What To Do With Burned Out Candle Jars?
Burnt out candle jars are the empty glass containers left over after a candle has been used up. Typically, these types of jars are discarded after the candle’s wax is gone. However, throwing away glass jars is wasteful and harmful to the environment. Reusing glass jars is an excellent way to repurpose these containers and give them new life.
Recycling glass takes energy but reusing glass jars eliminates the need to melt and remold new glass products. This saves energy and reduces air pollution caused by manufacturing new glass. According to WWF, recycled glass reduces related air pollution by 20% and water pollution by 50%. One study found that reusing glass bottles provides substantial benefits across environmental impact categories compared to using new bottles (Landi, 2019). Overall, reusing burnt out candle jars is a great way to reduce waste and is better for the environment.
Cleaning Out the Wax
Before repurposing your used candle jars for a new craft or decor project, you’ll need to thoroughly clean out any remaining wax. There are a few simple methods for removing old wax:
Freezing is an easy way to remove wax. Simply place the jar in the freezer overnight. The wax will harden and you can then peel or chip it away from the glass (Source). Be sure to lay down some newspaper or paper towels first to catch any wax fragments.
Boiling water is also effective for cleaning wax. Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Hold the jar with tongs or oven mitts and slowly pour the hot water into the jar, being careful not to burn yourself. This will melt the wax so it can be poured out. You may need to repeat this process several times to fully remove all wax residue (Source).
For tough wax that won’t budge, try scraping it out with a plastic utensil or dull knife. Avoid using metal tools to prevent scratching the glass. Be patient and persistent, and eventually you’ll be able to remove all the built-up wax.
Crafts & Decor
Glass jars can easily be repurposed into beautiful decorative pieces and craft supplies. Here are some creative ideas:
Turn jars into cute vases. Clean the wax out thoroughly, then decorate the outside with paint, twine, lace, stickers, etc. Add a bouquet of fresh or faux flowers. Get inspiration from sources like this idea.
Make pretty tea light holders by washing out the wax and putting an LED or regular tea light inside. Etch designs into the glass for added embellishment. Arrange several together for a warm glow. See examples at this link.
Repurpose jars into bathroom storage containers for Q-tips, cotton balls, and other necessities. Affix cute labels for an organized look. Get tips from sources like here.
With some twine, burlap, and other embellishments, jars easily become decorative accent pieces for shelves, tables, or walls. Visit this pin for inspiration.
Gifts & Party Favors
Candle jars can be reused to create cute gifts and party favors to give to friends and family. Fill the jars with homemade candy, cookies, soup mixes, baking mixes, or even mini candles to create personalized presents.
Some fun ideas for gifts in a candle jar include:
- Hot cocoa mixes – Add cocoa powder, mini marshmallows, spices, etc. and include instructions
- Cookie or cake mixes – Layer dry ingredients that recipients just add wet ingredients to bake
- Spiced nuts or trail mixes
- Lemonade or sangria mixes
- Candles – Melt down candle wax and pour into jars with wicks
Decorate the jars with ribbon, fabric, glitter, labels, or attach a cute tag with the recipient’s name. Getting creative with different layers and ingredients will make these homemade gifts extra special. For holidays, match the theme with Christmas cookies, heart candy for Valentine’s Day, or patriotic sprinkles for the 4th of July.
Giving gifts in a jar is affordable, unique, and from the heart. The jars can be repurposed rather than letting old candle jars go to waste. Turn them into gifts that will put a smile on your loved one’s face! Try some mason jar gift ideas for all kinds of occasions.
Food Storage
Recycled mason jars are perfect for storing pantry staples like pasta, rice, oats, nuts, seeds, spices, and more. The jars seal tightly to keep food fresh and prevent bugs or moisture from getting in. Smaller jars work well for herbs, spices, cooking oils, and other ingredients used in smaller quantities.
Make sure to label jars clearly with the contents and date. Over time, mason jar lids can become less airtight so it’s important to check older items for freshness. Rotating stock and using older ingredients first will help prevent waste. For bulk dry goods like rice, beans or flour, larger wide-mouth quart jars are useful.
Mason jars allow you to see the contents at a glance so finding ingredients is quick and easy. They can be stacked to maximize shelf space while still keeping items visible and organized. For a uniform look, purchase new lids or spray paint old lids a matching color.
Sourcing [1]
Make New Candles
One of the most popular ways to reuse old candle jars is to make new candles. This allows you to create customized scents and appearances. Making candles at home is relatively easy with some basic supplies.
