Have you ever wondered what to do with decorative candle jars once they’re empty? There are plenty of creative (and practical) ways to upcycle the containers instead of just tossing them in the trash. So next time you finish burning a scented candle, here’s how to reuse the candle jar around the home.
How to remove candle wax from a jar
The first and most important step to reusing candle jars is to remove the leftover wax. According to the National Candle Association (NCA), you should stop burning candles when half an inch of wax is left in the container or jar.
Freezer method
The most common way to remove candle wax from a jar is to place it in the freezer and leave it there overnight — a day or two is even better. This will shrink the wax so that it’s easier to remove. If the wax doesn’t come right out when you flip the jar over, you can use a spoon to gently remove it. (Breaking the wax into smaller pieces can also help.)
Boiling water method
In a rush? You can remove leftover wax from a jar much faster with boiling water. As someone who has cleaned and reused plenty of candle jars, this is my preferred way to remove wax.
Simply boil water in a kettle and pour it into the candle jar, leaving at least an inch of space at the top. The wax will melt and rise to the surface as it cools down. Then, once the wax has solidified (be patient!), you can easily scoop it out with a spoon.
How to clean candle jars
Even after following the instructions above, it’s normal for there to be some wax along the walls of the candle jar. Luckily, you don’t need any fancy cleaning tools to get it looking spotless. We suggest using warm water, dish soap and a sponge to help remove any leftover residue — a damp paper towel works wonders for cleaning up wax too. The NCA says you can also try running hot water over the exterior of the candle jar and then wiping away the melted wax.
Whether you use the freezer or boiling water method, the candle wick should ideally come out along with the wax. “If not, try running hot water over it to release the adhesive,” the NCA says. “Remember, avoid using knives or sharp tools for this as it could damage the jar and cause injury.”
If you want to remove the label (some are pretty enough to keep on), you can soak the jar in hot water. Goo Gone can also help with any sticky adhesive that gets left behind.
How to reuse candle jars
Once you have a clean jar, there are so many ways to reuse it. Here are some of my favorite ideas, but the potential uses are pretty much endless.
As a storage container
The most straightforward way to reuse a candle jar is as a storage container — I have old candle jars holding things all over my apartment. They can be used to store small items like cotton balls and cotton swabs in the bathroom or to organize office supplies at your desk. (Taller jars are great for pens and pencils, and smaller jars for holding paper clips and rubber bands.) And if your vanity is a mess, try using an old candle jar to corral your makeup brushes.
As a cocktail glass
If your candle jar is made of food-safe materials, you can even use it as a cocktail glass. Not many candle manufacturers advertise their containers as food-safe, so you may have to do some digging. I’m a big fan of the candles in Paddywax’s La Playa collection, which are designed for this — they even come with a fun cocktail recipe!
Available in a range of beachy scents (Vanilla Rosa is my favorite), the candles in Paddywax's La Playa collection come in food-safe recycled glass jars that were hand-blown in Mexico. On the back of the candle's dustcover, you'll find a margarita recipe. I had two of these candles and reused the jars as cocktail glasses for years until I recently moved.
As a catchall in your entryway
You can also use empty jars as a catchall in your entryway for keys, headphones and hand sanitizer — large, shallow containers work best for this. Candle jars are perfect for holding spare change too — you’ll know exactly where to go when you need a coin to scratch off a lottery ticket or the back of a gift card.
As decor
If you host often, you can fill empty jars with things like seashells, pine cones or battery-powered fairy lights for an easy centerpiece idea. Candy would be a great option too.
One of my favorite ways to reuse a candle jar is as a flower vase — Homesick candles, for example, are the perfect size for small bouquets. You can also reuse candle jars as decorative planters or build mini terrariums in them. (For plants that require drainage, you can keep them in their nursery pots or drill holes in the jar.)
As a new candle
Feeling crafty? You can refill old jars with wax to make a new candle. It’s a lot easier than it sounds! Some brands even offer refillable candle kits that come with pre-scented wax, a wick and a wick holder.
This kit from Phoenix Wick comes with everything you need to make your own candle, minus the container. It's super easy to use, especially because the bag of wax can go in the microwave. We tried the honeysuckle scent, but there are plenty more to choose from.
Siblings' candle refill bags each make a 10-ounce candle and are designed to be used with a jar you already have — but if you need another, you can purchase a starter kit that comes with a ceramic container. Plus, the brand as a whole is focused on sustainability: The packaging is all plastic-free and the candle bag can be composted at home.