We love repurposing beautiful candle vessels. So many possibilities; large vessels can become a decorative vase or planter, a makeup or cosmetic brush holder, kitchen organizer. If it has a lid, how about a candy jar?
Smaller vessels make great storage for craft accessories, or to tidy your vanity area. They make great places to keep cotton balls, Q-Tips, hair ties or even jewelry.
Here's everything you need to know about how to prep your candle vessel for a second life.
If you have one of our iridescent candle vessels, use extreme caution as the interior coating scratches easily.
First, remove the label.
We don't love having to peel off labels (which is why we don't apply any to our Beach Inspired Intention Candle iridescent vessels.) However if you find yourself trying to get the sticky residue left over after removing a label from a glass candle vessel, anything with a high percentage of alcohol, such as methylated spirits, isopropanol, and nail polish remover will work well and probably note damage the vessel.
Next remove any remaining wax remnants.
There are several ways to do this.
Method 1 - Freeze the Candle Wax
Place the candle in the freezer for several hours or until it is frozen. Wax contracts when cold and will pull away from the sides of the vessel. The wax should pop right out of the container. You can also loosen it with a butter knife if necessary.
If the glass vessel doesn't have an interior coating, use a butter knife to carefully scrape off any residue and then wash the vessel with dish soap and warm water.
Method 3 - Melt the Candle Wax
This method works well with our Intention Candle vessels. You won't want to use this method if there is a lot of wax remaining. Heat the oven to 180 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with tinfoil or several layers of parchment paper. Place the candle vessel upside down on the pan put it in the over for 15 minutes or so. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, place it on a heat-safe surface, using a towel or pot holder, lift up the vessel letting any wax pool, cool and harden. Let everything cool down before handling further. Then dispose of the foil or paper with the hardened wax in the garbage can. Wash the vessel using mild dish soap and warm water.
Method 3 - The Hair Dryer
Hairdryers or heat guns can also be used to soften the wax in a spent candle for removal. Begin by holding your candle with an oven mitt or pot holder. Turn a hairdryer on warm and use it to heat the sides and bottom of the vessel. Once the wax has pulled away and is soft to the touch, carefully lift it out of the container with a butter knife. Wash the vessel using mild dish soap and warm water.
Remove the wick clip
Using a butter knife you should be able to carefully remove any wick clips or wick stickers from the inside bottom of the vessel. Avoid scraping the knife on the interior sides of your beautiful vessels. If it doesn't easily pop out, a little boiling water should loosen it from the bottom.
Final words of caution.
Some glass containers are more fragile than others. If you choose the over or hair dryer method, be careful not to overheat the vessels. There is a risk that the glass could explode if the vessel gets too hot. Be sure the candle vessels can handle whatever method you choose.
Never ever use a microwave to melt wax inside old candle jars. The wick holder that holds the candle wick in place is made out of metal, which could not only ruin your microwave, but start a fire.
Never put the wax melted in water down the drain. It will cool and solidify, and probably end up clogging the pipe.