Ever burned through a candle and wondered what to do with the jar? The answer: plenty. Reusing candle jars is one of the easiest ways to cut down on waste, get creative with organization, and give a beautiful container a second (or third, or fourth) life.
Whether you're cleaning out a ceramic vessel or a glass jar, here's how to turn that empty container into something useful, beautiful, and totally zero-waste.
And if you're dealing with old candles, leftover wax, or used jars and want to see all your options, start with our Candle Waste & Disposal Guide.
Why Reuse Candle Jars?
Before we dive into the how, let's talk about the why. The average household tosses multiple candle jars per year, and most of them end up in landfills. Glass can take up to a million years to decompose, and ceramic isn't much better if it's not being reused.
When you reuse candle jars, you're:
- Keeping materials out of landfills
- Reducing demand for new containers
- Saving money on storage and decor
- Creating a more intentional, less wasteful home
It's a small step that adds up quickly, especially if you love candles as much as we do. For more strategies, check out our guide on how to reduce candle waste.
How to Tell When a Candle Is Done
Before you can reuse the jar, you need to know when it's time to stop burning. Candles shouldn't burn all the way to the bottom—it's not just about wax, it's about safety.
Signs your candle is done:
- There's about ¼ inch of wax left at the bottom
- You can see the metal wick tab poking through
- The flame is flickering oddly or struggling to stay lit
- The scent throw has faded and the wax isn't melting evenly
- The jar feels unusually hot to the touch during burning
If you're seeing any of these signs, it's time to stop burning. Continuing past this point can cause the jar to overheat or even crack, especially in glass containers.
Rule of thumb: Once the wax gets low enough that you can see the wick tab, or there's only a thin layer of wax left, it's time to let that candle go and start prepping the jar for a second life.
How to Clean Out Your Candle Jar
Before you can reuse a candle jar, you need to give it a proper clean. Here's a quick overview of the most effective methods:
Quick Cleaning Methods
Freezer Method (easiest): Pop the jar in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will contract and pop out easily with a spoon.
Hot Water Method: Pour hot water into the jar. The wax will float to the top, harden, and you can scoop it out.
Oven Method (for multiple jars): Place jars upside down on a foil-lined baking sheet in a low oven (180ºF) for 10–15 minutes. The wax melts out onto the foil.
Once the wax is out, remove the wick tab with tweezers, wash with soap and water, and use rubbing alcohol or oil to remove any sticky label residue.
For detailed step-by-step instructions on each method, check out our full guide on how to get candle wax out of a jar.
ReCandle Co. Pro Tip: Our zero waste candle refills are designed for easy removal. The wax contracts as it cools and pops out cleanly—no freezing, scraping, or mess required.
Creative Ways to Reuse Candle Jars
Once your jar is clean, the possibilities are wide open. Here are our favorite ways to give your candle jar a new purpose.
Home Organization
- Bathroom storage: Q-tips, cotton rounds, reusable makeup pads, or hair ties
- Desk organizer: Pens, scissors, paper clips, or sticky notes
- Vanity holders: Makeup brushes, lip balms, or perfume samples
- Nightstand catch-all: Jewelry, watches, or daily essentials
- Entryway organizer: Keys, coins, or sunglasses
Kitchen Uses
- Utensil holder: Wooden spoons, spatulas, or whisks
- Herb storage: Dried herbs, loose tea, or coffee beans
- Snack jars: Nuts, mints, or sugar cubes (if fully cleaned and scent-free)
- Spice containers: Store bulk spices in clean, labeled jars
Note: Only use for food if the jar is completely clean and free of fragrance residue. When in doubt, stick to non-food storage.
