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10 Clever Ways to Reuse Empty Candle Jars

Here are ten really cool ways to reuse your empty candle jars

By Edina Jackson-Yussif Published 4 years ago 4 min read
10 Clever Ways to Reuse Empty Candle Jars
Photo by Paolo Nicolello on Unsplash

Candles add warmth and ambiance to any room. However, they also create a lot of waste. They burn out quickly, and you need to replace them regularly.

If you have empty candle jars lying around the house, you might find them impossible to store anything edible. After all, even a washed jar might still retain some fragrance. But there are ways in which these can be used for other purposes too!

Here's how:

#1- Use Them To Wrap Small Gifts

You don't want your gift wrapping to look messy or untidy. So why not use an old candle jar? You could wrap small gifts inside it. This way, you won't have to worry about using paper while giving away presents. A candle jar makes for good packaging because it's sturdy enough to withstand rough handling. The rugged exterior also means you'll protect your gift inside. You can paint the exterior to hide the contents of the present.

#2- Store Your Homemade Lotion

Making lotions at home allows you to experiment with scents and textures, save money, and include only natural ingredients. Once you have completed your homemade cream, pour it into an empty candle jar. An airtight container, like a candle jar, keeps your cream fresh and prevents the cream from drying up.

#3- Arrange Your Art Supplies

Empty candle jars make great storage containers for art supplies such as paints, pencils, markers, crayons, etc. If you're looking for something more decorative than just storing your art materials, try painting the outside of the jar. It will give your collection a unique appearance that is sure to impress visitors. You can also place the candle jars in a small bin so that everyone knows where to find them.

#4- Produce Your Own DIY Air Freshener

The scent of candles adds a pleasant aroma to rooms, but unfortunately, their fragrances disappear forever after burning down. Instead of throwing away those burnt candles, turn them into DIY air fresheners by filling them with baking soda and essential oils. To allow the scent to ooze out slowly, use a jar with small holes punched through it. If your jar does not have a lid that's easy to perforate, get a new lid that's easier to puncture or one that already has holes.

#5- Build A Home For Succulents

Succulents are beautiful plants that require little care. They thrive on minimal water and sunlight. And as long as they receive adequate light and moisture, they grow happily without needing much attention. Your empty candle jar makes the perfect potting solution for these plants. One jar is enough for a single succulent. To brighten up your rooms, feel free to plant a collection and arrange them in a line on your windowsill. Not only will you benefit from having a pretty display, but you'll enjoy watching the growth of your succulents every day.

#6- Use Your Jar As A Vase

One of the simplest methods for reusing candle jars is to fill them with flowers. This method is excellent for more giant candle jars. You have to fill the jar with water and cut your flowers based on the jar size. If you don't want the candle label ruining the aesthetic, feel free to remove the label; use warm soapy water to take the tag off. The benefit of using a candle jar as a vase is that you can reuse it again and again. Just be careful to clean the jar since some wax residue may remain. Leaving some leftover wax in the jar will affect the flowers.

#7- Make A New Set Of Candles

The best way to repurpose an old candle jar is to create a set of new candles. You can get the wicks from most craft stores. Once you've got some wicks and soy-based wax, you're good to go. Start by microwaving the wax until it melts completely. Then stick the wick to the base of the candle jar, using one hand to hold the wick and the other hand to pour the melted wax into the jar gradually. Next, place the new candle into your refrigerator. Allow 10 minutes to pass for the candle to harden. And that's it! You now have a candle that costs you less than you would traditionally get at a store.

#8- Keep Your Odds And Ends In Check

Odds and ends are things like buttons, screws, nails, paper clips, rubber bands, tape, string, twine, wire, staples, safety pins, bobby pins, hairclips, elastic bandages, shoelaces, ribbon, yarn, thread spools, bottle caps, washers, nuts, bolts, springs, batteries, coins, keys, jewelry findings, and many others. These items usually get thrown away because we do not know what else to do with them. We all have them. And if there's one thing, it's that they clutter our homes. Small jars are perfect for organizing these odds and ends.

#9- Create A Romantic Atmosphere

If you're looking for the perfect lighting for a romantic atmosphere, consider getting a few votive holders filled with tea lights. Place them around your home and let the soft glow of the tea lights add romance to any room. It doesn't matter whether you live alone or share your space with someone special - this simple idea works well for both types of situations.

Note: You can paint your transparent candle jars with a color you love before dropping the light to give off a colored ambiance. That shimmering sparkle that results immediately makes any setting more homely.

#10- Use Candle Jars To Store Your Reusable Makeup Removal Rounds

If you remove makeup with beauty rounds or apply skin products, you're probably aware of how fast it takes you to go through a set of disposable cotton rounds. Making your reusable rounds is not just good for your pocket; it's also good for Mother Earth. However, the problem comes after you make them. You need to keep them within arms' reach. It would help if you also kept them organized. Candle jars are perfect for this situation. A small empty jar can prove to be the best fit for your collection.

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About the Creator

Edina Jackson-Yussif

I write about lifestyle, entrepreneurship and other things.

Writer for hire [email protected]

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