or even try techniques like decoupage, where you apply paper cut-outs to the glass using Mod Podge.
Once you've painted your candle glasses and allowed the paint to dry completely, it's time to cure the paint. There are a few methods you can use for this process. One option is to air dry your painted glass for 21 days. Alternatively, you can place your glass in a cool oven, then preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Remember to keep the oven door closed during the process.
After your painted candle glasses have been cured, you can add new votive candles and enjoy your unique, handmade creations. These upcycled votives can be a beautiful addition to your home or even given as gifts to family and friends.
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Use them as drinking glasses for cold drinks
Glass candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways, one of which is to use them as drinking glasses for cold drinks. Here are some ways to do this:
Cleaning the Jars
Before using old candle jars for drinks, it is important to clean them thoroughly. One way to do this is by freezing the jar for half an hour or so, which should harden the wax and make it easier to remove in one piece. Alternatively, you can place the jar upside down in a low-temperature oven (less than 200 degrees F), on a tray lined with parchment paper, until the wax drips out. Another method is to boil water and pour it into the jar, letting the hot water melt the wax, which will then float to the top. After the wax has hardened a little, simply pick it out and scrape away any remaining residue.
Using the Jars for Drinks
Once the jars are clean, they can be used for various cold drinks. One option is to use them for cold brew or iced tea, which can be prepared directly in the jar and then stored in the fridge. You can also use the jars for other cold drinks such as infused water, juice, or even cocktails or mocktails. If you plan to use the jars for drinks with ice, it is important to note that sudden temperature changes can cause glass to shatter. Therefore, it is recommended to gradually increase the temperature of the jar by filling it with warm water first and then adding ice or cold liquid.
Decorating the Jars
To enhance the appearance of the jars, you can decorate them with twine, paint, or fabric to match your interior design theme. Just be sure to use paint that can handle high temperatures if you plan to fill the jars with hot liquids in the future.
Safety Considerations
When reusing candle jars for food or drinks, it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue. Additionally, avoid using jars that previously contained scented candles with chemicals that could be harmful if they come into contact with food or drinks. Always wash the jars with soap and water, and dry them completely before using them for storage or consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Old candle glasses can be recycled or reused. Before recycling, ensure that you have removed any wax residue. This can be done by freezing the jar and using a butter knife to pop out the wax, or by pouring boiling water into the jar and letting the wax float to the top.
Old candle glasses can be used for storage, DIY crafts, planters, vases, and bathroom organisers. They can also be used for food storage, but ensure that any wax residue is removed and that the jar has not previously contained any scented candles with chemicals that could be harmful to food.
To remove wax from an old candle glass, you can place the jar in the freezer until the wax is frozen, and then use a butter knife to pop the wax out. Alternatively, you can warm the jar slightly to melt the wax and pour it out, or place the jar in an oven at a low temperature ( <200°F) until the wax drips out.
