21 Easy Ways To Reuse Candle Jars

What can make your evenings look more wonderful than a natural aromatic candle that can offer a long-lasting soothing effect? Whichever activities you prefer, group or solo, reading or resting candles successfully add charm to that aura.

If you admire trying out the latest aromas and eco-friendly or organic candles for calming scents, I am sure you must have a good bunch of candle jars. Then let me introduce you all to the easy and effective ways to repurpose your candle jar collection.

But, before heading to these incredible ways, we must prepare a little bit. So, first things first!

How to remove leftover wax from candle jars?

The primary preparation involves cleaning and removing the leftover wax from these jars. They can be of any size or shape, but the good part is you don’t require any special arrangements for this task. Also, there are various methods you can choose from depending on your requirement or ease. Let’s begin!

1. Freezing Method

This is the easiest method you will ever find to remove existing wax from the container. All you have to do is freeze the candle jars for a few hours, and the remaining wax will harden and shrink under freezing conditions.

After that, you can remove the frozen wax easily with a butter knife or by putting some force with your palm over the base of the jar. Clean with normal soap and water to remove any residues left.

2. Boiling Method

Hot water removes the traces and remaining wax in this technique. In the first step, use a medium like a butter knife or spoon to scrape off the wax as much as possible.

Next, pour boiling water into the candle jar and keep it aside until it cools down. This procedure will melt the remaining stubborn wax stuck, especially on the walls of the candle jar, and the wax will float at the top on cooling.

Make sure to take away the floating wax before draining the water. Clean with soap and water as the final step.

3. Double broiler Method

This one is tricky compared to other methods, but it goes best with hard waxes. First, remove the wax from the candle jar as much as possible.

Now, prepare a large bowl with hot water and place the candle jar in the bowl. Make sure that the candle jar does not sink in the boiling water. This will help to soften and melt the wax attached to the walls of the candle jar.

Remove the detached wax with a holder or butter knife, and discard the residue. Wash with normal water and soap to get a clean jar.

4. Oven Method

 This method is appropriate for various containers to remove wax in one go! Take an oven-safe pan and cover it with two-three layers of baking paper. Remove the wax from candle jars as much as is viable.

Now, place the candle containers upside down on the pan. Heat the oven to 180 degrees for 15 minutes to remove the remaining wax from the container. You can easily wipe it off with a paper towel from the inside and can wash it with soap and water.

Things to keep in mind while removing the wax from candle jars

Although the process is safe and sound, we would like to share a short list for your safety since you are dealing with wax and heat.

• Always check the type of wax you are dealing with. Soft wax, such as soy, doesn’t require boiling water like hard waxes.

• Never drain wax residues, whether liquid or solid, as it will clog the pipeline.

• Candle jars are containers made up of glass, be alert not to overheat while melting wax.

• If you use an oven, remove the wick as it contains metal elements and can break into the fire.

• Never overheat, as it can break the glass.

To know more in detail, check out our other post on how to reuse glass jar safely.

21 incredible ways to modify and reuse the candle jars

Now, it is time to begin the creative part, where you repurpose your clean and clear candle jars. Let’s start-

1. Give homes to your plants

Although the idea of plant home dates long back, you can switch to some new and latest trends by experimenting with plantation decor. Try the trending technique called hydroponics, which is basically growing plants in a less environment by exposing the root to the mineral nutrient solution.

You can start with normal water and plants such as Devil’s ivy, Pothos, Philodendron, Aglaonema, etc. You can try LECA (Lightweight expanded clay aggregate) balls for bigger candle jars, as they are effective and easy to maintain.

Another interesting way to enhance your decor and make your home livelier is hanging the plants. If your plants are settled in candle jars, you can hang them on walls or ceilings to save space and get a wonderful interior.

2. Fancy décor

You can take a step forward to create a desirable, warm experience at your home. Fill up the candle jar with pine cones, autumn leaves, and petals from memory with some shimmers.

