Candles have the ability to light up your world and set the mood. Whether you prefer scented candles with lovely fragrances or non scented ones, they can be pretty useful. However, what happens when you’ve reached the bottom of the jar and your candle seems to be useless?
Just because the light is out, doesn’t mean you have to throw it out! In fact, candles that come in a glass jar can be repurposed. Here are a few ideas:
Make your own candle
Depending on what type of materials you decide to use, you can actually save a few dollars by making your own candle. Just be sure to research the products before you start. For example, there are different types of wax that you can use ranging from soy, beeswax, and paraffin. There are various fragrance oils to choose from as well. Your ingredient choices can affect how sustainable and environmentally friendly your candle turns out to be.
Use as a storage container
Glass jars can be very helpful, especially when they come with a lid. Whether you are looking to store rubber bands and thumb tacks in the office or cotton balls in your bathroom, candle jars are a great solution.
Use as a planter
Candle jars can also become homes for bamboo plants. Simply pour rocks into the jar and submerge your bamboo in a few inches of water.
Before trying any of these, be sure to clean the candle jar. Here are a few tips to help make the process easier:
- Stick your old candle in the fridge. Doing so will make the wax shrink away from the sides and make it easier to remove.
- If you’re still having trouble removing any residual wax, place the glass jar in a microwave for a minute or so. Then, simply wipe the container clean
- To remove stickers and labels, soak the jar in warm water. This will help loosen the adhesive and make it easier to scratch off.
Written by Emily Su, Class of 2022.
Photo Credit: The Spruce Crafts