7 Easy Ways to Upcycle & Repurpose Your Candle Jars
If you're a candle lover, you probably have a ton of empty candle jars lying around your house.
In this guide, we will show you how to repurpose those old candle jars and up-cycle them into something new and useful!
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Benefits of Upcycling vs. Recycling Glass
It seems like every time you go to buy candles, they come in some new and adorable jar that you just can't resist.
And once the candle is gone, what do you do with the jar? You could recycle it, but why not upcycle it instead?
While glass jars are easy to recycle, unfortunately what we can recycle doesn’t always actually get recycled. Plus the recycling process requires energy, so in this way up-cycling can be a more sustainable option!
Plus, this is a budget-friendly way to craft a new vase, a storage container, plant pots, and get great use out of those old jars.
How to Remove Wax from Candle Containers
To remove the wax from your candle jar you'll need a butter knife and some warm water.
Heat the water on the stove top, pour the water into the container to loosen the wax, and use the butter knife to further lift the wax up and loosen the wick. The heat from the water will cause the wax to melt and rise to the top.
You might need to use some tongs to pull the wick out of the container. Finally, use one of the utensils to remove any large pieces of wax and use a paper towel to wipe away the remaining wax.
Once the wax is removed rinse out a few extra times with hot soapy water to ensure your jar is clean for crafting!
7 Ways to Repurpose Candle Jars
If you're ready to get crafty and upcycle those old glass candle jars here are some amazing ideas to get you started!
Use The Jar As Storage
If you have any old candles that you don't use anymore, don't throw them away! You can up-cycle the jars into cute desk accessories.
All you need is a little bit of paint and some glue, and you can transform an old candle jar into a pencil holder for your desk or makeup brush and accessory holder for your bathroom.
I used mine to perfectly fit my favorite daily lip products! The decorative container looks like intentional home decor on my desk.
Here's what you need to do:
First, remove the wick from the candle jar and make sure there is no wax residue left inside.
Next, clean the outside of the jar with soapy water and let it dry completely.
Once it's dry, decide what color you want to paint it. You can either use acrylic paint or spray paint. If you're using acrylic paint, apply two coats of paint and let it dry completely. If you're using spray paint, apply one coat and let it dry for about an hour before applying a second coat.
Once the paint is dry, it's time to decorate! You can use washi tape, stickers, or anything else you have lying around to personalize your candle jar. Once you're happy with how it looks, fill it with pencils, makeup brushes, beauty products, cotton balls, bobby pins, and enjoy your new desk or bathroom accessory!
Use It As A Vase For Fresh Flowers
One of the easiest ways to upcycle your old candle jars is to use them as vases for fresh flowers or plants. Simply clean out the jar and add some fresh water.
You can then arrange your flowers or plants however you like. If you’re using fresh flowers, make sure to change the water every few days.
This is a great way to add a bit of life and color to any room in your house. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle those old candle jars!
I didn’t have fresh flowers to put in it yet, but faux flowers or greenery work just as well.
Paint The Jar And Use It As A Decoration
You can up-cycle your old candle jars by painting them and using them as decorations. It's a simple process that doesn't take long, and you'll end up with beautiful jars that can be used for a variety of purposes. Here's what you need to do:
First, gather your supplies. You'll need some paint, brushes, and tape. Choose the color or colors you want to use for your jars. Then, clean the jars thoroughly so that the paint will adhere properly.
Next, tape off the areas that you don't want to paint. This will ensure clean lines and prevent any accidents. Once the jar is taped off, begin painting! Be sure to use even strokes and allow the paint to dry completely between coats.
Once the jars are painted, you can use them for a variety of things. Fill them with flowers, use them as storage containers, or simply enjoy the way they look on your shelf!
Up-cycling is a great way to breathe new life into old items, and it's also a fun project to do with kids. So gather up those empty candle jars and get started!
Make a Homemade Salt Scrub
For any DIYer who loves to make their own skin and beauty products, this container can be great for storing homemade bath salts or scrubs!
This homemade salt scrub recipe only requires four ingredients, can be customized with your favorite essential oil, and a salt scrub makes a great gift!
Homemade salt scrubs are perfect for Mother's Day or Christmas gifts! Wrap a cute bow around the jar with your homemade scrub in it and you are good to go!
Fill It With Candies As A Gift Jar
A gift jar is a thoughtful and unique present that can be customized for anyone on your list. Plus, it's easy to personalize each one to the recipient. Here's how to fill a gift jar with small trinkets or candies:
First, choose a jar that suits the occasion and your budget. Decide what kind of candy or trinkets you want to fill it with. You can find small toys, keychains, ornaments, and other items great for kids. Fill the bottom of the jar with a layer of tissue paper or shredded paper for cushioning.
Next, begin filling the jar with your chosen items. If you're using candy, be sure to leave enough room at the top for a lid. Once the jar is full, seal it with a lid and decorate it with a ribbon or tag.
Now your gift jar is ready to give! This thoughtful present is sure to please anyone on your list. Plus, it's easy to personalize each one to the recipient. So get creative and have fun filling your gift jars!
Put a Plant in the Jar
Empty glass jars can be perfect for small plants or creating a mini herb garden.
If you have a collection of glass containers add some soil to the empty candle container, drop in a few seeds, and follow the instructions for the specific herb or plant you're hoping to grow!
Consider choosing a plant that doesn't require too much water since candle containers typically don't have a drainage hole. Or if you have a tool that can cut glass, cut a drainage hole yourself!
I chose a practically self-sustaining plant: a cactus succulent. Many succulents are great choices for minimal watering needs!
Upcycle It Into A New Candle Jar!
What do you do with all of those old, used candle jars? If you're like me, you probably have a few lying around your house. Well, I'm here to tell you that those old candle jars can be upcycled into new candle jars!
It could be as easy as lighting a votive candle and placing it in a clear jar or making a new candle. Check out this in-depth guide on how to make candles at home.
First, clean out your old candle jar(s).
Next, melt your candle wax. You could use soy wax or coconut wax. If you're using leftover wax, you can do this in a double boiler. If you're using new wax, follow the instructions on the package. Once the wax is melted, add essential oils if desired (again, make sure they are safe for use with candles).
While the wax is melting, prepare your wicks. After that, cut them to size and then attach them to the wick holder/tabs.
Afterward, slowly pour the wax into each jar, filling them to just below the rim. Lastly, allow the candles to cool and harden completely before trimming the wicks and using them.
There you have it, seven different ways to repurpose and old candle container. Hopefully this guide gave you some creative ways to reuse candle jars!
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