Adjust the quantity and choose according to your preference or theme. Little additions not only reflect a fulfilling vibe but also amplify an aesthetic and soothing experience.

3. The classic candy jar case

Repurposing candle jar collections into candy containers can be a marvelous evergreen way. From daily life usage to parties or get-togethers, candy jars are forever loved. Pick, choose and feel happiness!

4. Create your candle collection

This can be a treat to your creative genes. Candle-making guides and kits are easily available on the internet. You can order or buy it from specific shops near your area. I think this is an amazing method to repurpose candle jars. You can create personalized candle collections, add aromas you prefer, and go organic. Also, it’s very relaxing!

5. Treat box for your pets

Candle jars can be reused to store treats for pets. This helps to give you a more organized arrangement while handling your goofball.

6. Gift creatively

You can use the candle jars to case your gift. They would look beautiful to tuck cards, leave messages or carry a thoughtful present. Don’t forget to put on a ribbon!

7. Stationery holder

Candle jars can be your buddy organizer to avoid messy desks. Different jars can be used to store stationery separately for pens, pencils, highlighters, etc. You can paint, put on slips or customize as per your preference to add a creative look.

8. Candle holder

Reusing old candle containers as holders is a practical way to avoid getting any wax stains and prevent mess around. Plus, there is no need to buy any holders that initiate less clutter.

9. Candle storage

Candle jars are an ideal option for storing mini candles. You can find them in one place, making them easy to manage!

10. Scrub bub

Since many people have opted to quit chemical-based scrubs. It has also encouraged home-based, organic, chemical-free scrubs according to preferences. Candle jars can be a delightful and presentable way to store scrubs.

11. Surprise bundle

This is my favorite of all. You can put little notes of affirmation for yourself or give them someone in candle jars. This can be a delicate way to show love to your loved ones or yourself.

12. Button holder

People who love knitting, stitching, and embroidery know how to look for needles and buttons. Candle jars could help them store these tiny essentials. You can also label them!

13. Light it up

Yes, you can put the fairy lights in candle jars and use them as room decor. This will add a magnificent vibe to your favorite corner.

14. Flower vase

 Candle jars turned into flower vases (natural or artificial) can be an exciting decor addition. They are perfect to style your house and can be used as a centerpiece on dining tables during getting together.

15. Makeup organizer

Managing the mirror table is quite a task in a busy schedule with all the accessories and makeup stuff lying around. Candle jars can help you organize your stuff.

Select and separate your makeup brushes, accessories, rubber bands, and clips and place them in different candle jars. You can also use them to store tampons and menstrual cups.

16. Spices home

 If you love cooking, you could use different powered or dried spices. Candle jars, properly cleaned and dried, can be used to store spices. Don’t forget to label them!

17. Create a candle from a candle

 You can collect all the remaining wax, remove wicks and make another DIY candle from the leftovers. Pro tip- Add star anise or cinnamon or dried orange/lime piece for an incredible fragrance blend.

18. Tea bag nest

If you are a tea lover, you must have a lot of tea bags. While candle containers can help you store these tea bags, you can also carry them during travels.

19. Terrarium

For a terrarium, you have to select a transparent candle jar. If you are someone who is a nature or plant enthusiast, terrariums can treat you to a mini forest. You can follow the guide to create your mini jungle. Do you know the first terrarium was created accidentally by botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward?

20. Essential’s assistant

Candle jars are a great option to store the essentials that grab time at the last moment. Yes, I am talking about coins, changes, bank cards, keys, clips, lip balms, or bookmarks.

21. Inventory of your craft supply

 We all love our working or creation corner in order. Candle jars can help you arrange and categorize all your art supplies. Put on brushes, paper clips, and stationery as per your coordination.

Conclusion

Demand for candles, specifically chemical-free ones, is dramatically increasing. The candle market is expected to grow USD 10,656 million by 2028, which is 5-10% more than in 2020. If you are someone who relishes the candle aura and candle jars, try not to throw them; instead, repurpose their tasks.

I hope the candle jars make you creative and happy!