You finally used up your favorite candle—maybe it smells like sugar cookies, lavender fields, or just “clean.” The wick’s gone, the wax is toast, and now you’re left with a glass jar that feels too good to toss… but you don’t know what to do with it.
What to Do with Empty Candle Jars
Good news: that little jar has plenty of uses beyond the candle. And if you’re working through our Clever Ways to Reuse What You Already Have guide, this one fits right in.
🕯 How to Clean Out Candle Jars
Start by freezing the jar – yes, freeze it. A few hours in the freezer will cause the leftover wax to shrink and pop right out. Use a spoon to nudge it loose, then wash with warm soapy water. Done.
If there’s a label you want off, soak the jar in warm water and peel. A little dish soap or oil will take off the sticky residue.
Now for the fun part.
🧴 10 Smart Ways to Reuse Empty Candle Jars
1. Bathroom storage:
Cotton swabs, cotton balls, floss picks – basically, all the things that always roll around in drawers.
2. DIY scrub container:
Fill with baking soda + a few drops of lemon essential oil for a sink scrub that smells better than store-bought. Bonus: add it to your 28 Day Cleaning Plan zone day.
3. Desk organizer:
Use short jars to hold pens, clips, rubber bands, or even USB drives. Tidy and cute.
4. Pantry use:
Great for cornstarch, baking soda, or spice blends you make yourself.
5. Travel-size storage:
Tuck cotton rounds, earrings, or vitamins inside for weekend trips.
6. Refill with DIY cleaners or scrubs:
These are perfect for small-batch cleaning recipes like the DIY cleaners here.
7. Match or tea light holder:
Make a cute mini emergency kit with matches and a striker, or pop in a new tea light for soft glow.
8. Mini snack jars:
Raisins, nuts, candy – you name it. Great for portion control or tossing in your bag.
9. Hair tie & bobby pin keeper:
You’ll never have to dig in the bottom of your purse again.
10. Gift jar:
Fill with bath salts, sugar scrub, or homemade cocoa mix and tie on a tag. Budget-friendly and heartfelt.
🖼 Want to Make It Pinterest-Pretty?
These jars look even better with simple, minimalist labels. Use the ones from our reuse printable or grab a full set in the Clean Living Starter Pack to stay organized in style.
This little reuse habit makes your home neater, your wallet happier, and your trash can a little less full. Add it to your list of smart, simple swaps and keep making the most of what you already have.
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