How To Reuse Candle Jars: 17 Ingenious Ways to Repurpose Your Candle Jars
In this post, we’ll share 17 ways of how to reuse candle jars, from storage containers to DIY projects to eco-friendly decor. These ideas will not only help you reduce waste but also give your old candle jars a second life.
I love making candles but found myself with a huge collection of cute jars piling up on my craft counter. Instead of being wasteful, I decided to repurpose my favorite candle jars into useful, yet aesthetic DIY home decor and organizers. I’ve also received many question from readers asking “Can I recycle candle jars?” and “Can you recycle candle jars?”, as well as ideas of how reuse your jars and turn them into something useful or home decor.
Today, we’ll share 17 creative ways to help recycle your empty candle jar into stylish additions to decorate your space. From making mini flower vases, herb gardens, and even tea light holders – this blog post is about to show you how an old candle jar can become so much more than just an empty vessels.
How to Get Wax Out of Jars
Before reusing your candle containers, you need to get old wax out and clean the jars completely. Here are a few techniques to remove leftover candle wax so you can repurpose candle jars.
Microwave Technique
Start by microwaving your used candle jars for two minutes, then use a spatula to remove the wax. If you need more time to get all the wax out, carefully heat up the container in one-minute increments and use a butter knife or spoon to scrape off any remaining residue. Finally, wash your glass jars with hot water and dish soap. Now your ready to reuse your bath and body works candles jars.
Double Boiler Technique
Start by setting a saucepan on the stove and filling it with roughly one-third of the water. Place your candle jar in the pan, where its contents will melt when heated. Once you get that desired consistency, pour the melted candle into something disposable like an old can or paper cup before wiping away any debris with paper towels. Finally, wash your candle jar with soap and water. This is a super easy method to help you with recycling candle jars.
Boiling Water Technique
Carefully pour boiling water into the candle jar and wait until all of the wax has melted and is floating on top. Scoop out any chunks of wax or residue that may remain in the container. Do not discard this used water as it can lead to clogs inside your sink – instead, be sure to wash out the jar thoroughly with clean water and soap.
Freezing Technique
Start by freezing the candle overnight. Pop up the wax with a butter knife and break it into smaller pieces with either a spoon or a knife. Then, use rubbing alcohol on paper towels to wipe away any remaining wax fragments that are clinging to your jar walls. Finally, give it all one last wash under hot water mixed in with some dish soap.
Pro tip: To get rid of labels and any other stickers on the candle jar, you’ll need to heat your glass jar with either a heat gun or hair dryer for easier removal. In case there are still stubborn glue residues left behind, using Goo Gone adhesive remover should do the trick.
Related Post: Ultimate Candle Making Supplies List: Everything You Need To Make Aesthetic Candles At Home
How to Reuse Candle Jars
Here are 17 ideas on how to repurpose your candle container into something useful and stylish.
1.Succulent Planters
Upcycle your candle jars and turn them into succulent planters. After removing your leftover wax, fill the candle jar with a soil-cactus mix, add some colorful pebbles for decoration, then plant your succulent.
You can even paint and decorate the glass containers exterior with a fun pattern or design. I used my Cricut machine and stencil vinyl to create a stencil to make it easy to paint this design on my candle container.
2.Makeup Brush Holder
Your glass candle jars can make the perfect makeup brush holder. It’s perfect to keep your brushes organized, but also makes cute bathroom countertop decor. For an aesthetic vibe, keep the label on. Or you can paint your glass using acrylic paint or get a little fancy and add some glitter.
3.Hair Accessories Holder
Glass candle jars are a great way to store your bobby pins, hair ties, hair clips, and more.
4.Tea Light Candle Holder
Colored, old glass candle jars make the perfect tea light candle holder. It’s simple, and classic yet gives your tea light an elevated look. Plus, it’s really easy to remove the remaining wax left over from your tea light.
Create a table centerpiece by creating a few tea light candle holder jars and arranging them with flowers, other candles, and fairy lights on your dining room tables. You can even fill your clear glass jar with decorative rocks, sand, gems, etc.
5.Office Organizers
Use your upcycled glass jars to organize your office supplies. Create a clutter-free des, by using your old jars to organize your pens, paper clips, etc. Use washi tape to add a fun design to your glass jars.
6.Vase
Turn your old candle jars into small vases to hold a single flower or even fresh herbs. This is also great for making DIY centerpieces or adding an extra touch of greenery to any shelf.
7.Snack Containers
Empty candle jars are great for making snack containers. From candy to nuts, you can fill them up with all your favorites. They are easy to store and stack.
I stock my desk drawers with these snack jars for easy access and snacking throughout my work day.
8.Bathroom Organizers
Turn your old candle jars into bathroom organizers. Fill them with cotton swabs, q-tips, makeup brushes, bobby pins and other small items that can easily be misplaced.
9.Drinking Glasses
Do you have a collection of cute, colored jars that are just sitting around unused? Well, believe it or not, they can make great drinking glasses. Just wash them out and add some colorful straws for fun summer sips.
10.Coffee Cup
If you have bigger candle jars, they make the perfect coffee cup. I love using reusing my textured glass candle jars like this one to enjoy my morning coffee.
11.Craft Storage
Jars are great for keeping all your craft supplies organized. Paint brushes, buttons, glue sticks, glitter, etc.
12.Herb Planters
Reuse candle jars to make mini herb planters. Simply fill the jar with soil, add your favorite herbs and place them on a window sill for easy access. Water regularly to keep your herbs healthy and growing.
13.Snow Globe
Make a beautiful snow globe using your leftover candle jars. All you need is some Epsom salt, glitter and a small figurine to create the perfect winter wonderland.
14.Bath Salts
Buy your bath salts in bulk and use a candle jar holder to store them. Or you can make your own bath salts: using coconut oil, Epsom salt, and essential oils.
This is a great way to make sure you always have your favorite bath salts within arms reach.
Or you can make your own bath salts: using coconut oil, Epsom salt, and essential oils
15.Kitchen Storage
Candle jars are a great way to store dry goods in your kitchen. They are airtight and keep food fresh for much longer than other containers. Fill them with sugar, flour, rice or anything else you need to store in your pantry.
16.Single Serving Desserts
If you enjoy desserts but are conscious of how much is within one serving, why not create individual portions with your candle jars? You can indulge in a guilt-free treat that’s also practical.
Plus, these individual serving jars look so cute when stacked in your refrigerator.
17.Matchstick holder
You can also use your candle jar to hold matches. Just pour some sand in the bottom of the jar and place your matches inside with a strikeable surface on the lid. This way, you don’t have to worry about losing the matchbox.
Wrap-Up
Don’t let those stylish candle jars go to waste. Reusing them is an excellent way to save money while simultaneously being more eco-friendly.
I hope this post provided you with some ideas and inspiration on how to repurpose your empty candle jars. If you have some other ideas in mind, then don’t forget to share them with us!
Check Out These Other Candle Making Posts
If you’re interested in making your own candles, then you’ll love these other posts:
- Best Soy Wax for Candle Making: Ultimate Guide (2023)
- 5 Best Beeswax for Candle Making: Tried & Tested (2023)
- 7 Best Candle Making Kits For Beautiful, Aromatic Candles (2023)
- Ultimate Candle Making Supplies List: Everything You Need To Make Aesthetic Candles At Home
- Ultimate Wick Guide: How to Choose the Right Wick for Your Candles
