Burned through a favorite candle and wondering how to reuse candle jars? Good news: you don’t have to say goodbye. With a little cleanup and some repurposing, your old candle jar can totally stick around.
Pro tip, all Danielle Motif candles are poured into recyclable vessels, but if you’re not ready to part ways just yet, here are some easy, creative ways to keep the good vibes going.
Let’s Clean It Out
Before your jar gets a new job, it needs a full cleanup. Here’s how I do it, but find what works for you!
Melt the Leftovers – Pop your vessel on a lined baking sheet and put it into the oven at a low temp, about 175–200°F, for 10 to 15 minutes. Just enough to loosen things up (no need to roast it.)
Pour it Out – Carefully remove the jar (oven mitts, always, or my personal favorite…use an ‘Ove Glove), and pour any remaining drips of wax into something you don’t mind tossing, something already bound for the trash, the inside flap of that box you never broke down, you get the idea.
Remove the Wick Tab – I use a little pair of pliers to pop that metal bit right out.
Wipe Away the Messy Bits – Grab a paper towel and some rubbing alcohol to lift off any lingering wax or soot.
Soap, Water, & Sparkle – Give it a good wash in the sink with warm soapy water, then one last alcohol wipe to get it squeaky clean and ready for its second act.
P.S. If you’re using a Danielle Motif candle vessel and want to remove the label, you can though it’s pretty secure. But with a bit of effort and an adhesive remover like Goo Gone, it’ll come off. The labels are also small enough, so you can also just turn the jar if you’d prefer not to have it showing.
How to Reuse Candle Jars (the Fun Part)
Now that your vessel’s clean and shiny, it’s ready for something new. Here are a few ideas.
- Tiny Planter
Succulents are a great match here. They don’t mind limited drainage, and they look cute doing it. I usually pop a small plant dish inside or layer pebbles at the bottom. - Let It Glow Again
Sometimes the obvious ideas are just the ticket. Add a tealight or votive and bring a little more gentle light to your space. - Bathroom & Beauty Storage
These jars are great for corralling the little things, cotton swabs, Q-tips, hair ties, makeup brushes, all the tiny bits that never seem to have a home. - Desk Catch-All
Pens, scissors, washi tape, paperclips, whatever’s floating around your workspace. - Matchbook Holder
Use one to collect matchbooks from spots that meant something, special dinners, unforgettable trips, nights worth remembering. I keep mine near my candles so they’re easy to grab.
Hope you found these useful! Next time you burn through a favorite, don’t toss the jar, give it a another go. It’s still got a lot of good energy left in it.
