While of course, yes, as a household advice writer, I’m big on decluttering – I can still appreciate that throwing certain objects away can feel really wasteful. But so can clogging up your cupboards with clutter you never use. A perfect example of this crossover clutter is old candle jars.
Candle jars are often quite hefty, beautifully designed and decorated jars that feel too substantial to simply just chuck in the recycling once the candle is burned out. But keeping them just for the sake of it is a total waste of space. Luckily for you, I’ve found eight solutions to this exact problem.
Stop both waste and clutter all in one with these clever ways to repurpose old candle jars. From adding some decorative flare to helping you organise your bathroom cabinet, these are some seriously useful bits of kit.
How to get all the old wax out
Of course before you tackle any of the fabulous hacks on this list, you’ll want to make sure every last bit of old wax has been removed. Luckily for us, I know a few handy ways to do just that, and none of them involve hacking away at it with a spoon.
A super easy, hands-off trick is to simply pop the jar in the freezer for a few hours or, better yet, overnight. Wax shrinks when cold so it should pop right off the glass in the morning.
But for a speedier solution, try using boiling water. Fill the jar with boiling water, leaving some space at the top. The heat should melt the wax, causing it to then float to the top. Let it cool completely and lift off the wax. Then, simply wash away any residue with washing-up liquid. Just don’t try this with particularly thin or delicate jars as the heat could cause cracking.
How to repurpose old candle jars
Make new candles
What’s the best thing to put in an old candle jar? A new candle, of course! While making your own candle may sound difficult, it’s actually a pretty simple, satisfying and fun craft to get into.
Start by making sure your jar is cleared of any old wax or wick. Then, fix a new wick to the centre of the base – make sure it’s the right size for your jar so the candle burns evenly. Then, melt new wax (like soy wax) in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave, and add fragrance using your favourite essential oils. Carefully pour the melted wax into the jar, keeping the wick upright (you can use a pencil/chopstick across the top to hold the wick in place), and leave it to cool and set completely (ideally overnight). Once solid, trim the wick to about 5mm, and your candle is ready to use.
If the idea of any crafting or DIY truly turns you off, you can always use the jar as a tea-light holder, too. Same effect, just a much simpler version.
Beauty product storage
One of the best ways to use old glass jars of any kind is as a storage solution. This is especially effective for your dressing table or bathroom cabinet. Personally, I store cotton wool buds and pads in my old jars, but they’re also great for holding make-up brushes, toothbrushes, lip glosses, eyeliner, lip liners, pencils and more.
DIY diffuser
I can’t wait to finish my current candle just so I can try this one out. Turn your jar into a DIY essential oil diffuser, helping to make your home smell delicious all over again.
Simply cut up some bamboo skewers and drop them in a jar filled with warm water and your choice of essential oils. It really is as easy as that!
Store cleaning products
Too much packaging is an easy way for clutter to build, especially in compact low-on-space areas like under the sink or in the laundry. Make your cleaning cupboards look like the smug professional organisers by repurposing your old candle jars into chic storage containers.
Decant dishwasher tablets, laundry pods, spare sponges and more to cut back on the amount of bulky plastic packaging crowding your space. If you want to go one-step further to really look like a Pinterest picture, add chalkboard labels to the jars to identify them. These are the ones from Kilner that I use in my own cupboards – I love how smug and organised they make me feel.
Spring onions
Okay, bear with me here. You’re going to think this one sounds incredibly strange – and it is – but it’s also genius. If you’ve ever had to deal with limp, slimy and shrivelled spring onions, the ones that seem to die the moment you leave the shops, you’ll want to hear about this one.
An old candle jar is perfect for keeping spring onions and other similar herbs fresher for longer. Simply fill the jar with a little water (just enough to cover the roots), then stand the spring onions upright inside. Loosely cover the tops with a plastic bag or reusable wrap and store the jar in the fridge. The water keeps the roots hydrated, while the upright position stops them getting squashed – helping them stay crisp and fresh for much longer.
You can also use this hack to help feta cheese stay fresher for longer, too, just keep the block submerged in water (or its original brine) in a jar to stop it drying out and or developing that all too familiar funky scent.
To store ingredients
A lot of the time candle jars come with matching lids, meaning the options for repurposing double. One of my favourites is to use them to help bring some organisation (and style) to your pantry. If you find yourself with half used open packets of ingredients like grains or spices, pop them in the lidded jar to help keep them fresher for longer. Tea bags or coffee granules are also a great option for these. And if you have a really stylish one you want to display – pop it on the kitchen counter and use it as a repurposed salt pig.
Sewing kit
Help take the strain off your junk drawer by removing one of its most common occupants, sewing fodder. Various needles, pins, buttons, rolls of thread and safety pins always seem to litter whatever drawer they’re in, yet they also manage to simultaneously be impossible to find when you need them –enter the candle jar. Use these to help store all those fiddly bits in one neat easy-to-find place.
Bookends
Bookends have always felt like one of those home decor items you don’t really need to buy – especially when you probably have something just as good at home. If you have an old candle jar that’s too pretty to throw away, put it to work on your bookshelf. Heavier jars can act as simple but highly effective bookends. It’s an easy way to turn everyday clutter into something that actually looks intentional, without taking up any extra space.
