Having candles around the house is the perfect way to create a cozy environment, especially when we find scents that tickle our fancy. A lot of candles come in beautiful jars and containers, so it’s always a shame to toss these out when the candle is all burned out. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to recycle these into something useful. Here are some ideas you can try out.
DIY Recycled Candles
First, you need to make sure you get as much of the old wax out of the container. You can first start out by trying to scoop out what’s left with a spoon or knife. If this is too hard to do, you can try freezing the containers so that it is easier to remove the wax from the container.
Unless there is a lot of clean wax left over, it is usually not recommended to reuse any of the wax that you clean out of the containers, as they may contain soot debris that can be unsafe and isn’t worth reusing.
Next, you’ll want to bake the container on a low heat until the wax softens up enough to easily remove from the jar. Make sure if you do that that the jar is heat safe!
Storage Containers
Place the containers face down on parchment paper a baking sheet and place in an oven that’s at 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. With the aid of oven mitts, check to see all of the wax has melted downwards onto the parchment paper.
If not, repeat the process as needed. Wait until the containers have cooled down a bit, but while they’re still warm, wipe the inside of the containers. Remove any wax, wicks, and soot that may be left.
Candy Jars & New Candles
Before repurposing your candle container, make sure it is completely clean. Also make sure to check that it is not chipped or cracked, and if it is, dispose of it properly.
Allow the containers to cool completely. You can now use the containers as you wish! Some ideas include refilling the containers with wax and making your own candle, using them as plant holders, repurposing them to be tea light holders.
You can use them to hold your pens and pencils, as liquor glasses, candy jars, a place to hold spare change, and even as a toothbrush/toothpaste holder! This is when you can get as creative as you’d like.
Candle Container Planters
