When you're down to the last 1/2" of candle left, it's time to repurpose. Repurposing a glass candle vessel into drinkware or a planter is a creative and eco-friendly way to give new life to an otherwise discarded item. Here’s a step-by-step guide to transforming your used candle containers into functional and decorative pieces.
Materials Needed:
- Used glass candle vessel
- Boiling water or freezer
- Dish soap
- Scraper or butter knife
- Baking soda (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol
- White vinegar
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Plant (for planter option)
- Soil (for planter option)
Step 1: Remove Remaining Wax:
1. Boiling Water Method
- Pour boiling water into the candle vessel, leaving some space at the top.
- Let the water sit for a few hours. The heat will melt the wax, causing it to float to the top.
- Once the wax solidifies, remove it with a spoon or fork.
2. Freezer Method
- Place the candle vessel in the freezer for overnight.
- After the wax has frozen, turn the vessel upside down under hot running water. The wax should drop out after a short while. If it does not drop out on its own, you may need to use a butter knife or scraper to break it up and remove it.
Step 2: Clean the Vessel:
1. Soap and Water
- Wash the vessel with warm soapy water to remove any waxy residue or soot around the edge.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the inside gently.
2. Remove Labels and Adhesive
- Soak the vessel in warm soapy water to loosen labels.
- Use a scraper, wick dipper tool, or butter knife to peel off the labels.
- For any remaining adhesive, apply rubbing alcohol, let it sit for a minute then scrub with a soft cloth or paper towel.
3. Baking Soda Paste (Optional)
- Make a paste of baking soda and water.
- Apply it to the inside of the vessel and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any lingering residue.
Step 3: Repurpose the Vessel:
As Drinkware/Barware:
1. Inspection
- Ensure the glass is free from any cracks or chips that could make it unsafe for drinking.
2. Sanitization
- Soak the vessel in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
3. Usage
- Your glass candle vessel is now ready to be used as drinkware. It can be used for cold beverages, and if the glass is thick enough, it may even be suitable for hot drinks. Always test with a small amount of hot liquid first to ensure it doesn’t crack.
We love to use ours as barware for Old Fashioneds or our favorite libation served neat or on the rocks!
As a Planter:
1. Prepare for Planting
- If the vessel lacks drainage holes, create a layer of pebbles at the bottom to aid with drainage.
- Alternatively, you can drill a hole in the bottom if you have the right tools and skills.
2. Add Soil
- Fill the vessel with potting soil, leaving about an inch from the top.
3. Planting
- Place your plant into the soil, ensuring the roots are covered and the plant is secure.
- Add more soil if necessary and gently press down to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering
- Water the plant lightly to settle the soil.
- Be cautious not to overwater, especially if the vessel lacks drainage holes.
As Anything Else: Your clean glass vessel can also be used in the bathroom to store your cotton swabs or cotton balls. You can truly keep just about anything in this minimalistic, classy and clean vessel.
Remember, the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination run wild and repurpose your candle vessel in a way that suits your style and needs.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at info@vintagevirgocandleco.com. Show us how you repurpose your vessel by tagging us on social media Instagram or Facebook: @vintagevirgo_candleco.
Happy repurposing!
xo, VintageVirgo
