Glass candle jars and containers are great items to reuse. It is nice to reuse them, especially since the cost of the candles is generally so expensive. The glass jars can make pretty additions around your home. There are so many things you can do with them. For some examples, you can:
- Put Potpourri in them
- Use them to make your own candles
- Put pine-cones in them and use them for holiday centerpieces
- Store candy in them
- Add some pretty stones or seashells for a pretty decoration
- Use them to create “gifts in a jar”
- Store small items in them, such as nails, screws and bolts, little girl hair clips, buttons, etc.
There are many more possibilities for these useful containers. But, one of the problems with reusing glass candle jars and other candle containers is all of the soot and wax that is left behind from normal use. it can be pretty tough to get out.
Some people try micro-waving the jar, but that really isn’t a great idea. The glass can shatter, and if the wick still has a metal base, you can fry your microwave and cause a fire.
Others use hot water to soften the wax and make it easier to remove. That isn’t a bad idea, but often there is still a residue left behind that takes some effort to scrape off.
Here is my favorite way to remove the wax and soot. Turn the jar upside down in a vegetable steamer. Add water to the steamer, just as you would if you were steaming vegetables. Cover and allow the machine to steam for 10 to 15 minutes. The soot will be gone, and once the water cools, you can just easily skim off the candle wax.
Do you reuse your candle jars?
Mary Ann Romans also writes for the Computing Blog here at Families.com where she shares everything from the latest news on technology to cool downloads and fun websites.
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