Reusing a scented candle jar: how to give it a new life
Once the scented candle has burned down, a beautiful glass jar remains. Instead of throwing it away, you can clean it in a couple of minutes and give it a whole new life as a storage jar, plant pot, or interior decoration. That is sustainability in practice.
One of the most considered choices you can make when buying a scented candle is to choose one in a jar worth keeping. FOAM’s botanical scented candles come in simple, clean glass jars without unnecessary decoration, designed to work just as well when the candle is finished as when it is burning. Read more about what makes our botanical scented candles unique in the complete guide to botanical scented candles.
How to clean the jar properly
Once the candle has burned down, there is often a thin layer of wax left at the bottom. The easiest way to remove it is to place the jar in the freezer for 30 minutes. The cold wax shrinks and loosens, and can then easily be pried out with a spoon. Scrape away any remaining residue and wash the jar with warm water and dish soap. You can remove the wick residue with a cotton pad and a little oil before washing.
Five ways to reuse the jar
A clean glass jar is one of the most useful formats in the home. Here are five practical ways to give it a new purpose.
As a storage jar on the bathroom shelf for cotton pads, hair rollers, or jewellery. As a plant pot for a small succulent or herb on the kitchen counter. As a pencil holder on the desk. As a lantern for a small tealight or votive candle. Or as an interior decoration with a sprig, or as a small flower vase with a branch for decoration.
The Editor's Note: An empty scented candle jar is not waste. It is an empty glass container with many possible lives ahead of it. Choosing a botanical scented candle means choosing a candle whose packaging is also designed to be reused.
Cleaning a scented candle jar: quick guide
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Freeze away the wax residue | Place the jar in the freezer for 30 minutes. The wax will shrink and loosen. |
| 2. Pry it loose | Use a spoon to gently lift out the wax residue. |
| 3. Remove the wick residue | A cotton pad with a little oil dissolves the adhesive residue from the wick holder. |
| 4. Wash | Warm water and dish soap. Ready to use again. |
Would you like to know more about FOAM’s botanical scented candles and how they differ from ordinary scented candles? Read our guide to natural scented candles or explore the full range in the complete guide.