Reusing, Repurposing & Upcycling Candle Containers

[caitbird]

Hi, BIC beauties! 💜

Like many of us here in BIC, I love scented candles! One of the things I appreciate about them, in addition to the lovely scents, is that many of them come in pretty or cute containers. I like to repurpose some of my candle containers after I’ve finished burning them and cleaned them out. I feel it’s a way to be more environmentally friendly and reduce waste, as well as to keep using some of my favorite vessels. I wanted to create this thread for us all to share ideas for how to reuse, repurpose and upcycle candle jars, containers, and vessels.

Here's how I currently clean out my candle containers after use:

1. run under hot water in the sink until the remaining wax softens/starts to melt

2. use a spoon to scoop out what's left

3. wipe down with soap & water as needed until clean

There may be a better way of doing this - I'm definitely open to tips or suggestions! - but this has been working pretty well for me so far. I also read that you can microwave the containers to loosen and melt the remaining wax, but I'm not sure if that is a good idea or not, and I have been too scared to try it 😅

Here are a few candle containers I've kept and reused so far:

This purple kitty is a former candle container, which I am using to hold some of my makeup brushes

I am using these Glossier candle containers to hold perfume travel sprays

Here's a list of ideas for other ways to reuse candle containers:

no lid

holder for:

- pencils & pens
- makeup brushes
- eyeliners
- perfume travel sprays
- lip glosses
- lip liners
- lip balms
- nail brushes & tools
- toothbrushes

with lid

storage for:

- nail polish bottles
- tea bags
- small office supplies (paperclips, binder clips, push pins, etc.)
- small individually wrapped chocolates or candies
- small bathroom/self care items (q-tips, cotton balls/rounds, etc.)
- small hair accessories (ponytail holders, bobby pins, etc.)
- small nature collection items (sea glass, egg shells, seed pods, shells, feathers, etc.)
- coins/loose change

What about you? Do you reuse or repurpose your candle containers? If so, what do you use them for - storage? Crafts? Something else? Any tips for cleaning them out after use? Share your ideas, inspiration and tips here!

Spoiler

tagging @itsfi  bc I know you reuse some of your candle containers (hope you don't mind!)

[Titian06]

Great thread, @caitbird !  You know I L-U-V the cat candle holder!!!  I have not burned candles in years.  I have repurposed other jars and containers to hold:

- Makeup brushes

- Buttons

- Nail polish swatch sticks

- Manicure supplies

- Crochet hooks

- Knitting needles

- Travel-size perfumes

- Sample-size perfumes

[caitbird]

@Titian06  thank you! 😸 I love your ideas for repurposing jars and containers!

[itsfi]

I love repurposing candle jars. I remember chatting about it with you and possibly others on one of the boards, @caitbird. Your cat jars are very cute and so you! They are Frida-approved, too, yes?

[caitbird]

@itsfi  yes, I remember! Haha, definitely Frida-approved! 😸

[greeneyedgirl107]

@caitbird good idea for a thread!

[caitbird]

@greeneyedgirl107  thank you! Hopefully it will be useful to folks!