How to Reuse Your Candle Jars

Do you believe in life after light? Keep the love for your favourite candle aflame by recycling your old candle jars. Deliciously scented candles bring a tranquil glow to any room, but most candle connoisseurs don’t know the potential their favourite candle has post-burn. We have collated our top tips on how to clean candle jars and repurpose their pretty pots.

How long should you burn a candle?

While each candle has a unique burn-time, it’s a good idea to stop lighting your candle when it has 10mm of wax left. This prevents the bottom of your pot from overheating, risking damage to the surface it sits on, and the jar itself.

Shop Candles

How to clean candle jars

Whether you're looking to create a new home for your plants or a delicate trinket pot for your treasures, you will need to carefully clean your candle jars first. One way to remove the wax is the freezer method. Chill your used candle in the freezer - this will cause the wax to contract and become loose. After this, turn the vessel upside down and the wax should fall out. If it’s being stubborn, tap lightly on the base or use a spoon to help remove the wax.

How to remove labels from candle jars

To easily remove labels from candle jars, soak a cloth in warm soapy water and hold it over the sticker.
This should make it easier to peel the label away.

How to reuse candle jars

There are endless ways to recycle candle jars, here are a few of our favourite options you can use for inspiration.

Scented Candle with Wildflower Seeds

1. Repot your plants in an on old candle jar

A proud plant parent? Why not replant one of your leafy greens using an old candle jar or create a mini herb garden to spice up your kitchen. First, find a nursery pot with drainage holes to fill with soil and place your plant or seeds inside. Next, place the nursery pot into the candle vessel and watch it grow. It’s important to use a nursery pot inside your candle jar plant pot so you can take it out for watering. Proper drainage will prevent stagnant water, helping to keep your plant nice and healthy.

Sunset Pink Candle

Cornflower Blue Candle

2. Recycle candle jars into a bathroom organiser

Fill your recycled candle jar with cotton buds or pads for a stylish bathroom storage option. You can even fill your jar with micellar water, soaking the cotton pads and making for easy on-the-go makeup removal. Trying to be environmentally conscious? Consider using our StylPro Reusable Bamboo Pads that can be washed and reused after use.

Tuberose Blue Glass Candle

3. Use your recycled candle jars as storage

A tidy space is a tidy mind. Fill your recycled candle jars with pens, makeup brushes or jewellery to use as stylish storage on your desk or dressing table. Why not get rid of those unappealing match boxes and store your candle supplies in a recycled candle pot. Displaying your matches and candle snuffer in a decorative pot adds a thoughtful detail to your living room.

Mandarin & Lotus Scented Candle

4. Use old candle jars as a tealight holder

Not ready to let go of your favourite candle? Clean out the leftover wax and pop a tealight into your old jar for an upcycled candle holder and enjoy its warm glow for even longer. Glass votives or transparent jars also make the perfect homes for battery operated fairy lights. Wind a small string around the inside for an atmospheric centrepiece on your table or mantel.

Christmas Green Ceramic Scented Candle

5. Regift candle jars to friends

Empty candle jars make clever reusable packaging for your gifts. Create a mini hamper for friends or loved ones by curating some beauty minis or small hair accessories and arranging them inside the candle pot for a 2-in-1 gift and add a small bow for the finishing touch.