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Saturday, October 11, 2008

Simple/genius home tip: How to remove wax and reuse old candle holders

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Like it or not (and believe me, I don't), we live in the age of the $60 candle. It's as if one day, all the fancy candle people got together and decided that, while for years, candles had been topping out at around twelve bucks (for a really big one), suddenly the market could—and should—support candles priced at 5 times that amount. And so it was. (Sort of like when jeans became a $200 expense? What? And we are all just going along with this? Is it any wonder our collective pockets are empty these days?) I digress. The point is, whether you've paid $5 or $500 for a candle, it probably came in some kind of glass container that just might be pretty enough to serve as a bud vase, piggy bank, matchbook collector or some other such useful thing if only you could get all the leftover wax and burned-out wick out of the bottom of the jar. Thank goodness for Jessica over at How About Orange, who says that the secret is just to place the old glass candle holder into the freezer; the wax will contract as it cools, and then you can just dump it out in one big chunk. Genius. Thanks, Jessica!

Comment Away: Have any of you tried this at home? What would you do with a reclaimed candle holder?

More repurposing ideas on Shine:
Inside-out business envelopes=cute graphic stationery
Restaurant-supply work table=affordable stainless steel desk
Utensil tray=all-purpose drawer organizer
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 17
  • Disgruntled's Avatar
    Posted by Disgruntled Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:32pm PDT

    I've been doing this for years. The jar from one old candle is now a candy jar. I've also got an oval jar from a Colonial Candles candle, that is the perfect size to hold Q-tips next to my sink. If a candle comes in a glass jar or decent looking holder I always reuse them.

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  • Jennies's Avatar
    Posted by Jennies Wed Jul 23, 2008 1:25pm PDT

    If this works, I'm going to be thrilled. I have the hardest time getting the stupid candle wax out!

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  • Margo C's Avatar
    Posted by Margo C Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:08pm PDT

    wow, this works amazingly well on these antique silver candle holders I got from my grandmom

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  • kenisha_moore31's Avatar
    Posted by kenisha_moore31 Wed Jul 23, 2008 4:14pm PDT

    Thanks Alot- That's such a great idea.

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  • luvshuckleberry's Avatar
    Posted by luvshuckleberry Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:44am PDT

    I've always saved my candle jars and lids. So many things you can do with them. If you don't sell them back to a candle maker for a little cash back, you can use the lids to set pepper and salt mills in keeping leakage off counters and tables or for paper clips, tacks, etc. on your desk. The containers make great terrariums and temporary ant farms. Some can also be used for a fish bowl for fish like betas. And if you're a true conservator use your tip, melt the wax down and pour over dryer lint that has been packed into the cups of a cardboard egg carton. When set up, tear apart as needed, and use for firestarters in your fireplace or if you live where you can burn outside they get an outside fire going much better. Saves on matches too.

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  • Valerie Rains, Shine staff's Avatar
    Posted by Valerie Rains, Shine staff Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:49am PDT

    Wow, thanks for all the great ideas, luvshuckleberry!

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  • muxiemux's Avatar
    Posted by muxiemux Thu Jul 24, 2008 8:38am PDT

    I also read a great solution that has worked for me- especially with votive holders, which is to put a tablespoon (more for bigger containers) of olive oil in the bottom of the candleholder before putting the candle in. You won't really be able to see it if you put the right amount in. When it's time to throw out the candle, just use a spoon and the wax should pop right out without leaving any trace on the sides!

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  • Leah's Avatar
    Posted by Leah Thu Jul 24, 2008 10:20am PDT

    Jennie to get the wax off easier put the container in the freeezer. When it's nice and cold take it out and the wax will just pop off.

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  • Mom of Two's Avatar
    Posted by Mom of Two Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:06am PDT

    One can purchase those metal "frogs" with the needle points at craft stores. These can be glued (waterproof glue, of course) into the bottom of recycled containers of any type to hold fresh buds or flowers in place.

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  • Sharon P's Avatar
    Posted by Sharon P Thu Jul 24, 2008 4:06pm PDT

    I'm going to try that with a candle I bought for $5 and use the holder to put coins I have at the end of the day in.

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Comments 1-10 of 17

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No, I'm not turning into a Buddhist monk, giving away everything except the shirt on mine and my kids' backs. I've just come to my senses. If I own a lot less, life will become simpler. -Blond & Blithe