Candles are a great way to add a touch of elegance to our home well not only because they look good, but also because they smell good. However, when we finish a candle we usually end up wondering what to do with the candle jar.
Fortunately, all those candle jars lying around the house can have some use since candle jars can be reused in quite a number of ways. With so many uses and new and exciting ways of doing things, it’s time to think outside the box when it comes to reusing jar candles and, through this article, we will give you some inspiration and ideas on how to do this.
- What are Candle Jars?
- Why Reuse Candle Jars?
- Is it safe to Reuse Candle Jars?
- How to Clean Candle Jars and Remove Leftover Wax
- 8 Ideas for How to Reuse Glass Candle Jars
- Tips when Reusing Candle Jars
What are Candle Jars?
Candle jars are glass containers that are used to hold candles. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be used for both pillar and votive candles. Candle jars can be made from a variety of materials, including clear glass, colored glass, and frosted glass.
They make your home smell amazing and they’re so relaxing. But what do you do with the glass jar once the candle is gone? Reuse them.
Why Reuse Candle Jars?
Instead of throwing them away, why not recycle or reuse them? You can’t just throw them away – that would be wasteful. And you can’t keep them around forever.
When it comes to being eco-friendly, reusing is one of the best things you can do – and that includes reusing glass candle jars. Not only does it save these jars from going into landfill, but it also means you can enjoy your favorite candles for even longer. In this article, we’ve got some great ideas for how to clean and reuse candle jars so that you can keep enjoying them long after the candle is gone.
Is it safe to Reuse Candle Jars?
Yes, it’s safe to reuse candle jars.
Candle wax is generally not toxic, and the containers are usually made of glass or metal. The only thing you need to worry about is the wick, which can be removed and burned if you don’t have a way to dispose of it. Before you re-use candle jars, it is important to first thoroughly clean them.
How to Clean Candle Jars and Remove Leftover Wax
Before reusing candle jars, it is essential to first ensure that they are clean and dry since candles can leave behind residue that will affect the quality of the product you decide to put inside. By knowing how to get wax out of candle jars to reuse, you can maximize your efforts and get the most out of repurposing them. Here are some methods for efficiently cleaning and drying your candle jars:
Clean the Candle Jar by Freezing it
One way to clean a jar is to put it in the freezer for a few hours. This will cause any residue or build-up on the jar to freeze and become easier to remove. Simply take the jar out of the freezer and scrub the frozen residue off with a stiff brush or a cloth. Rinse the jar with warm water and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
Using Hot Water
Fill your jar with hot water and let it sit until the water cools down to room temperature. Then, take out the wick and any wax residue that might be left behind.
If there’s still some wax in the jar, you can use a dull knife to scrape it out (just be careful not to scratch the glass). Rinse the jar out with warm water and dry it with a towel or paper towel. You can also use a paintbrush to remove any residual wax if necessary.
Your jar should now be sparkling clean. If you find that your jar is still dirty after following these steps, you may need to repeat the process a few times.
Using Simple Soap and Water
If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to clean a jar, then using soap and water is a great option. All you need to do is add some soap to the jar and then fill it up with water.
Give the jar a good shake so that the soap and water mix together, and then leave it to sit for a few minutes. After a few minutes have passed, simply rinse the jar out with clean water and it will be clean as new.
The Double Boiler Technique
How to melt candle wax in glass jar? If your candle jars have some tough leftover wax that won’t seem to come off, don’t worry—there’s an easy way to clean them up. All you need is a bowl of boiling water.
Just let your candle jar sit in the boiling water for a few minutes, and any leftover wax will start to melt and loosen up from the boiling heat. After a few minutes, you can simply pour out the melted wax, rinse the jar with some water, and wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
This method is safe for all types of candle jars, including those made of glass or ceramic as long as you avoid overheating. So next time your candles start to look a little bit lackluster, just give this simple cleaning method a try – your jars will look good as new in no time.
8 Ideas for How to Reuse Glass Candle Jars
With endless possibilities on how to reuse candle jars, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of this resourceful material. Here are some ideas on how to reuse old candle jars and turn them into creative and meaningful additions to your home:
Use candle jars as planters
Reuse candle jars for plants. If you’re looking for a creative way to reuse those glass candle jars, then consider using them as planters. They make great homes for small succulents or cacti and can add a touch of charm to any room.
Plus, they’re super easy to care for and don’t require much watering. So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant option, then this is definitely it.
Just be sure to punch a few drainage holes in the bottom of the jar before adding your plants, and you’re all set.
Use them as flower vases
This is probably the most obvious way to reuse a glass candle jar. Simply wash out the jar and reuse candle jars for plants as a vase for fresh or artificial flowers. You can even get creative and decorate the jar with paint, ribbon, or anything else you can think of.
Through custom flower vases, you’ll get your home smelling great and looking even better. And, you’ll have an original piece of art in your home.
Make a candle jar luminaria
Luminaria are simple lanterns made from glass jars that can be used to decorate your home or garden. To make a luminaria, start by removing the label from the glass jar. Then, use a hammer and nail to punch a hole in the jar lid.
