If you love our skincare and candles like us, you undoubtedly have a sprawling collection of leftover bottles and jars piling up somewhere! And since we use glass they can be easily reused. Here is our little blog how to clean, reuse and make the most out of your Witch in the Woods skincare and candles long after their gone.
Skincare bottles and JarsPeel the label back (or leave it on if you love the look! Our labels are glossy and can withstand a good washing without damage) Hand wash, rinse, and dry! If there is still a bit of stubborn residue on the jar from the label, just simply add a couple drops of essential oil (lemon works great) and rub around until it eats it away. Wash again and dry.
How to Clean Candle Jars
After your favorite Witch in the Woods candle is finally gone, you are left with an empty vessel full of possibility! Your first step to reusing your empty candle jar is to remove all the leftover wax and wick holder. There are a number of different ways to achieve this.
Oven Method
Pop your candle jar in the oven at its lowest setting until any remaining wax melts. Carefully remove the jar from the oven to pour the wax into the trash, pop out the wick holder using a spoon and wipe the insides of the jar clean with a cloth. Hand wash, rinse, and dry!
Place your candle into the freezer for a couple hours or until the remaining wax hardens. Carefully chip out the wax and wick holder using a spoon and discard in the trash. Use a warm wet cloth to wipe the insides of the jar clean. Hand wash, rinse and dry!
Double Boiler / Bain Marie Method
For stubborn leftover wax, the double boiler method works great every time. This method works by filling a bowl with boiling water, and gentle placing the candle container in it for a few minutes. Once the wax has softened, carefully remove the jar from the water and pour out the melted wax into the trash. Do not pour down the sink. Wash, rinse and dry!
If the wick holder has a hard time coming off, just slip a sharp knife underneath and pop it out. A little boiling water will usually help if it doesn’t want to come out easily.
Keep the Old WaxAnother option is to set the old wax aside as there are a number of projects you can do with it. Such as make a new candle, lubricate a sticky drawer or door hinge, or make a fire starter
Important Notes: Never put the melted wax down the drain. It will cool and solidify, and probably end up clogging the pipe. Don't overheat the glass containers using the oven method or double boiler method. The glass can explode if the jar gets too hot. The jars do not need to be heated for long since there is just a small amount of wax. Do not freeze the candle and pour boiling water inside to remove the wick or residue. Best to use one method at a time. Never microwave the candles. The wick holder is metal and can ruin the microwave or start a fire.
Fun Ways to Reuse your Candle Jar!
Our candle jars are the perfect size for small succulents! Place a few rocks and/or pebbles at the bottom of the jar, followed by cactus mix soil. This will create optimal drainage. Place your succulent in, pack lightly with more soil and top with decorative pebbles or sea glass. Viola!
If you are a big fan of Marie Kondo like me, then you love tidying! What better way to keep your beauty space organized than to upcycle your favorite scented candle jars? They make perfect holders for makeup brushes, eyeliner, cotton swabs, bobby pins, elastic bands and toothbrush/toothpaste. Tidy up your desk and reuse them for pencils, pens and spare change. Organize a drawer full of odds and ends.
Candle VotiveDrop a tea light into the candle jar to create a nice visual effect to be used indoor or outdoor. Or add fairy lights for cute bookshelf decor.
Flowers & candles make us happy. Repurposing your old candles and using them as vases for some fresh blooms is an ideal way to reuse them.
We love repurposing our packaging as planters, vases, storage, and to propagate! Show us how you respurpse yours on Instagram and tag @witch_in_the_woods
