You are coming to the end of your favourite Candle fragrance and wondering what to do with your finished candle jar – so instead of putting them into ther clear glass recycling bins at your bottle bank (yes jars are perfectly suitable for bottle banks even with wax left in them) we have the answer!
You’ll know it’s time to say goodbye to a candle when 1/2-inch of wax remains at the bottom of the jar. Burning a candle past this point can damage the container or even the surface it's sitting on.
There are multiple ways you can clean out your candle jars:
The Freezer Method:
Another foolproof candle wax removal method is freezing, which shrinks the wax. Start by placing a spent candle jar in the freezer overnight. In the morning, take the container out of the freezer and flip it upside down—the lump of wax should pop right out. If it doesn’t, use a spoon or butter knife to press down on one corner of the wax to lift and remove.
Remove With Hot Water:
1: Boil enough water to fill the candle jar, then pour into the container, leaving an inch of space at the top. The water will melt the candle wax, causing it to float to the surface of the container. Let cool completely before removing the wax.
2. You can also sit your candle into a heat proof container filled with hot water (not boiling), allow it to melt the wax slightly and use a butter knife to remove! Wash ot with soap & water and your good to go!
Reminders:
- Remember to remove the Wick holder - if stuck a little boiling water with help loosen it
- Keep your old wax and use it on a melt burner
Words of Warning:
- Never microwave your jars, as the wick holder is made of metal damaging your microwave and could cause a fire.
Fantastic Ways of Reusing & Recycling your empty candle jars:
If you quickly burn through your favorite scented candles, throwing away the glass jars might feel wasteful & it's bad for the environment. Luckily, we have plenty of options for creative ways to used candle jars, whether you use them to make new candles, create small storage containers out of them, or display them as decor - the options are endless!
1: Turn candle jars into plant or flower pots!
2: Organise your dressing table by using jars for cotton pads, make up brushes
3: Use your jars for storage whether its for sweets, biscuits, flour or stationary at your office desk!
4: Get crafty or even get the kids involved
5: Create an idea jar - this could also work for savings, daily positive quote notes
If you have recently upycled your candle jars - send us in photos of your creations or tag us on Instagram & Facebook!
And remember, if you are not upcycling, don't put candle jars in the waste bin - put them in the clear glass recycling bins at your local bottle bank.