Do You Throw Away Old Candle Jars?

Candles are a beloved home decor item and bring warmth and ambience to any space. In fact, the candle industry in the United States is a multi-billion dollar market, with sales projected to reach $2.47 billion by 2028. With candle use so widespread, reusing old candle jars creatively is an eco-friendly and fun DIY project for any home.

Reusing Candle Jars

Instead of tossing old candle jars in the trash or recycling bin, consider repurposing them. Reusing candle jars has many benefits:

It’s sustainable. Repurposing jars prevents waste and reduces your environmental impact. According to the EPA, over 80 million tons of container and packaging waste ends up in U.S. landfills each year.

It saves money. Reusing jars means you don’t have to buy new containers or craft supplies. Get creative with what you already have at home.

The jars are versatile. Clear glass jars can be adapted for many uses around the house. Decorate them with paint, ribbon, lace, and more to fit any decor.

Some creative ways to reuse candle jars include:

• Turn into drinking glasses, vases, or pencil holders
• Use as storage containers for small items like cotton swabs or office supplies
• Make votive candle holders by filling with pebbles, beads, or sand
• Upcycle into jewelry holders, terrariums, or snow globes

With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless for giving old candle jars new life!

Cleaning Used Candle Jars

Before reusing candle jars for crafts, storage, or decor, it’s important to fully clean out any wax remnants. Here are some effective methods for removing wax:

Fill the jar with hot water from a kettle or saucepan and let sit for 5-10 minutes. The hot water will melt the remaining wax so it can be poured out more easily. Be sure to use a glove or towel when handling the hot glass (Source).

Alternatively, create a double boiler by placing the jar in a saucepan or pot filled with a couple inches of water. Heat the water until it simmers then turn off the heat. Let the jar sit in the hot water for 10-15 minutes to melt the wax. Pour out the melted wax and scrape off any remaining residue with a plastic scraper (Source).

For stubborn wax, fill the jar with warm water and a spoonful of baking soda. Let soak for an hour, then use a bottle brush, paper towel, or old toothbrush to scrub off remaining wax bits.

Once the wax is removed, wash with soap and warm water. Dry completely before using for any craft or storage. The jars will look fresh and new again!

Crafting with Candle Jars

Old candle jars can be repurposed into a variety of fun and creative crafts. One of the easiest ways to reuse candle jars is by turning them into vases. Simply clean out the jar, remove any labels, and add flowers or faux florals. Candle jars make charming vases in a variety of shapes and sizes for an eclectic look. According to Pinterest, you can paint or decoupage the outside of the jar to personalize it.

Larger jars can also be transformed into table lamps. Clean out the wax, remove the lid, and insert a lampshade. If desired, glue decorative material like stones or fabric onto the outside of the jar before adding the shade. The DIY and craft website Clean My Space suggests drilling a hole to run the cord through the lid or side of the jar so it’s hidden. Candle jars can make whimsical lamp bases in kids’ rooms or eclectic accents in other areas of the home.

For another fun project, reuse jars as planters for small houseplants like succulents or herbs. The transparent glass lets you watch the roots grow while adding a decorative element. Clean out the wax, create drainage by poking holes in the bottom, and add potting soil and plants. You can leave the jars plain or personalize them with paint, string, or other embellishments.

Storing Items in Jars

Once you’ve cleaned out your used candle jars, they make for handy storage containers around the home. Here are some ideas for items you can store in repurposed candle jars:

• Cotton balls and cotton swabs – candle jars are the perfect size and shape for storing these bathroom essentials. The jars help keep them clean, dry and organized.
• Buttons, beads, and other small craft supplies – the jars allow you to neatly organize and easily see all your little craft items. The clear glass lets you identify what’s inside without having to open the jar.
• Office supplies like paper clips, thumb tacks, and rubber bands – candle jars provide handy desktop storage to organize all those odds and ends.
• Pet food or treats – the airtight seal of the jar lid helps keep pet food or treats fresh. The smaller jars are well-suited for single pet servings.
• Dried spices and seasoning packets – candle jars make ideal spice containers, keeping the contents fresh. The jars’ wide mouths make it easy to scoop out what you need.

The durability and airtight seal of candle jars make them perfect for storing all sorts of small items around your home. Get creative with what you choose to stash away in these repurposed containers.