Next, insert a tea light candle into the jar. Finally, place the luminaria in a safe location away from flammable materials. Luminaria are a beautiful way to add light to your home or garden.
They also make great gifts. So, next time you have some leftover glass candle jars, don’t throw them away-use them to make luminaria instead.
Make a candle
If you’re a bit more crafty, you can use your candle jars to make scented candles of your own. Simply melt down some old candles, and add in your own desired fragrance and color.
Pour the mixture into your prepared jars, and let them cool to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind candles. You now have a brand new candle that you can be proud of and enjoy.
Fill them with scented oils and use them as diffusers
Recycle candle jars into diffusers for your favorite essential oils. It’s easy to do, and a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while also upcycling your used candle containers.
To make your own diffuser, start by cleaning out the glass jar and removing any residual wax. You’ll then need to add a few drops of your chosen essential oil or oils to the jar, along with some water. Place a diffuser reed or two into the mixture, and wait a few hours for the scent to start diffusing into the air.
You can experiment with different essential oil combinations to create your own unique fragrance, and the diffuser will last for several weeks before needing to be refreshed. Once you’re done with it, simply wash out the jar and start again.
Make a spice jar
One great way to reuse your glass candle jars is to turn them into spice jars for cooking. Simply clean out the jars and remove any labels, then fill them with your favorite spices. You can either leave the spices whole or grind them up, depending on your preference.
Then, use a permanent marker to label the jars with the names of different spices. You can also decorate the jars however you like – use washi tape, paint, or whatever you have on hand. Now you have a set of cute and practical spice jars that you can use over and over again. You can either keep them in your pantry or cabinet or display them on a shelf or countertop.
Repurpose candle jars into storage containers
A glass candle jar can also be used as a storage container for things around the house like buttons, beads, spices, etc. With a little bit of creativity, an old candle jar can be turned into a chic and practical way to organize your home.
Just make sure to clean it out well first and then add whatever you want to store. You can even decorate the outside of the jar to make it more unique.
Creating a candle jar terrarium
Terrariums are all the rage right now, and for good reason. They’re beautiful, low-maintenance, and easy to make. All you need is a glass jar, some small plants, and some gravel or sand.
Start by adding a layer of pebbles or rocks to the bottom of your jar. This will help with drainage. Then, add a layer of potting soil. Be sure to leave enough room for your plants.
Next, it’s time to add your plants. If you’re using succulents, you’ll want to be careful not to damage their delicate roots. Gently remove them from their pots and place them in the jar, being sure to cover the roots with soil. If you’re using other types of plants, simply place them in the jar and fill in around them with soil.
Once your plants are in place, add a layer of moss. This will help to keep the soil moist and will also add a bit of color and texture to your terrarium. If you’re using a clear glass jar, you may want to add a bit of twine or ribbon around the rim. This will help to disguise the soil and plants and will give your terrarium a more polished look.
Finally, if you’re using a jar with a tight-fitting lid, you’ll want to make a few small holes in the lid for ventilation. You can do this by using a hammer and nail to make small punctures in the lid.
Tips when Reusing Candle Jars
There are many ways to repurpose candle jars, but there are a few things you should keep in mind if you want it done right. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your candle jars:
Recycle the Old Wax and Wick
Consider setting any leftover wax and wicks to the side and save them for future use in various upcycling projects. You can then use the wax to make new candles, use it to make body lotions, or even create a fire starter.
Avoid Disposing of Wax in Drains
Never pour the melted wax from candle jars into a drain since it can potentially solidify and clog the drain. Instead, pour your candle wax into an old yogurt cup or similar container and dispose of it safely in the trash.
Never Microwave Metal Wicks
Avoid using a microwave to heat up a candle jar. Most candles have a metal wick, and the combination of that material with your microwave could cause damage—as well as start a fire.
Avoid Overheating
Do not heat candle jar glass containers too much. If a jar is overheated, it may explode. Always check the temperature of your wax before pouring and never use boiling water unless you are sure that the container can handle it.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you to explore how to reuse candle jars in some great ways. If you are looking for a creative way to upcycle jars, giving new life and purpose to something that very well may have taken years to fill and empty, then candle jars are likely to be just the thing for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. And though there are all sorts of different ways to go about it, we’ve found that the easiest way is simply to melt down your old wax and then mix it with new wax. This can be done by putting the old wax in a pot on the stove over low heat until you see it start to liquefy. Then, add more new wax until you have a mixture that looks like it will pour easily into the jar. Pour this mixture into the jar and allow it to cool completely before lighting.
Yes. Vinegar is a great all-around cleaning solution. Vinegar can be used to clean a variety of items around your home, but one of its most common uses is cleaning glass. If you’re trying to remove wax from your windows or light fixtures, vinegar is a great option.
Yes. You can use old candles to make new ones. The process is pretty simple: just melt the candle down and add it to your new candle’s wax. This will give your new candle some of the scent and color of the old one, which is great for those who like to keep their candles around for sentimental reasons.
The only thing to keep in mind is that your new candle won’t be as strong or smooth-burning as an entirely new one would be—because of this, we’d suggest mixing only small amounts of old wax with fresh unless you have a specific reason for wanting a more rustic look or scent.
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