Have you ever wondered what to do with those beautiful candle jars once the candle has burned down? Don't throw them away just yet! There are several creative ways to reuse candle jars and give them a new life. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

1. Storage Solution

Empty candle jars make perfect storage containers to keep your bathroom or vanity organised. Use it for small items like cotton balls, cotton buds or your toothbrushes.

2. Mini Planters

Add a touch of green to your space by using candle jars as mini planters. Succulents or small herbs thrive in these jars, adding a fresh and natural element to your home decor. Just make sure to create proper drainage by adding pebbles at the bottom.

3. Makeup Brush Holder

Keep your makeup brushes organized and easily accessible by repurposing a candle jar as a stylish holder. Clear glass allows you to see all your brushes at a glance, making your morning routine a breeze.

4. Craft project

Get creative and use the jars for various craft projects such as homemade snow globes, luminaries, or as part of a DIY centerpiece.

5. Gifts

Fill the jars with homemade treats like cookies, candies, or bath salts, and give them as gifts to friends and family.

With these creative ideas, you can give your empty candle jars a new purpose and reduce waste in a stylish and practical way. Which idea will you try first?

Clean, Clean, Clean

Before starting your creative projects, the candle jar must be cleaned. Here are some suggestions on how go about this.

Removing Excess Wax and Labels

The time to stop burning a candle is when there is approximately 1.5cm of wax left at the bottom of the jar.

How to remove the excess wax

The simplest method to clean and reuse candle jars is a water bath. Fill a large bowl with enough hot water to just past excess wax in your candle jar. Allow the jar to bathe in hot water for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the wax. This is especially the best method to use if your candle jar is fragile or made with thin glass.

Remove the jar from the water bath and place on a tea towel. Use a kitchen paper towel to wipe out the jar and remove the wick and wash with warm soapy water.

or

The quickest method is to use a craft heat gun or hairdryer. (CAUTION: the jar can get very hot with this method, so extra care should be taken).

Place the jar on a heatproof surface and carefully, from about 5 inches from the jar, use small circular motions pointing towards the areas where wax remains to soften it. Once soft but not fully melted, scoop out the wax into a disposal container. Use a kitchen paper towel to wipe out the jar and remove the wick and wash with warm soapy water.

How to remove the label

The most popular ways to remove adhesive labels are:

1. Soaking in warm soapy water
2. By using Rubbing Alcohol on a clean cloth (Vodka is a good substitute for Rubbing Alcohol)
3. An adhesive remover such as Goo Gone, or Sticky Stuff Remover

Safety Tips:

Never clean candle jars in close proximity to children or pets as melted wax can reach high temperatures and pose a burn risk.

Never use a microwave to remove candle wax from a container. Even if the container is microwave-safe, the candle wick is most likely kept in place by a metal tab. By placing in a microwave could result in an explosion and/or house fire.

Never pour wax into the drain. The wax will cool and solidify resulting in clogged pipes and a substantial plumbing bill.

Never overheat the candle jar or wax. Wax, fragrance, and essential oils have flashpoints which may become dangerous if overheated.