Creative Ways to Reuse Candle Vessels: A Guide by Scentalicious by Leigh

Candles are a wonderful way to bring warmth, and delightful scents into your home. But what do you do with the beautiful vessels once the candle has burned down? Instead of tossing them out, why not repurpose them? At Scentalicious by Leigh, we believe in bringing good vibes to every room, and that includes giving new life to your candle containers. In this article, we’ll explore creative ideas for reusing candle vessels and provide step-by-step instructions for cleaning them. Whether you have clear glass, frosted glass, tin cans, or candle paint cans, we’ve got you covered!

Cleaning Your Candle Vessels

Before you can repurpose your candle vessels, it’s important to clean them thoroughly. Here are the steps to remove leftover wax and prepare your containers for their new purpose.

Materials Needed:

• Boiling water
• Dish soap
• Paper towels or a cloth
• A butter knife or spoon
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)
• Cotton balls or pads (optional)

Steps to Clean Candle Vessels:

1. Freeze the Candle Vessel: Place the candle vessel in the freezer for a few hours. The cold temperature will cause the wax to contract, making it easier to remove.
2. Remove the Wax: Once the wax is frozen, use a butter knife or spoon to gently pry the wax out of the vessel. Be careful not to scratch the surface.
3. Boiling Water Method: For any remaining wax, pour boiling water into the vessel. The heat will melt the wax, causing it to float to the top. Allow the water to cool and then remove the solidified wax.
4. Wash with Soap and Water: Wash the vessel with warm, soapy water to remove any residual wax and soot. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the inside thoroughly.
5. Optional Rubbing Alcohol: For a final touch, you can wipe the inside of the vessel with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball or pad. This will help remove any remaining residue and leave the vessel sparkling clean.

Remove the Labels from Your Candle Container

Before you repurpose your candle containers, you likely want to remove any labels on the outside. Follow these steps to remove labels:

Clear Glass Vessels

1. Soak in Warm Soapy Water: Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Submerge the glass vessel and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Peel Off the Label: After soaking, try to peel off the label. If it doesn’t come off easily, use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently lift the edges.
3. Remove Residue: For any remaining adhesive, apply a small amount of cooking oil or rubbing alcohol to a cloth and rub the sticky area until the residue is gone.
4. Wash and Rinse: Wash the vessel again with warm soapy water to remove any oil or alcohol residue, then rinse thoroughly and dry.

Frosted Glass Vessels

1. Heat Method: Use a hairdryer to heat the label for about 1-2 minutes. The heat will soften the adhesive, making it easier to peel off.
2. Peel Off the Label: Carefully peel off the label while it’s still warm. If it’s stubborn, reapply heat and try again.
3. Remove Residue: Use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the sticky area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a cloth.
4. Wash and Rinse: Wash the vessel with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry.

Ceramic Vessels

1. Soak in Warm Soapy Water: Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Submerge the glass vessel and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Peel Off the Label: After soaking, try to peel off the label. If it doesn’t come off easily, use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently lift the edges.
3. Remove Residue: For any remaining adhesive, apply a small amount of cooking oil or white vinegar to a cloth and rub the sticky area until the residue is gone.
4. Wash and Rinse: Wash the vessel again with warm soapy water to remove any oil or alcohol residue, then rinse thoroughly and dry.

Tin Vessels

1. Soak in Hot Water: Fill a sink or basin with hot water and submerge the tin vessel. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Peel Off the Label: After soaking, peel off the label. If it’s difficult to remove, use a plastic scraper or an old credit card.
3. Remove Residue: Apply a small amount of nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to a cloth and rub the sticky area until the residue is gone.
4. Wash and Rinse: Wash the tin vessel with warm soapy water to remove any remaining residue, then rinse thoroughly and dry.

Tips for All Vessels

• Avoid Abrasive Materials: Use soft cloths and plastic scrapers to avoid scratching the surfaces.
• Test First: Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the vessel.
• Patience is Key: Sometimes, it may take a few attempts to completely remove all adhesive residue

 Now that your candle vessels are clean and label free, let’s dive into some creative ways to reuse them!

Creative Ideas for Reusing Candle Vessels

• Flower Vases: Use your glass vessels as elegant flower vases. Fill them with fresh blooms to brighten up any room.
• Beauty Jars: Store small beauty items like cotton balls, Q-tips, or makeup brushes. They make for stylish and functional storage solutions.
• Tea Light Holders: Place tea lights or small votive candles in them to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Terrariums: Create mini terrariums by adding some soil, small plants, and decorative stones. These make for beautiful and low-maintenance decor pieces.

• Bathroom Organizers: Organize bathroom essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and razors. They add a chic touch to your bathroom decor.
• Desk Accessories: Use to hold pens, pencils, and other office supplies to keep your desk tidy.

• Planters: Plant small succulents or herbs. They make for charming and stylish planters. Simply add some soil and your favorite plants.
• Kitchen Storage: Store kitchen utensils, spices, or tea bags. They can add a vintage touch to your kitchen decor.
• Craft Supplies: Keep your craft supplies organized. You can even decorate with paint or washi tape for a personalized touch.
• Storage Containers: Use candle paint cans to store small items like buttons, beads, or sewing supplies. They keep everything organized and easily accessible.

• Gift Containers: Fill with homemade treats or small gifts and give them as presents. They make for unique and thoughtful gift packaging.
• Decorative Containers: Decorate with paint, stickers, or decoupage to create custom decorative containers.
• Coin Bank: Save your loose change in a stylish way.
• Craft Supplies Holder: Store beads, buttons, or other small craft items.
• Candy Dish: Fill it with your favorite candies or snacks.
• Matchstick Holder: Store matchsticks and strike them on the side.
• Potpourri Holder: Fill it with potpourri for a fragrant touch.
• Essential Oil Diffuser: Add a few drops of essential oil and some reeds.

Additional Tips for Repurposing Candle Vessels

• Personalize Your Vessels: Add a personal touch to your repurposed candle vessels by decorating them with paint, stickers, or decals. This allows you to match them to your home decor and style.
• Label Your Vessels: If you’re using your vessels for storage, consider adding labels to keep everything organized. You can use chalkboard labels, printable labels, or even create your own.
• Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of candle vessels. Combining clear glass, frosted glass, tin cans, and candle paint cans can create an eclectic and stylish look.

Conclusion

At Scentalicious by Leigh, we believe in bringing good vibes to every room, and that includes finding creative ways to repurpose your candle vessels. By following these cleaning instructions and repurposing ideas, you can give new life to your candle containers and reduce waste. Whether you choose to use them as flower vases, storage jars, planters, or decorative containers, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you finish burning a candle, don’t throw away the vessel – get creative and repurpose it!

 

We hope you found these ideas inspiring and helpful. If you have any other creative ways to reuse candle vessels, we’d love to hear from you! Share your ideas with us in the comments below or on our social media channels. Happy repurposing!