If you're a fan of KIHO home candles, you know how lovely their glass jars are. Once the candle burns out, it feels like a waste to throw them away. Fortunately, you can easily clean and repurpose these jars for a variety of uses, giving them a second life. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also allows you to add a decorative touch to your home or organize small items.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to clean your KIHO candle jars and give you some creative ideas for how to repurpose them.
Why Repurpose Your KIHO Candle Jars?
Before diving into the process, it’s worth understanding why repurposing these jars is a great idea:
- Sustainability: Instead of tossing glass into the recycling bin, you can find new uses for the jars, reducing the demand for new materials.
- Aesthetic: KIHO’s jars are often beautiful, minimalist, and versatile. They can add an elegant touch to any space.
- Organization: The jars can be used to store small items, helping you declutter and organize your space.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need to properly clean and repurpose your KIHO candle jars:
- A butter knife or spoon
- Boiling water or hot tap water
- Dish soap
- Baking soda (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
- A sponge or cloth
- Paper towels or a rag
Step 2: Remove the Leftover Wax
After your candle has burned out, there will often be some wax residue at the bottom of the jar. Here’s how to remove it:
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Method 1: Freeze and Scoop: Place the jar in the freezer for a few hours. Once the wax is frozen, it will contract slightly and become brittle. Use a butter knife or spoon to gently lift and scrape out the wax.
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Method 2: Boiling Water: Pour boiling water into the jar, leaving some space at the top. The heat will melt the leftover wax, causing it to float to the surface. Once the water cools and the wax hardens, simply remove it.
If there’s any wax residue left after either method, you can clean it out using hot water and dish soap.
Step 3: Remove the Wick Holder
KIHO candles typically have a metal wick holder at the bottom of the jar. After removing the wax, you can easily pry this out using a butter knife or spoon. If it’s particularly stubborn, apply a bit of rubbing alcohol to loosen the adhesive.
Step 4: Clean the Jar
Once the wax and wick holder are removed, it’s time to give the jar a good cleaning:
- Wash the jar with hot water and dish soap to remove any remaining wax and soot.
- If any residue remains, sprinkle some baking soda onto a damp sponge and scrub the inside of the jar.
- Rinse the jar thoroughly, ensuring no wax or soapy residue is left behind.
- Dry the jar with a towel or let it air dry.
Step 5: Remove Labels and Stickers
If your KIHO jar has a label or sticker that you want to remove, soak the jar in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes. The warm water will loosen the adhesive, making it easy to peel off. For any remaining sticky residue, use rubbing alcohol or a bit of baking soda and water to scrub it away.
Step 6: Repurpose Your KIHO Candle Jars
Now that your jar is clean and ready, here are some creative ways to repurpose it around your home:
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Storage for Small Items: Use the jar to store cotton balls, cotton swabs, or makeup pads in your bathroom. They can also hold small office supplies like paper clips or push pins on your desk.
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Planters: The sleek design of KIHO jars makes them ideal as small planters for succulents, herbs, or small indoor plants. Just ensure to add a bit of gravel at the bottom to allow for drainage if needed.
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Vase: Turn your jar into a stylish vase for flowers, whether fresh or dried. The minimalist look of the jar complements both modern and rustic decor.
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Candle Holder: Why not use it as a candle holder again? Fill the jar with a new soy wax candle or simply place a tea light or votive candle inside for a soft glow.
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DIY Beauty Products: Store homemade scrubs, bath salts, or other beauty products in the jars. Their airtight lids will keep your concoctions fresh and looking great on your bathroom counter.
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Kitchen Organization: Use the jar to hold small kitchen items like spices, sugar, or loose tea. Add a small chalkboard label or tag to the front for an organized and chic kitchen space.
Step 7: Customize Your Jar (Optional)
If you want to get creative, you can customize your jar with paint, ribbon, or decorative labels. You can personalize it based on its new use or simply make it match your decor. Here are a few ideas:
- Paint the lid with chalk paint and label what’s inside.
- Wrap a ribbon or twine around the jar’s neck for a rustic look.
- Use glass paint or adhesive gems to decorate the outside for a pop of color.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning and repurposing KIHO home candle jars is a fun, eco-friendly way to reduce waste and add a unique touch to your home. With just a bit of effort, you can transform these stylish jars into functional pieces that serve a variety of purposes.
So the next time your candle burns out, don’t throw the jar away—clean it up, get creative, and give it a new life!