Maddie James
If you're wondering what to do with your old candle jars, you're not alone. Many people who enjoy burning candles are unsure what to do with the jars once the wick has burned out. The good news is that there are plenty of options for reusing and repurposing these jars, from getting creative with upcycling to finding new ways to store food and drinks. With a bit of imagination, you can give your empty candle jars a second life and do your part to reduce waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling | An option for most old jars made of clear soda-lime glass |
| Repurpose | Use as storage for items like Q-tips, cotton balls, and hair ties; use as a soap dispenser; use as a planter; use for food storage; use as a vase for flowers; use as a pencil pot; use as a money jar; use as a drinking glass; use as a paint pot |
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What You'll Learn
Use them for food storage
Old candle jars can be used for food storage, but it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue. Check with the candle manufacturer to ensure that the jar is food-safe. If you are unsure, it may be best to avoid using the jar for food storage.
To clean your candle jar, start by freezing it to make the wax brittle and easier to remove. You can then pop out the wax or use a butter knife to break it into pieces and remove it. Alternatively, you can warm the jar slightly to melt the wax and pour it out, or use a double boiler to gently heat the jar on the stovetop. After removing the wax, hand-wash the jar with dish soap and water. Soaking the jar in warm, soapy water for a few hours or overnight can help to remove any labels or stickers, and a mixture of baking soda and cooking oil can be used to remove any remaining adhesive.
Once your candle jar is clean and dry, you can use it to store a variety of food items. You can use it to prep food like salads and overnight oats, just be sure to keep any liquid ingredients, like salad dressing, on the bottom layer so that the other ingredients don't get soggy. You can also use your jar to store dry goods like beans, grains, and other bulk items that you might normally store in a plastic bag. Jars with tight-sealing lids are great for storing teas, dried herbs, and spices purchased in bulk, and whole-leaf teas can add a decorative touch to your kitchen. Old candle jars with lids can even be used to carry drinks like cold brew or iced tea on the go.
It is important to note that you should not use jars that previously contained scented candles with chemicals that could be harmful if they come into contact with food. Always make sure that your jars are thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue before using them for food storage.
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Make them into soap dispensers
Old candle jars can be reused in many ways, and one of the most popular ways is to make them into soap dispensers. This is a simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly way to give your kitchen or bathroom a vintage touch.
Firstly, you need to clean the jar thoroughly and remove all wax residue. You can do this by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or you can pour hot water into the jar to melt the wax and wipe it clean. For stubborn residue, a gentle scrub with a mixture of warm water and vinegar can be effective.
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. You can use glue to attach the pump to the lid and ensure it is held in place for a minute before wiping off any excess glue.
Finally, fill the jar with your favourite liquid soap, attach the pump, and you're done! You can also decorate the jar to match your home decor or give it as a gift.
Making soap dispensers out of old candle jars is a fun and easy project that can add a unique touch to your home. You can experiment with different sizes and styles of jars and pumps to create a variety of dispensers for your home or to give as gifts.
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Use them as planters
Old candle jars can be used as planters for small houseplants or succulents. Before using the candle jars as planters, ensure that the jars are thoroughly cleaned and any wax residue is removed. Here are some ways to repurpose your old candle jars as planters:
Removing Wax Residue
To remove wax residue, you can try freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to pop out, or you can pour hot water into the jar to melt the wax and wipe it clean. Another method is to heat the jar upside down in an oven at a temperature lower than 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the jar on a tray lined with parchment paper and heat it until the wax drips out.
Preparing the Planter
Once the jar is clean, you can prepare it for planting. If you're using a jar without drainage holes, keep in mind that most plants need some form of irrigation to thrive. You can create your own drainage system by adding a layer of rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the jar, followed by a layer of activated charcoal to help absorb excess moisture. Then, add a layer of potting soil and gently place your plant inside, filling in more soil if needed.
Plant Recommendations
Small plants like succulents, cacti, or herbs are well-suited for candle jar planters. You can also propagate clippings from houseplants such as pothos, philodendron, or monstera in water using the candle jar as a temporary home until roots develop. Once the roots have grown, transfer the plant to a pot with soil.
Decorating Your Planter
You can decorate your candle jar planter to give it a unique touch. Paint the outside of the jar with heat-resistant paint, or tie a piece of twine or ribbon around the neck of the jar for a rustic look. You can also add labels or charms to the jar to indicate the type of plant inside or its care instructions.
Gift Idea
These upcycled candle jar planters can also make great gifts for friends or family members who enjoy plants or gardening. Add a personalized message or their name to the jar to make it even more special.
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Make them into drinking glasses
Old candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways, and one popular method is to repurpose them into drinking glasses. Here are some steps you can follow to achieve this:
Cleaning the Jar
Firstly, you need to remove any remaining wax from the jar. To do this, you can place the jar in the freezer for half an hour or overnight, which will harden the wax and make it easier to pop out. Alternatively, you can gently heat the jar on the stovetop using a double boiler, or place it upside down in a low-temperature oven (200°F), on a tray lined with parchment paper, until the wax drips out.
Removing Labels and Residue
If there are any labels or stickers on the jar, soak the jar in warm, soapy water for a few hours or overnight. Then, gently peel off the label. For any remaining adhesive residue, 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.
Using as Drinking Glasses
Once your jar is clean and free of any wax or residue, it can be used as a drinking glass. You can use it for cold drinks, such as cold brew or iced tea, or even pour yourself and your guests fancy drinks and serve them in your new glasses. Just be sure to check with the candle's manufacturer if the jar is food-safe.
Additional Tips
- To keep your jars crystal clear, regularly wipe them down with a soft cloth dampened with water and vinegar.
- Avoid using a dishwasher to clean the jars, as it could strip away any decorative elements.
- If you want to get creative, you can paint the cleaned jars with paint that can handle high heat before using them as drinking glasses.
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Use them for bathroom storage
Old candle jars can be reused for bathroom storage. Before using them for storage, it is important to clean the jars thoroughly. To do this, remove any remaining wax 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. You can also heat the jar upside down in a low-temperature oven (below 200 degrees Fahrenheit) on a tray lined with parchment paper until the wax drips out. To remove stubborn residue, a gentle scrub with a mixture of warm water and vinegar or baking soda and cooking oil can be effective. To remove labels or stickers, soak the jars in warm, soapy water for a few hours or overnight, then gently peel off the label.
Once the jars are clean, they can be used to store items typically found in the bathroom, such as Q-tips, cotton balls, and hair ties. Keeping like items together in jars will help with organization. You can also use the jars to store herbs or spices purchased in bulk, which will last longer if transferred and stored in glass jars with tight-sealing lids.
Old candle jars can also be transformed into soap dispensers. 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. Fill the jar with liquid soap, attach the pump, and you've crafted a unique, eco-friendly soap dispenser.
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Frequently asked questions
Old candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways. Some suggestions include using them as storage containers for food, Q-tips, or spare change, as well as drinking glasses, planters, or even as a soap dispenser.
To clean old candle jars, start by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove. You can then use a butter knife to break and remove the wax. Next, hand-wash the jar with dish soap and water. To remove any remaining residue, soak a cloth in vinegar and wipe the jar.
Yes, recycling is an option for most old candle jars, especially those made of clear soda-lime glass. However, it is important to check if the jar is food-grade before using it for food storage or consumption.
Old candle jars can be decorated by painting them or filling them with dried flowers, wishbones, or other trinkets. They can also be used as a base for DIY projects such as soap dispensers or lotion bars.
