How to Reuse Candle Jars and Vessels

Here's a common scenario: you've burned through all 60+ hours of your candle, and now you’re left with an almost empty vessel – or maybe a closet full of them! So, what’s next?

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, “What can I do with my empty candle jars?" Of course, that's a great problem to have because we love knowing that you fully enjoyed your candle! And kudos to you for considering the environment instead of simply tossing the jar into the trash. The good news is, there are plenty of creative ways to your empty Penn & Beech candle vessels, so read on to learn what’s possible!

Tips for Reusing Candle Jars

1. Clean Your Candle Vessel

First, start with a clean, empty vessel. There are lots of ways to do this (a quick web search will deliver plenty of options), but here are a few of our favorite, go-to methods:

• Oven – Remove any labels (Goo Gone can help), then place your vessel in an oven set to the lowest temperature until the remaining wax melts. Carefully remove the vessel from the oven, pour out any melted wax in the trash, and then use a spoon to extract the wick. Wipe the inside with a cloth to remove any remaining wax or soot, then hand wash, rinse, and dry.
• Freezer – Place the vessel in the freezer overnight or until the remaining wax hardens and shrinks. Using a spoon, pop out the block of wax or chip it out in chunks, including the wick. Follow the same steps as above to clean.
• Hair dryer – Melt any remaining wax using a hair dryer and follow the same steps outlined above to remove the wick and clean your vessel.

2. Explore Options for Reusing Your Candle Jars and Vessels

Now that your vessel is empty and clean, your options for giving it a second life are endless! Below are some of our favorite ways to reuse and repurpose our Penn & Beech candle jars and vessels:

• Housing plants – Ceramic and concrete vessels are ideal for propagating plants and herbs! Place a few small rocks at the bottom of the vessel before adding soil to help with drainage. 
• Storing small household items – Glass vessels with a lid are perfect for small objects around the house and car. Paper clips, rubber bands, and even dog treats can be stored – just be sure to clean the vessel thoroughly!
• Keeping essentials in place – Shorter, wider vessels are perfect for corralling objects that are easily lost. Use them for items like keys, jewelry, and other small essentials on a dresser or entryway table for quick access.
• Creating vanity storage – Your prettiest vessels will make any bathroom feel like a fancy spa. Place on a tray and fill with makeup brushes, cotton balls, Q-tips, and more!

Visit Penn & Beech for Help Reusing Candle Jars and Vessels

At Penn & Beech Candle Co., we also offer two in-store options for reusing and recycling vessels, as outlined below.

Refill Your Vessel at Our Shop

Bring your clean, empty P&B vessel into the shop and you can pour into it again for $5 off the price of a new candle. Please note that the vessel must be free of any cracking or damage to ensure a safe burn.

Have a vessel that isn't ours but want to pour into it? You can! The price for a vessel that isn't one of ours is $3.50 per ounce and we can provide you with the exact price at the shop. 

Recycle Your Vessel

If you'd rather pour into a new vessel, we understand! We'll take your empty vessels off your hands to recycle them and will give you a $1 credit per returned vessel to use toward the purchase of a new candle. 

About Our Custom Pour-Your-Own Experience

Already planning on stopping by to refill or recycle your vessel and curious how the pour-your-own experience works? Here’s some details on the process:

• Pick your fragrance(s) – Start by exploring our fragrance collection of 150+ scents to create a custom candle scent that’s unique to you
• Blend your scent – Enjoy mixing together your fragrance with our scent specialists while also sampling local beers, wines, mimosas, and more
• Pour your candle – Bring your custom scent to life while pouring your mixed fragrance into your reused or new vessel

After the pour-your-own process is complete, candles typically take about 2 hours to fully cure before they are ready to take home. But our locations are conveniently located near numerous restaurants and shops, so this would be the perfect time to do some light exploring in the city!

If you’d like to reserve your candle-pouring slot, feel free to schedule online today. We look forward to hosting you for a fun experience, while also supporting a reuse and recycle lifestyle that gives your candle jars a second life.

Contact Us Today with Questions

Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to hello@pennandbeech.com, or get in touch with a team member online. Happy reusing!