(Image credit: Amazon, Nordstom)
When you’re done with a candle, it almost feels a bit silly to get rid of the jar, doesn’t it? You spend all that money on a gorgeous smelling (and looking!) product, only to toss the entire vessel when the wax burns up and the wick falls out. Without a flame, it seems dang near impossible to remove any of the remaining wax, resolutely stuck in a thin but nonetheless sturdy layer towards the bottom, so that you can reuse the entire jar.
Today, I’m here to share with you an upcycling hack that not only simply and easily clears the jar of any remaining wax, but also offers up a fabulous answer to the question: what should I do with this container now? Let’s face it, candles from the best home decor brands are status symbols in their own right, and you should get to use them in some way long after their burn time ends. This TikTok hack solves that problem brilliantly and for less than $5. Gosh, the power of the internet is unmatched.
The viral candle upcycling hack
@kate.spiers
♬ original sound – ur mom <3
This tip from TikToker @kate.spiers is one you’re going to want to replicate, especially if you can’t convince yourself to part with that Jo Malone jar. To upcycle an old candle, Kate first places the used jar into the freezer for an hour, wax and all. After an hour, the wax contracts into a frozen puck that can be easily popped out of the jar (if you have any trouble here, try wedging a fork underneath one side of the wax puck and lifting up, or running a butter knife around the outer edges before doing the same thing).
Once the wax has been removed, Kate then cleans the jar with warm water and soap before drying it and adding a match strike sticker to the bottom. Afterward, she fills the jar with spare matches and places the vessel onto her shelves for display. How easy is that?! Not only did she upcycle herself a homemade match holder/cloche, but she also found a way to show off her Diptyque purchase for just a bit longer. I love it!
Match Strike Dots
Price: $6
What I love most about this 12-pack of circular strike stickers is their deep red color, which looks a bit more elegant.
Of course, it you’re without matches or a candle to use for this lovely hack, I’ve taken the liberty of shopping a few display worth options and detailing them all below. Just be sure to include the adhesive strike stripes in your haul, as well.
Matches
Price: $12
The Glaze Studio Wooden Matchbox is a high-end favorite. But since we don’t need the box, I’d instead suggest just purchasing one of their refills. These have a height of 7.5in, so they would work nicely in a taller jar.
Candles
Diptyque Rose-Scented Candle
Price: $74
The star of this viral moment — the Diptyque candle. I’d be remiss not to mention this beloved brand, especially given its iconic label and renowned scent.
Candle Accessories
Homesick Candle Wick Trimmer
Price: $19
As an added shopping bonus, I thought I’d include a few pieces you might need while burning through your soon-to-be upcycled candle, including a wick trimmer.