How to Repurpose Pretty Candle Jars

While cleaning out my pantry, I found two Bath and Body Works candles that I had saved back with the intention of reusing the jars. They had lasted me about two years, but there wasn't enough wick in either candle to make them worth keeping. I took the plunge and did a little research. My method was a little trial and error, so you might be able to skip a step and still get the same result.

1. Stick the candle jars in the freezer for at least one hour. The wax is "supposed" to seperate from the jar and easily break out. That didn't happen, but I went ahead and put this step in there because it made the next step easier, I think.

2. Immediately after removing the jars from the freezer, peel the labels off. They should peel off really easily. Any residue left behind will be washed off in a later step.

3. Fill a saucepan with water and place the candle jar in the water. Bring it to a boil until all the wax melts. Carefully, use an oven mitt to lift the candle jar out of the water. Use another oven mitt for your other hand and carefully pour the wax into the trash or into a plastic container if you want to reuse it for your wax warmer. 

4. Place the candle jar in the dishwasher along with the lid. It's okay if the wicks are still in place. They will loosen up and come off in the dishwasher. Just make sure you find them and throw them away. I had to put mine through two cycles to get rid of all the residue.

And there you have it! A pretty jar to do whatever you wish with! I used one for q-tips, and the other I decided to fill with a homemade sugar hand scrub.

Here's the easy how-to on that:

Fill the jar about half full of sugar. Pour some Dawn Olay Hand Renewal dish soap over the sugar. You'll need just enough to mix well with the sugar. Use a spoon to mix it until it is well combined. And ta-da! A pretty pink hand scrub to set by your sink. 

Enjoy!

Sara Grace