Decorating with Jars

Old candle jars can be given new life through creative decorating techniques like painting, adding labels, and tying ribbons. Painting the outside of clear glass jars allows you to match any color scheme. Folk art designs, stripes, ombre fades, and geometric patterns all look great on candle vessels. For a quick makeover, wrap printed paper or fabric around the outside and seal it on with mod podge or glue. Or use a glue gun to attach lace, burlap, or colorful scrapbook paper. Adding chalkboard labels lets you designate what each jar holds or write cute sayings. You can find printable options online or make your own with chalkboard vinyl. For a farmhouse vibe, tie jute, twine, or burlap around the neck. Dress up plain jars by hot gluing ribbon bows, fabric flowers, wooden beads, raffia, or laser cut shapes. The decorating possibilities are endless!

Upcycling for Gifts

Old candle jars can be repurposed into thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family. Cleaned jars make charming containers for homemade baked goods, candy, trail mixes and granola. Add a handmade label and decorative lid or ribbon, and you have a personalized present ready to give. Small jars are perfect for holding homemade bath salts, sugar scrubs, or bath bombs. Large jars can be filled with cookies, snacks or holiday treats. Get creative with what you put inside—the jar itself helps make it special.

For a simple but unique gift, fill a jar with the recipient’s favorite candy or baked good. Make it extra personal by adding a handwritten note or painting the outside of the jar. Upcycle candle jars into one-of-a-kind piggy banks or pencil holders by gluing on ribbon, fabric, buttons or other embellishments. Fill jars with ingredients and a recipe to create gift baskets for aspiring chefs or bakers. The jars can be reused after enjoying the contents. With a little creativity, reused candle jars make heartfelt gifts on any budget.

Sources:

https://www.pinterest.com/dym1n/candle-jars-upcycle/

Safety Tips

When reusing candle jars, it’s important to properly clean them first to avoid safety hazards. Any remaining wax or residue can be a fire risk if not fully removed before reusing the jar. The New York Times recommends cleaning jars by filling them with boiling water to melt remaining wax and pouring it out. You can repeat this process until the wax is fully removed. For stubborn wax, try freezing the jar overnight and then peeling off the frozen wax.

Make sure to wash the jar thoroughly with soap and water after removing wax. Avoid using jars that are chipped or cracked, as these could break during reuse. Don’t reuse jars that contained candles with scented oils, as the scent can linger. When decorating or storing food in jars, use sealable lids to prevent spills. With proper cleaning and care, reusing candle jars can be done safely.

When to Toss Jars

While most candle jars can be reused if cleaned properly, there comes a point when the jar is too damaged to salvage. Signs that a candle jar should be tossed in the recycling bin include:

• Cracks or chips along the rim or sides of the jar. Even small cracks compromise the integrity and strength of the glass.
• Cloudy looking glass that has been permanently stained by wax residue or fragrance oils. Sometimes soaking in hot water can help remove stains but not always.
• Chipped or warped lids that no longer fit properly. Most jars come with lids that create an airtight seal for storage or crafting.
• Jars that have been burned or scorched from candles being too close to the glass. This can weaken the glass and create safety hazards.
• Missing or lost lids. While lids can be replaced, at a certain point it’s easier to recycle and find new jars.

If your candle jar has major damage like cracks, chips, or burning, it’s best to toss it in the recycling bin. For jars with light staining or minor flaws, try cleaning first before deciding to keep or recycle.

Conclusion

Before you toss out those used candle jars, consider the many creative ways you can repurpose them around your home. Reusing jars is an easy way to reduce waste while also adding charm and personality to your space. Upcycling jars into decorative accents, practical storage solutions, and even handmade gifts allows you to get the most out of materials you already have.

Displaying candles or trinkets in repurposed jars makes for charming decor. Store cotton balls, q-tips, spices, or other small items in them. Turn jars into vases, pencil holders, or organizers. Upcycle them into sweet packaged gifts like bake mixes or candles. With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless.

By reusing old candle jars rather than throwing them away, you give them new life while keeping them out of landfills. Inspire yourself and help the planet by looking at used jars as blank canvases ready for an imaginative new purpose. Rediscover the hidden potential in materials you already own.