To make candles in glass jars, you will need wax flakes or blocks, candle wicks, fragrance oils or essential oils (optional), double boiler or slow cooker, thermometer, and candle making jars (Source 1). Follow these basic steps:
- Melt the wax in a double boiler or slow cooker until completely liquefied. The ideal temperature is between 185-200°F.
- Add fragrance or essential oils if desired. Stir well to incorporate.
- Carefully pour the wax into the glass jars, leaving room at the top for the wick.
- Place wicks in the center of the jars. The wick should be a little taller than the jar (Source 2).
- Allow the candles to fully harden before burning, about 24 hours.
Making your own candles allows you to reuse old glass jars in a creative way. You can customize scents and appearances to suit your style.
Plant Pots
Instead of tossing your used candle jars, consider repurposing them as miniature plant pots to hold small plants, succulents, or flowers. The glass jars make charming decorative planters and their transparent sides let you see the roots growing inside. Choose low-light indoor plants like pothos, snake plants, philodendrons, mosses, or ferns that will thrive in the small containers.
First wash the jar thoroughly to remove all wax residue. Make sure the jar is completely dry before adding soil and plants. Add pebbles or marbles to the bottom of the jar for drainage before filling halfway with indoor potting soil. Carefully separate the plant from its original container, loosen the roots, and place it in the center of the soil. Top off with more soil, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Water minimally but frequently. The glass jars allow excess water to evaporate while the pebbles prevent root rot.
Plants that enjoy moisture like ferns and mosses can be grown in jar terrariums. Simply place pebbles in the bottom, add soil, insert plants, and lightly mist for humidity. The glass traps moisture while allowing light and air flow. Succulents and cacti can be grown in jar greenhouses by adding plastic wrap over the top to increase interior humidity.
Repurposed candle jars create affordable mini greenhouses to start seedlings indoors. Just fill with seed starting mix rather than potting soil. The transparent jar allows you to monitor moisture levels and growth progress. Tiny jars are perfectly sized for starting herbs and vegetables for transplanting into the garden later.
For more tips on the best plants to grow in jars, check out this guide: https://utopia.org/guide/the-9-best-plants-to-grow-in-jars/
Craft Storage
Candle jars make for great craft storage containers. Their wide mouths provide easy access, and the glass allows you to easily see the contents. Some creative ways to use candle jars for craft storage include:
Small beads and buttons – These tiny items can be hard to organize. Pour them into cleaned out candle jars to neatly corral them. Screw lids keep them from spilling out.
Craft sticks and straws – Slide these skinny items into a candle jar to keep them upright and easy to grab. Use different sized jars for different length sticks.
Glitter and confetti – These messy craft supplies are contained within a jar. The screw top keeps them from sprinkling everywhere.
Scissors and paint brushes – Keep your tools neat and tidy by sticking them down into a jar, handles up. Adjust jar size for different length tools.
According to this article, craft jars are great for organizing all kinds of small supplies and keeping your craft area clutter free.
Kids Activities
Mason jars make for fun crafts and activities for kids of all ages. Here are some ideas for using upcycled candle jars with children:
- Make snow globes by filling the jar with distilled water, glitter, and small figurines. Seal the lid with hot glue. Let kids shake up their own wintry scene.
- Create fairy jars by adding twinkle lights, small figurines, moss, and other natural elements. These make for pretty night lights for kids’ rooms.
- Assemble an aquarium by filling the jar with pebbles, plastic aquatic plants and animals. Seal the lid and let kids shake up their underwater world.
- Make stamping stations by gluing foam shapes onto the bottom of the lids with craft glue. Kids can dip the stamps in paint and make print art.
- Assemble a mini terrarium by layering activated charcoal, pebbles, soil and small plants inside the jar. Kids can observe the mini ecosystem.
Upcycled candle jars allow kids to use their creativity to make neat DIY projects. Supervise use of any sharp tools and hot glue guns needed for crafts.
Conclusion
Burned out candle jars can be given a new life through various creative reuse ideas. Cleaning out the remaining wax and giving the jars a good wash is the first step to preparing them for their next purpose. Some of the best ways to reuse the jars include creating cute crafts and decor pieces, gifting them as party favors, repurposing them for food storage, making new candles, using them as plant pots, and keeping craft supplies in them. Reusing old candle jars reduces waste, saves money since you don’t have to buy storage containers, and allows you to customize the jars exactly how you want. Getting creative with recycling burned out candle jars is an eco-friendly and fun craft that results in decorative, functional pieces you’ll actually use.
