Ultimate Guide How To Reuse Glass Candle Jars

I always reuse glass candle jars for beauty storage purposes.

I love scented candles and also reed diffusers, they add such a beautiful, inviting and cosy ambiance to my home and look so stylish. Each year I always buy a scented candle advent calendar too.

Throwing out empty candle jars seems crazy to me!

Think about it – you chose your candles after careful consideration of not only their divine scent but also because you love their stylish and elegant container. So why throw out this stylish container afterwards?

Beauty lovers are often scented candle lovers too. So I’ve compiled this ultimate guide to reusing glass candle jars including the reasons why you should reuse them, how to keep your candle jar clean and soot free and how to clean out the leftover wax from candle jars. I’ve also listed my choice of the best style of candle jars to re-purpose.

Click HERE to see 24 beauty uses for empty candle jars.

Reasons To Reuse Your Empty Candle Jars

Environmentally Friendly

Reusing empty candle containers is environmentally friendly, saving material from entering landfill unnecessarily.

Saves Money

Reusing empty candle containers for beauty storage will save you the expense of having to buy separate storage containers for your beauty items.

Looks Stylish

Reused candle jars look sleek and stylish, and a lot more elegant than most bought storage containers.

How To Keep Your Candle Jar Clean & Soot Free

Looking after your candles while you burn them makes re-purposing them a lot easier. Here’s the best way to look after your candles while you use them.

Trim The Wick Regularly

Trim the candle wick to a length of 6mm each time before burning. This will result in the candle not leaving as much black soot residue on the inside of the candle container.

Wipe Away Leftover Soot Regularly

If any soot is left behind on the inside of the candle vessel, once the candle has cooled completely use paper towel to wipe the soot away.

Burn Candle Evenly

Is is easier to remove the candle’s wax after your candle has finished if you burn it evenly.

It is important to burn the candle for at least 2 hours (depending on it’s size) the first time you burn any new candle and then 1 to 2 hours at a time. This ensures the candle burns evenly rather than ‘tunnelling’ down.

How To Remove Leftover Candle Wax

As a safety precaution it is advised that you discontinue burning a candle once only approximately 10mm of wax remains.

I’ve read numerous different methods of removing the leftover wax from candle jars but the simplest method I’ve found is to use a Chux wipe or even paper towel and after pouring any liquid wax out, carefully scoop the wax out while it is still soft from the last time you burnt the candle.

Usually the bottom of the wick comes out easily but sometimes you may need to prise the base of it off the container using a butter knife. Be careful not to scratch the inside of the container however as this may remove some of the paint from the jar (if it is painted).

It is up to you whether you remove any stuck on labels from the outside of the jar or leave them on the jar. If you want to remove labels from the jar use a bit of eucalyptus oil to remove the sticky residue.

After removing the leftover wax and the labels wash out the jar in warm soapy water and voila your candle jar is now ready for it’s new storage purpose.

Click HERE to see 24 Beauty Uses For Empty Candle Jars.

Best Style Of Candle Jars To Re-purpose

The best style of candle jars for you to reuse for beauty storage purposes are the candle jars you most love the look of. You should also consider the style of your home and what size of items you are wanting to store in the empty candle jar.

My favourite candle jar styles to reuse for beauty storage purposes includes a mix of small and large containers.

I usually choose candle jars with lids so I have the option of lids for my beauty storage if needed. I prefer keeping my cotton wool balls and cotton pads free from any dust.

I love sleek stylish black candle jars such as this Moiya Scents candle jar,

I also love hob nail candle jars like this MOR candle jar.

Small candle jars with lids on them are also useful for beauty storage.

Reusing empty candle jars is obviously not limited to just your beauty storage. I also use these stylish containers in my study and my kids’ rooms for stationery storage and in my kitchen for odds and ends storage.

Once you start thinking about it, there are so many beneficial uses for these stylish used candle containers in so many areas of your home and work, you’ll never want to throw out another candle container again! And if you’re anything like me you’ll start thinking about what you will re-purpose the container for right from the very start when you’re choosing which candle to buy!

*This post also contains some affiliate links. Full disclosure policy here.

Ingrid Norris

Ingrid is a lifelong beauty lover living in Australia who started Fabulous and Fun Life in 2014 to share her love of all things beauty. Being a qualified ergonomist Ingrid is especially interested in researching & testing beauty appliances to write product buying guides to help you find the best beauty appliance suited to your specific needs. Ingrid was an Influencer Judge in the TVSN Beauty Awards 2023, and also in 2021 in the hair care category. She has worked with numerous beauty brands & PR companies. To contact Ingrid, visit her contact page. Ingrid’s best beauty secret is sleeping on a silk pillowcase.