Let's be real, you're bound to find at least one scented candle lying around in a Singaporean's home - they're everywhere! But what happens once you've burned through the wax and the scent has faded? Don't just toss the jar away! Those bad boys are durable, heat-resistant, and let's be honest, so much prettier and long-lasting than the plastic junk that clutters up our homes.
In fact, we're going to show you how to give those empty glass candle jars a new lease on life. Instead of giving them away to the karung guni, we'll teach you how to upcycle them into handy household items that are as practical as they are cute. It's time to channel your inner kampung spirit and repurpose those jars like a true Asian! So, let's dive in and get crafty.
A foolproof method for removing wax
Ready to repurpose? The first step is knowing how to get wax out of candle jars. It's a breeze - simply pop the jar in the freezer for a few hours until the wax has hardened, then use a butter knife or spoon to chip it away. If there's still some stubborn bits left, let the jar reach room temperature before pouring boiling water in it. Then, let it sit for a few minutes until the wax rises to the top and hardens, making it easy to remove.
But we're not done yet! To make sure your cleaned jar is safe to use for food storage or other purposes, it's crucial to sanitise it properly. Start by washing the jar with soap and hot water, and then rinse it thoroughly with white vinegar to kill any remaining bacteria. After that, let it dry completely before using it for your next project. With these extra cleaning measures, you can feel confident that your repurposed candle jar is safe and ready to use!
5 easy ways to upcycle and repurpose your candle jars
Get ready to channel your inner upcycling genius and breathe new life into those old candle jars! With these awesome ideas and our Village Candle collection, you'll be inspired to transform candle containers of all shapes and sizes into functional and fabulous household items. Let your creative juices flow and let's get repurposing!
Use it as storage for your hygiene or beauty tools
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Who says candles are only for setting the mood in the bathroom? Once the wax is all used up, why not transform the jar into a snazzy storage space for all your hygiene and beauty tools? From cotton pads to bath scrubs and more, the possibilities are endless!
Take this 9.25oz Balsam Fir candle, for example. It's just the right size for storing your bathroom essentials, and it even comes with a handy airtight cover to keep them dry and protected from the humidity and moisture in your shower. Plus, the sweet and woody scent of Balsam Fir is the perfect addition to your shower routine - guaranteed to invigorate and refresh you!
Use it as a mini snack or fruit bowl
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Repurposing candle jars is a genius way to add some flair to your space while also being eco-friendly. Not only are these jars heavy and durable, but they also make for the perfect snack or fruit bowl to have in bed or on your desk without the risk of spills or stains.
Our 7.5oz Clementine Evergreen candle is perfect for this purpose - it comes in a small glass tumbler with a wide base and nifty lid that you can easily remove or put back on to secure the jar. The tumbler is great for storing fruit peels, so even after the candle is used up, you can still enjoy a refreshing citrus scent in your room. And the best part? These snack bowls are portable and versatile, perfect for bringing to picnics or beach outings.
Use it to store ingredients
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Attention all home chefs! We know how every Singaporean home cook's pantry is filled with an array of jars holding all your precious ingredients. But what if we told you that you can transform your empty candle jars into the perfect storage solution for your spices, herbs, jams, sambal and even rempah pastes?
The 3.5oz Orange Cinnamon candle is the perfect size for this task. Not only does it come with an airtight seal top to keep your ingredients fresh, but it also adds a touch of charm to your kitchen with its petite size. Plus, you can use it to gift jams and spices to your foodie friends and family, showing off your impressive culinary skills and upcycling creativity.
To take it to the next level, add some fun sticker labels to the jars to help with organisation and add a unique touch to your pantry. Who knew that an old candle jar could be repurposed into a functional and stylish storage solution? Get creative and have fun with it!
Use it to create a DIY terrarium
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Have you always wanted some greenery in your room, but don’t have the resources, like time and energy, to care for it? We get it, as residents of a bustling city like Singapore, it’s a little hard to take care of a plant baby. But what about a self-sustaining ecosystem that you only need to mind once a month? Don't worry, we have just the solution for you - the self-sustaining terrarium!
Terrariums are a small, enclosed environment for certain plants and species of critters. On average, they only need to be watered every month - perfect for the busy folks. Because of its self-sustaining nature, terrariums with certain types of plants require a lid and preferably an airtight container. What better container to make your own DIY garden in than this 14Oz Rain candle! The wide and tall jar, coupled with the airtight lid, makes for the perfect home for your new plant babies.
Not only will it bring some greenery into your space, but it will also act as a stunning decoration that will surely impress your guests (begone fake plants!). For those who need some guidance, our friends at A Tilly A Day offer DIY terrarium workshops that you can attend to learn more about this fascinating world of indoor gardening and self-sustaining environments. So why wait? Grab your repurposed jars and start building your own little world today!
Use it to create a brand new candle
(Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels)
We’ve talked about the sizes and looks of our candle collection, but we should also make use of its heat-resistant nature! Have you ever been left with old wax at the bottom of your candles that no longer burns no matter how much you try? What if we tell you that you can gather these up from all of your candles, and create an entirely brand new candle?
That’s right! With just a bit of creativity and a few simple steps, you can give new life to those leftover candle scraps and create a whole new candle that's uniquely your own.
It's a simple process: start by gathering up all of your old candles, no matter the size or scent. Then, melt them down in a heat-resistant container over a low heat source, like a double boiler or a candle warmer. Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into your repurposed candle jar, like our 14Oz. Tranquility Candle which comes in a wide bowl. Add in new wicks. Let the wax cool and solidify, and voila - you've got yourself a brand new candle that's entirely your own creation!
The best part about making your own candles is that you can customise the scent, colour, and shape to your liking. Mix and match different scents to create a unique aroma that's all your own, or add in some natural dyes to create a vibrant and eye-catching hue. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a one-of-a-kind candle that you can proudly display or give as a thoughtful and eco-friendly gift!
From candlelight to upcycling delights
Congratulations, you are now armed with 5 creative and easy ways to repurpose your used candle jars! From storage containers to terrariums and even brand new candles, the possibilities are endless. We hope this list has sparked your creativity and inspired you to give your old candle jars a new lease of life.
And don't forget, if you're in need of new candles to burn and repurpose, Village Candle has a wide variety of scents and sizes to choose from. From woody to floral and everything in between, there's a candle for every mood and occasion. Happy repurposing!