Plants and Greenery
- Planter for succulents or herbs: Add pebbles at the bottom for drainage and pop in a low-maintenance plant. Our candle succulent planter kit makes this even easier
- Propagation station: Root plant cuttings in water
- Mini vase: Perfect for small floral arrangements or single stems
- Terrarium base: Layer soil, moss, and tiny plants for a desktop garden
Decor and Ambiance
- Tea light holder: Add sand or pebbles and nestle smaller candles inside
- Seasonal centerpiece: Fill with pinecones, cranberries, or seasonal florals
- Match storage: Keep matches handy (bonus points for adding a strike strip to the lid)
- Fairy light display: Drop in a strand of battery-powered lights for a soft glow
Gift Ideas
- Homemade gift jars: Fill with bath salts, homemade cookies, or hot cocoa mix
- Craft supply kit: Package beads, buttons, or small crafting materials
- Self-care kit: Add face masks, lip balm, and a handwritten note
- Terrarium gifts: Layer soil, moss, and tiny plants for a unique present
Craft and Everyday Storage
- Paintbrush or art supply holder: Keep your creative space tidy
- Jewelry organizer: Rings, earrings, or delicate chains
- Travel containers: Pack small toiletries or jewelry for trips
- Coin or key dish: Keep near your entryway for everyday essentials
Important: Can You Refill and Reburn Glass Candle Jars?
Here's the thing: most glass candle jars are not safe for refilling and reburning.
Glass jars are designed for single use. With repeated heating and cooling cycles, the glass can weaken, crack, or even shatter. This is a serious safety hazard.
If you want to make a new candle from leftover wax, pour it into a new heat-safe container specifically designed for candle-making—not the original jar.
However, if you're reusing a ReCandle Co. ceramic vessel (heat-safe up to 2,000ºF), our soy wax candle refills make the perfect new candle. No scraping, no mess, no safety concerns. Just drop in a new refill when the old one burns down. That's the difference between a true refillable candle system and a DIY workaround.
When Not to Reuse a Candle Jar
Not every jar is worth saving. Skip reuse if:
- The jar is cracked, chipped, or damaged
- The scent is so strong you can't remove it (even after multiple cleanings)
- The jar was made with low-quality or thin glass that feels fragile
- You're planning to use it for burning and it's not a heat-safe refillable vessel
In these cases, it's better to recycle the jar if possible. Check out our guide on how to recycle candle jars for more info.
Make Reuse Part of Your Candle Routine
Learning how to reuse candle jars is more than a crafty weekend project. It's a step toward a more sustainable routine. At ReCandle Co., we designed our system around reusability, so every part of the candle experience feels intentional and low-waste.
Here's how to make jar reuse a consistent habit:
- Clean jars as soon as they're done. Don't let them pile up. A quick freezer trick takes minimal effort
- Keep a "reuse ideas" list. Jot down how you want to repurpose jars before they're empty
- Choose refillable candles from the start. Skip the cleanup hassle altogether with a system designed for longevity
- Gift your extras. If you have more jars than you need, pass them along to friends who craft or organize
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reuse candle jars for new candles?
Only if the jar is specifically designed for it. Most glass jars are not safe for refilling and reburning—they can crack or shatter with repeated heat exposure. ReCandle Co. ceramic vessels are heat-safe up to 2,000ºF and built for multiple refills. If you want to make a new candle from leftover wax, use a fresh heat-safe container, not the original glass jar.
How do I get wax out of a candle jar?
The easiest method is the freezer trick: freeze the jar for a few hours, then pop out the wax with a spoon. You can also use the hot water method (pour hot water in, let the wax float and harden, then scoop it out) or the oven method (place upside down on foil in a low oven). For detailed instructions, see our full guide on how to get candle wax out of a jar.
Can I reuse candle jars for food storage?
Only if the jar is completely clean, scent-free, and food-safe. Fragrance oils can linger even after washing, so we recommend using reused jars for dry goods only (like loose tea or spices) and avoiding anything you'll eat directly from the jar. When in doubt, stick to non-food uses.
What's the best way to remove candle labels?
Soak the jar in warm soapy water for 20–30 minutes, then scrub with a sponge. For stubborn adhesive, use rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, or a product like Goo Gone. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean and rinse thoroughly.
Are refillable candles better than regular candles?
Yes, especially if you care about waste reduction. Refillable candles use a long-lasting vessel that you keep and refill, so you're not throwing away jars every time. ReCandle Co.'s system uses zero-waste candle refills that drop right in—no mess, no guesswork, no waste.
What should I do if I don't want to reuse my candle jar?
Clean it out and recycle it if your local program accepts glass or ceramic. You can also donate it to a local craft group, school, or community center. Someone will find a use for it.
How long does it take to clean a candle jar?
Using the freezer method, about 2–4 hours (mostly
