If your favorite soy candle is coming to the end of its burn life, don't toss it! You can easily clean out the glass jars and repurpose them for so many different uses. Don't be wasteful and give them a second chance at life. Once cleaned out, which we'll explain in a second, the jars can be used for small storage containers, season and spice holders, flower vases, or even a homemade gift idea for someone else. Get creative! Soy candle jars are perfect for so many things!
Instructions for cleaning out your soy candle containers:
1. BE SURE TO REMOVE AS MUCH WAX AS POSSIBLE
To start, you want to remove as much of the old wax as you possibly can. If you find that some wax is stuck to the glass, carefully use a butter knife and chip away the wax. If that doesn't work, stick the candle in the freezer for an hour to help separate the wax from the container. Once all the wax is out, you can move on to the next step.
2. GRAB YOUR BAKING PAN
Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper or two. These will be used to absorb the wax. Next, reach over for your soy candle jars and turn them upside down onto the paper. While you're doing this step, pre-heat your oven to about 180 degrees.
3. ITS OVEN TIME
It's time to stick your baking pan in the oven. The oven should be warmed up, and you'll expect to bake the jars for about 10-15 minutes. While your wait, you'll get to bring back memories and the aromas of your recently used soy candles as the smells seep out of the oven.
4. MITT'S ON!
After 10-15 minutes, grab your oven mitts! Next, it's time to check the inside of the containers. The remaining wax should have melted, but if you notice some that hasn't melted yet, pop the containers back in the oven for a few more minutes.
5. REMOVE AND WIPE!
Once all the remaining wax looks like it's melted, safely remove the containers from the oven and wait a moment. Once they have cooled, but are still warm, wipe the inside of each container. Be sure to get rid of any wax, soot, or burned wick pieces. While your doing this, keep an eye out for any cracks in the glass. Keep in mind, it's not safe to keep or reuse if you find a crack and might need to be tossed. On the other hand, if all looks good, you're almost ready to repurpose it!
6. COOLDOWN AND YOU'RE ALL SET
Once your soy candle containers cool down, and they're all clean without any cracks, they are ready for their second chance at life. Old containers can be used again as a DIY candle and can be filled with wax or repurposed for something new. Whatever you choose to do with your containers, there are so many options! I recently cleaned out an old soy candle container and decided to use it as a small planter for a succulent. There's no wrong way to repurpose an old soy candle container so next time you blow out your soy candle for the last time, remember, don't toss it!
