8 Ways to Clean Out and Repurpose Your Candles (We included expert tips for perfecting #7!)

Our candles add a warm and cozy ambience of wellness to any space, but what happens when they burn down and leave behind a little wax puddle? Instead of throwing away those leftover waxy candle glasses, why not find creative ways to clean them out and give them a new life? In this article, we will explore the best ways to clean out and repurpose your candle vessel, allowing you to enjoy their beauty longer while reducing waste.

How to Clean Out Your Wellness Candles:

1. Freezing Method: Place the candle in the freezer for a few hours until the wax fully hardens. Once hardened, use a butter knife or spoon to gently pry the wax out of the container. 
2. How Water Bath: Fill a bowl or sink with hot water and place the candle vessel in it. Let it sit for 10 minutes or until the wax melts. Carefully pour out the melted wax into a heat-resistant container, and ensure not to get any water inside so the wax doesn’t splatter. Wipe the container clean with a paper towel.
3. Boiling Water: Similar to the hot water bath method, boil a pot of water and carefully pour it into the candle jar. The hot water will melt the wax, which will float to the top. Once the water cools down, the wax will solidify, making it easy to remove. Dispose of the solidified wax properly.

Once your favorite wellness candle burns down and leaves behind our empty glass vessel, don’t toss it away! Our glasses are sustainable, sturdy, and recyclable, making them perfect for repurposing and adding a touch of charm to your home. Here we listed our 8 favorite creative ways to repurpose our candle vessel, giving it a new life and transforming it into a functional or decorative item.

8 Ways to Repurpose Your Wellness Candles:

1. Makeup Brush Holder: Our Candles can be repurposed as a stylish holder for your makeup brushes. Clean the vessel and insert your brushes into the glass. You can even add decorative stones or beads to it for stability before adding the brushes. It keeps your brushes organized and adds a touch of elegance to your vanity.
2. Pen and Pencil Holder: Declutter and calm your mind by cleaning your desk and keeping it tidy and organized when you reuse our candle vessel as a pen and pencil holder. Place it on your workspace after cleaning, and fill it with pens, pencils, markers, or even small stationary items like paperclips and sticky notes.
3. Bathroom Storage: Utilize our glass vessels as stylish bathroom storage containers. Clean and repurpose them to hold items like cotton balls, q-tips, cotton rounds, or other small toiletries. 
4. Bathroom Tumbler: Similar to the previous option, our glasses can be used as bathroom tumblers for holding toothbrushes, toothpaste, and rinsing cups. Ensure the vessel is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and simple insert a rinsing cup that fits. After the cup is lining our vessel, place your toothbrush and toothpaste in as well. Our sturdy vessel ensures your toothbrush won't be easily knocked over again!
5. Tea Light Holder: Our vessel is a perfect size to be repurposed as a tea light holder. Whether you like the wax tea lights or the battery powered ones, simply clean out the vessel and place the tea light inside. The glass will enhance the flickering glow of the candle and create a cozy atmosphere even when you run out of our long lasting functional fragrances.
6. Mini storage container: Candle vessels are ideal for repurposing as mini storage containers. Use them to store jewelry, spare change, or small trinkets. Arrange them on a vanity or shelf for a visually appealing and functional storage solution.
7. Succulent Pot: Clean out the candle glass thoroughly and use it as a beautiful succulent pot. Whether you prefer a smooth pot, or an elegant glass, our vessel is versatile and makes a beautiful centerpiece for a delightful addition to any room. (See below for our expert tips on how to keep your succulents thriving in our glasses!)
8. Plant Propagation Station: Similar to the previous idea, some plants aren’t ready for soil to grow. If you have some plant cuttings that are in need of roots, simply fill the empty vessel with water and allow the plant cuttings to float inside. This creates a delicate, peaceful display while helping you propagate new plants effortlessly.

Our Earth Day Planters:

For Earth Day this year, we had fun easily repurposing our vessels into various succulent planters. However, it’s crucial to understand the proper watering techniques to keep these seemingly resilient plants thriving. There are a few methods we like to use to ensure your plant babies receive the right amount of hydration for their needs.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Succulents Alive:

1. The Soak and Dry Method: The soak and dry method is the most commonly recommended watering technique for succulents. Water the soil thoroughly until it is completely soaked. Wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This method mimics their natural desert environment, where succulents endure periods of drought between rainfall. 
2. Use a Spray Bottle: For small succulents, using a spray bottle can be an effective watering method. Fill a clean spray bottle with water and mist the soil lights, being careful not to drench the leaves. This method is suitable for succulent with delicate or fuzzy leaves that can be damage by direct watering.
3. Consider the Season and Environment: The watering frequency for succulents may vary depending on the season and the environment they are growing in. During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, succulents require more frequent watering. However, in the dormant period, usually fall and winter, reduce watering to account for their slower growth. Also, take into consideration factors such as humidity levels and the amount of sunlight your succulents receive, as these can influence their water requirements. 
4. Check the Soil Moisture: Before watering your succulents, always check the moisture level of the soil. Insert your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Avoid watering when the soil is still moist, as it can lead to root rot and other issues. Remember, succulents prefer slightly drier conditions rather than being consistently damp.
5. Use Well-Draining Soil: Using well-draining soil specifically formulated for succulents is crucial. These soils contain a mixture of coarse sand, woodchips, perlite (volcanic glass with a high water content), and organic matter that allows excess water to evaporate quickly, preventing waterlogged roots. Avoid using regular potting soil, as it tends to retain moisture for longer periods, which can be harmful to succulents.

Not only do we have this special guide section on how to keep your succulents alive, but we also have full comprehensive guides on How To Care for Your Candles, How To Prevent Sooting, and more in our Wellness Journal. 

Cleaning Made Easy with Our Non-Toxic Wax:

Remember that our home made wax is plant-based and non-toxic. Whether you are planting succulents, or sanitizing the vessel for bathroom use, you don't have to worry about any toxic chemicals being left behind if you can't get it completely clean! Besides that, everything we use is also recyclable: our recycled paper packaging, glass vessel, cherry-maple wood wick, and our high quality essential oil infused wax are all planet kind.

The Purpose of Repurposing:

Repurposing our candle vessels not only adds a personal touch to your home decor but also promotes sustainability by giving new life to old items. From decorative storage options to upscale succulent homes, the possibilities for repurposing our glass candle vessels are endless. Get creative, have fun, and breathe new life into these charming vessels that once held your favorite wellness candles.

Sources:

NCA on Candle Safety: https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/#:~:text=Never%20use%20water%20to%20extinguish,until%20it%20has%20completely%20cooled