(Image credit: Amazon, Nordstom)
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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.
Rectangle Match Striker Stickers
Price: From $3.90
These Etsy options start at $3.90 across various sizing and quantity options. If you’d rather your match strike run up along the side of your upcycled candle jar, these would be a great option.
Adhesive Matches Striker Paper Stickers
Price: $9.99
These dots look just like the ones used in the video. A $6 pack comes with 20 stickers.
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.
Chandler Studio 4″ Inch Long Wooden Rainbow Matchsticks
Price: $13.99
Who needs a traditional match when you could have something far more colorful and fun? This set from Chandler Studio takes ordinary matches and makes them decor-worthy.
Fredericks & Mae Small Matches
Price: $30
Likewise, this black and silver set looks both elegant and magical. I’m already thinking of what jars and labels these would look good with …
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.
Price: $58
Flamingo Estate is a fabulous candle brand, but my purpose for including it here was to spotlight it’s rather gorgeous jar, which, in my humble style editor opinion, would be a fabulous one to display.
Loewe Home Scents Cucumber Scented Candle
Price: $110
Loewe comes up in a lot of conversations at Livingetc. I’d love to take my time burning through this candle only to keep the funky green jar for further use.
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.
Homecourt Candle Accessory Duo
Price: $36
If a wick trimmer helps your candle burn longer, a snuffer helps preserve its pristine appearance while minimizing wax splatter. Two tools are better than one.
Waves Brass Candle Snuffer
Price: $29.95
For a funkier touch, this brass CB2 option makes a lovely deviation on the classic accessory.
