If you didn't know already, I'm quite the candle queen and I love collecting different brands and scents. What I don't like, however, is when you burn down a candle and the wick will no longer burn, but there's wax still left in the bottom. It always pained me to throw them away.
Luckily, about a year ago a friend recommended to me that I do something with my old candle jars. "Why don't you take out the wax and use it in a candle warmer so you can use it all up? Then you'll have a jar to use for anything you want." Why, thank you genius friend.
I immediately began searching on YouTube and online for tutorials on how to remove the wax and clean out the jars and there are many out there. I tried a few different ways and this is what worked best for me. So let's get started!
Here's what you'll need:
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| white vinegar or olive oil, candle jars, plastic bags, pliers, butter knife (no sharp ends) |
STEP 1:
Put your candle jars in the freezer. This will make the wax shrink away from the edges, which in turn makes it SO much easier to remove from the jar. Leave it in there for at least an hour, but I've left my jars in the fridge for over a month and they are just fine!
*Tip: if you leave it in there for longer than a few days, leave it out at room temperature for 5 minutes so it's not rock solid.
STEP 2:
After your candle has spent some time in the freezer (and left at room temperature if need be), carefully press your butter knife into the wax. DO NOT use force - I've never had a candle jar break but I have no doubt in my mind that it couldn't. That's also why it's important that you use a knife with a blunt end and not a sharp point.
After pressing the knife into the wax, it will crack. You may need to crack the wax in a few more places to get all of the pieces out of the jar. Since it spent time in the freezer, the wax has completely separated from the glass and comes right out of the jar - it's so easy!
This is what you are left with after taking out all of the wax. The metal holder for the wick is usually still stuck to the bottom because it's glued in place (sometimes it will come out with the wax). If you are lucky enough to where it comes out with the wax, skip to step 4. If not, here's step 3.
STEP 3:
Take your pliers (I use needle nose) and grab hold onto the metal bit that sticks up from the holder (where the wick was). Gently twist and pull up and it should peel off. Some are more difficult than others, but you will prevail one way or another!
The most satisfying bit: the wax and wick holder removed! At this point you can throw away the wax and holder or you can save it like I do.
I find a plastic bag does the job just fine and it's an affordable option. If you have a Yankee Candle or a Slatkin & Co. candle the label should peel right off and stick to the bag = super easy labeling! If your jar doesn't have a reusable sticker, just write on the bag with a Sharpie so you'll remember the name/brand when you burn it again.
If you have any glass tea light holders or smaller jars, break up the wax and put it into the container and place on a candle warmer. Perfectly easy way to use every bit of that candle.
Sometimes your jars have seen better days...this jar certainly has. Now it's time to clean this sucker out.
STEP 4:
Using either the white vinegar or olive oil, apply whichever you choose to a paper towel. Then, scrub away at the inside of your jar. You'll find that you really won't have to scrub at all - it's really so easy to do and it's so satisfying to see all that gunk come right off. I find olive oil works the best for me.
STEP 5:
After cleaning out the jars with olive oil/white vinegar, take an old sponge (you may get wax on it) and rinse out the jars with soap and water. Make sure all the wax has been removed - you do NOT want that going down your drain.
Once you're all done you'll be left with these: crystal clear glass jars to be reused for your own choosing!
Depending on how you want to use the jars, you may want to run them through the dishwasher after cleaning them out. I usually place them on the top rack so they don't shatter and they all make it through just fine. The lids can go through as well, but those that have a tin/metal lid (some Yankee Candles, Slatkin & Co., etc.) shouldn't go through the dishwasher. Just hand wash and dry those separate from the glass parts.
Ta-da! That's all you need to do.
Here are some of my jars at work, storing hair ties and sample face products. You can use them for whatever you choose: makeup brushes, art supplies, office supplies or even food storage. I use them for sugar/salt but make sure they are completely clean beforehand and sanitized. Sometimes, depending on how strong the scent was, the scent will still linger but this doesn't affect the food I've used. Just do whatever makes you comfortable.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that it's given you some ideas for repurposing your candle jars! Let me know what you use yours for down below in a comment.
