At Lantana Candle Co., we believe every candle should leave behind more than just a beautiful scent - they can also inspire something new. Once your candle has burned down, the jar itself can start a second life, becoming a unique addition to your home. 

Our jars are not just candle holders, they’re vessels for your creativity. From sustainable soy wax for easy cleaning to versatile jars, every Lantana candle is as functional as it is beautiful. 

Repurposing your candle jars isn’t just a step towards sustainability, it’s a creative way to cherish what you love and personalise your home décor. In this guide, we will show you how to clean out leftover wax and share thoughtful ideas to upcycle your candle jars into stunning, practical pieces for your home, rather than tossing them away without a second thought. 

Prepping Your Candle Jars

Before turning your candle jars into something new, you’ll need to remove all leftover wax. Below are a few simple and effective methods for preparing your jars for their next use:

Hot Water Method:

Start by filling your jar with hot (or boiling) water, leaving a little space at the top. As the water cools, the wax will soften and rise to the surface. Once it solidifies, you can scoop it out and wipe the jar clean. Alternatively, you can let the jar soak in warm water for around 30 minutes to melt the wax. 

Freezer Method:

Place your candle jar into the freezer overnight, the cold will cause the wax to contract and separate from the jar. In the morning, you can simply turn the jar upside down and the wax should pop out easily. If it’s stubborn, gently press on one edge with a spoon or butter knife to lift it out.  

Hairdryer Method: 

Protect your hands with a heat-resistant glove or oven mitt, then secure your jar. Using the warm setting on a hairdryer, direct the heat towards the sides and bottom of the jar. As the wax melts, carefully scrape it out using a butter knife or spoon. 

Whichever method you choose, take care to protect surfaces and handle hot jars with care and caution. If there’s any sticky residue left from labels, use a little dish soap and warm water to remove. 

Desk organiser

You could repurpose your candle vessels into cute desk organisers to store your small home office supplies such pens, business cards, highlighters, and paperclips. These jars can help to keep your desk neat, tidy, and keep everything displayed in an elegant way. 

You can create your own set using varying sizes of candle jars to place different sized items into. For an extra touch you can add a small layer of decorative stones or dried flowers, and add labels or tags for even more organisation.

 

Tea-light holder

Rather than dumping your empty candle jars into the bin, you could turn them into a lovely collection of tealight holders that can create a warm and inviting atmosphere into any room. 

Why not adapt your display with the changing seasons of the year by having pinecones and holly over the festive period, and small decorative easter eggs for Easter time. You can opt for battery-operated tealights as a safety option for homes with children and pets. 

Succulent planter

You can turn your used candle vessels into charming planters for small succulents or cacti. These plants are perfect as they don’t require much maintenance and thrive in small places - a great match for candle jars. Ensure you add a drainage layer by using pebbles at the bottom of the jar to ensure your plants remain nice and healthy!

If you have green fingers then you could expand beyond succulents and grow small herbs like mint and basil on your kitchen windowsill. Feel free to decorate these and add a personal touch to your new plant pots!

Food Containers 

If you’re a fan of baking then you will know that some cakes and desserts often work better in smaller portions or containers. Small candle jars can make the perfect cake jar for entertaining guests such as tiramisu and mini cheesecakes. You can layer desserts straight into the jars for an aesthetic ready-to-serve look.

You can also utilise candle jars by using them to store dried food items such as pasta, rice, grains, and spices. Add labels for easier organisation around your kitchen. 

Always ensure jars are thoroughly cleaned to remove wax and scent residue before using these with food. 

Organise bathroom / Store Jewellery 

Candle jars can be repurposed to organise small items within your bathroom and bedroom. Think kirby grips, cotton buds/pads, and jewellery for example. You can even add a small piece of fabric to the bottom of the jar to prevent scratches, and decorate the outside of the jar to make it an even more attractive piece on your nightstand or in your bathroom. 

Using matching jars with lids can recreate a spa-like setup for storing essential oils, face masks, and bath salts, or opaque jars to maximise that clean, minimalistic look. 

Storing pet treats

If you have pets, why not use your empty candle jar to store pet treats and kibble, this keeps their treats in elegant containers and will offer a convenient storage method over the plastic wrappers a lot of pet treats and food can arrive in. 

Adding paw decals and name labels to the jars gives an extra personal touch adding more fun into the mix!

At Lantana Candle Co., we’re proud to craft candles that don’t just provide warmth and fragrance but also inspire creativity and sustainability. Whether you’re organising your desk, adding a touch of greenery to your kitchen, or transforming jars into festive tea-light holders, there’s no limit to how you can reuse and enjoy these candle vessels. 

We hope these ideas encourage you to turn your empty jars into something fun and decorative. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram using #LantanaRepurposed - we’d love to see how you give your Lantana candles a second story!