How to Clean a Candle Jar and Reuse It

Can You Reuse a Candle Jar?

Absolutely.

In fact, I think an empty candle jar is one of those things that feels way too nice to throw away.

Once you've finished burning your candle and removed the leftover wax, the vessel can become something completely different.

The trick is getting the jar properly cleaned first.

Luckily, it's pretty simple.

How Do You Get Wax Out of a Candle Jar?

Before you start, make sure your candle has completely cooled.

If there's only a thin layer of wax left, you may be able to gently scoop or scrape it out with a non sharp tool.

For more stubborn leftover wax, I like the warm water method.

The Warm Water Method

1. Remove as much loose wax as possible from the jar.
2. Place the candle jar on a heat safe surface.
3. Add warm water to the jar, leaving some room at the top.
4. Let it sit while the remaining wax softens and separates.
5. Once the wax has lifted away, remove it from the water.
6. Discard the wax in the trash rather than pouring it down your drain.
7. Wash the jar with warm, soapy water.
8. Dry it completely before using it again.

The exact amount of time this takes will depend on how much wax is left in the vessel, but you don't need to rush it.

Let the wax soften.

Your patience will be rewarded.

What About the Wick at the Bottom?

Once you've removed the leftover wax, you'll probably still have a little wick tab stuck to the bottom of the jar.

If it comes away easily, remove it carefully.

If it's stubborn, let the remaining adhesive soften with a little warm water and soap, then gently work it loose.

You may have some adhesive residue left behind.

A little dish soap and some patience usually takes care of it.

How Do You Clean a Candle Jar?

Once the wax and wick tab are out, wash the jar with warm, soapy water.

Pay attention to any leftover fragrance oil or adhesive around the bottom and sides.

Then rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely.

And that's basically it.

You now have an empty glass vessel waiting for its second act.

What Can You Reuse a Candle Jar For?

This is my favorite part.

Once your candle jar is clean, you have a surprisingly useful little container on your hands.

1. Turn It Into a Planter

A small candle jar can make a cute home for a small plant or succulent.

Just make sure you're using a plant setup that's appropriate for the container, especially since a candle vessel may not have drainage holes.

I love this one because the jar gets to stay somewhere you'll actually see it instead of disappearing into a cabinet.

2. Use It as a Vase

A smaller arrangement or a few individual stems can look beautiful in an empty candle jar.

It's especially cute for flowers that don't need a huge vase.

One candle jar.

One little bouquet.

Suddenly your counter has a personality.

3. Make It a Pen Holder

Your desk probably has approximately 400 pens rolling around somewhere.

Put them in the jar.

Problem solved.

An empty candle vessel makes an easy pen or pencil holder, and you can keep it on your desk without it looking like office supplies took over your life.

4. Turn It Into a Toothbrush Holder

In the bathroom, a clean candle jar can work as a toothbrush holder.

It's simple, functional, and much more interesting than buying another generic plastic container.

Just make sure the jar is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before putting it to use.

5. Use It as an Organizer

This is probably the most versatile option.

Use your empty candle jar to organize:

• Cotton rounds
• Makeup brushes
• Hair ties
• Hair clips
• Small beauty tools
• Office supplies
• Craft supplies

Basically, if you have a collection of tiny things that constantly seems to migrate around your house, put them in the jar.

6. Create a Little Catchall

Keys.

Coins.

Hair ties.

Random objects that somehow end up in your pockets.

A candle jar makes a perfect little catchall for the things you don't necessarily have a home for yet.

Put it on your nightstand, entryway table, bathroom counter, or desk and let it collect the chaos.

How Do You Know When Your Candle Is Finished?

I like to think of the end of a candle as the beginning of the jar's second life.

Once you have only a small amount of wax remaining and you're getting close to the bottom of the vessel, it's time to retire the candle rather than trying to burn every last bit.

Let the candle cool completely, clean out the remaining wax, and then decide what you want the jar to become.

A planter?

A vase?

A pen holder?

A tiny jewelry sanctuary?

The possibilities are pretty good.

Give Your Candle Jar a Second Life

I love the idea that something doesn't have to be finished just because the candle is.

The fragrance eventually runs out.

The wick eventually gets retired.

But the vessel can stick around.

So the next time you finish a candle you really loved, clean out the jar before you toss anything.

You might already have a new use for it sitting around your house.

And if you're ready to start the cycle all over again, explore the candles I'm hand pouring in small batches.