How to Reuse Candle Jars: 7 Fun Ideas

Do you have candle jars that have wax leftover but can no longer be used? Don’t throw them away, instead learn how to reuse candle jars by first removing leftover wax. Read on to learn how.

After you’ve enjoyed your candle down to its dregs, it can feel wasteful to toss it in the garbage. Instead, learn how to reuse the jars. Here are thre different methods on removing leftover wax, followed by seven ways to reuse the jar.

3 Different Methods to Remove Leftover Wax from Candle Jars

One method to remove old candle wax is quite simple: wash with soap and water.

1. Carefully remove as much of the leftover wax as possible with a knife or spoon.
2. Next, place the jar in your sink and fill the jar with hot water and a highly rated by the EWG dish soap like this one (available on Amazon**).
3. Let sit for about 30 minutes. The heat will force the wax to float to the top.
4. Once the water has cooled enough, you should be able to remove the wax by taking the upper layer off with your hands or with a spoon.
5. Wash the jar again with soap and warm water and use a towel or rag to wipe the jar afterward to clear any remaining wax.

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Another method to remove the leftover candle wax is to utilize the freezer.

1. Place the candle jars inside the freezer and let sit for a few hours or overnight.
2. Remove from the freezer, turn the jar upside down and the remaining wax should fall out. If it does not, use a spoon or knife to pry the wax from the sides of the jar.
3. If there is still some remaining wax residue, use a rag and warm water and wipe down the jar’s insides until the jar is wax-free.

A third method to remove leftover wax is to use the oven.

1. Place your candle jars upside down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
2. Turn your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (tip: skip preheating the oven for a more sustainable usage of electricity) and place the baking sheet(s) inside the oven.
3. After about 15 minutes, check the jars to see if the wax has melted onto the parchment sheet. If it has, remove the baking tray from the oven. If not, keep a close eye on it for the next few minutes until it drips down onto the sheet.
4. Carefully use an oven mitt to remove the tray from the oven and place it on a heat-safe area.
5. Remove the jars from the sheet and place them on a heat-safe area to cool completely.
6. Once cool, wash the jars with soap and water, and dry with a towel or rag to make the jar completely clear of wax.

7 Ways to Reuse and Upcycle Your Candle Jars

There are many ways to reuse your candle jars once you have removed the leftover wax. Here are some examples:

1. Storage – use the jars to hold smaller items such as:
   • office supplies like paper clips or binder clips or pens
   • in the bathroom for small items/to clear the countertops
   • in the bedroom/vanity to hold makeup or bobby pins, or hair ties
   • arts and crafts items like pencils, markers, crayons or other crafting items
   • hold coins/money and make it a savings fund
   • keep some toys, like marbles, tidy by placing them inside the jar
   • hold your lotions and body butters in the empty jars
   • DIY bath bombs can be stored in the empty jars
2. Plants – you can fill the empty jar with some earth or stones and plant small (or large depending on the candle size) succulents or other plants.
3. Vases – you can use empty candle jars as a vase for a small bouquet or single bloom.
4. Gifts – turn your empty jar into a gift for someone else, try this DIY body scrub for an idea
5. Tealight holders – you can pop in a tea light candle into the empty jar for a simple reuse
6. New candles – you can utilize the remaining wax from candles and make new candles. Here’s how to DIY Candles.
7. Air freshener – Empty jars can hold a homemade air freshener. Here’s how to make air fresheners at home.

Read on:

• Making Scented Candles At Home: A DIY Guide
• How to Prevent and Fix Candle Tunneling
• How to Get Candle Wax Out of Clothes – 3 Removal Tips

Tags: DIY Guide Household Practical Tips