Six Ways To Reuse Candle Jars

We may be biased, but we think our candle containers are pretty, and they shouldn’t be banned to the back of a cabinet, or worse, the trash, when you’re done with them. So we have seven ideas on how to reuse candle jars — all of which we use in our own homes.

Getting started

Before getting started, check out our reuse and recycling guide for information on how to get your candle vessels ready to reuse. This also includes some important safety information (like don’t stick an old candle jar in the microwave!). We will meet you back here when your candle containers are ready to go.

How to reuse candle jars

OK, now that you have clean containers, here are seven ways to reuse them:

1. Plant an herb garden

Hearty herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary could be planted in the containers for a cute windowsill garden. There won’t be any drainage holes (unless you make your own), so just be careful about how much water you use.

2. Propagate plants

A full plant may not do well in such a small container, but you can use these to get plants started. Propagated plants can stay in just water for a few weeks before needing to move to larger planters with dirt.

3. Succulent planter

A little cactus or succulent would look so cute in an old Alcott candle container — in fact, we think this idea could even make a great gift.

4. Brush holder

We use our containers to store our makeup brushes, but if you’re an artist, you could also keep paint brushes here as well. Really any brushes could be stored upright to protect the bristles in old candle jars!

5. Bathroom storage

Q-tips, hair ties, reusable makeup removing wipes — they all fit perfectly in old candle containers. Or if you want to get your toothbrush off the counter and have something nice to look at, an old Alcott candle container will do the trick.

6. Office supplies

See above, but for the things you keep on your desk. Pens, paper clips, hiding your old, tangled headphones — all fair game.

The one thing you can’t do with old candle containers

The sky really is the limit on how to reuse candle jars — with just one exception. You should not use old candle jars to store food products. Candle jars are not food safe, and even after cleaning, there may be wax or fragrance oil that remains in the jar.