Eco-Friendly Recycling Hacks: 7 Ways to Repurpose Scented Candle Jars

In our busy modern lives, finding ways to recycle and repurpose items is key to green living. Empty scented candle jars, especially from natural scented candles, can be transformed into useful and unique items. Join Chus as we explore some fun and practical ways to upcycle your candle jars, helping protect the environment and adding joy to your daily routine.

How to Clean Scented Candle Jars

Before you can start reusing your scented candle jars, it's essential to clean them properly to remove any leftover wax and scents. Clean jars make the upcycling process much smoother.

Clean the scented candle holder before repurposing

1. Chill the jar to harden the wax

Place the scented candle jar in the freezer for a few hours to harden any remaining wax. Once the wax is solid, it’s much easier to remove.

2. Scrape out the wax

Carefully use a knife or spoon to scrape out the hardened wax. For any stubborn wax, warm the jar slightly with a hairdryer, then wipe it clean with a paper towel or cloth.

3. Wash the jar

Use a sponge or soft cloth to scrub away any residue, soot, or remaining wax. For intricate designs or details, a toothbrush can help clean those hard-to-reach spots.

4. Deodorize (if needed)

If the jar still has a lingering scent, sprinkle some baking soda inside and leave it for a few hours. Baking soda naturally absorbs odors. Alternatively, a mix of water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) can effectively deodorize the jar.

Once the jars are clean and scent-free, you can reuse them in all sorts of creative ways:

7 Ways to Repurpose Scented Candle Jars into Useful Items

1. Pen Holder

Turn your old scented candle jars into stylish pen holders. This practical solution keeps your desk organized, making it easy to find pens, pencils, and other stationery.

For a personal touch, decorate the jar with paint, decoupage paper, or ribbons. Add stickers or small designs to match your style.

Used scented candle jar as a practical pencil holder

2. Storage Jar

Use your old scented candle jars to store small items like paper clips, pins, buttons, or jewelry. Get creative and DIY your jar with acrylic paints or stickers to make it uniquely yours.

Use old scented candle jars to store small items and keep them organized

3. Planter

Upcycle scented candle jars into adorable planters for small plants like cacti or succulents. Drill a drainage hole if needed to prevent waterlogging.

This idea works best with ceramic or cement candle cups rather than glass ones.

Upcycle your scented candle jars into cute planters for small plants

4. Makeup Brush Holder

Larger scented candle jars can be perfect for organizing makeup brushes, eyeliner pencils, or other beauty tools. This keeps your vanity neat and your beauty tools easily accessible.

Tall, cylindrical jars made of tin, glass, ceramic, wood, or bamboo are ideal for this purpose.

Store your makeup brushes or other beauty tools in repurposed scented candle jars

5. Flower Vase

Repurpose scented candle jars as vases for small flower arrangements. Whether you use fresh flowers, dried blooms, or soap flowers, they can add a lovely touch to your home decor.

Turn used scented candle jars into beautiful flower vases

6. DIY Crafts

Get creative and use old scented candle jars for various DIY projects! Make air fresheners by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils and decorating the jar. Or, create sand art by layering different colored sands in a glass jar. You can also make decorative lights by placing small LED lights inside the jar and adding exterior decorations.

Get creative with your scented candle jars for fun DIY projects

7. Gift Jar

After enjoying your natural scented candles, repurpose the jars as unique gift containers. Fill them with homemade goodies like bath salts, candies, or small trinkets, and give them to friends and family.

Read more: How to Recycle & Upcycle Old Cups at Home

Transform scented candle jars into special gift containers for personal touches

Conclusion