Easy Planter Hack: How to Convert Used Candle Containers to Cool Planters in Minutes

I’ve been hoarding a handful of candles that I burned out to the end of their wicks, but couldn’t bring myself to throw them away because I loved the containers they came in too much. Has this happened to anyone else or I’m just a bonafide hoarder at this point?

So, today I’m sharing a clever way you can reuse those precious candle containers for something entirely new… All the planters in that photo above are actually old candle containers turned cool planters. The process for removing the wax / wicks and converting them to planters is really easy too, so I’m sharing the tutorial today.

Materials

• old candle containers
• old rags or paper towels
• a pot larger than your candle containers
• large paper cup, paper bowl, or paper plate
• tongs
• dish soap
• soil and small plants

How to Convert Candle Containers to Planters

1. The first thing that you need to do is remove the excess candle wax and wick from the container and get it nice and clean. To do this, heat some water in a pot on the stove and right before it begins to boil, carefully add the candle container to the pot (using tongs).

Note about how much water to use: You want the water level to be slightly lower than the height of your candle container, so that if it sinks, you won’t end up with melted candle wax in your stovetop pot.

2. You’ll see the wax start to melt from the inside of the container. Once all the wax has melted, remove the container from the pot (again with tongs) and pour the melted candle wax into a paper cup or something similar that can be disposed of). Often times, the wick will come out when you pour out the candle wax as well. But if it doesn’t use the tongs or a pair or tweezers to yank the wick out of the container. It will come out easily.

3. Then, using an old rag or paper towels, wipe out the inside of the container of the remaining melted wax residue. Be careful not to burn yourself though, the container will still be hot from being in the boiling water. Wear gloves if necessary.

4. Once all the wax has thoroughly been removed, rinse the container out with soap and water. Dry and it’s ready for soil and plants. That’s it!

Note: If you have any plants that you’d like to use for this project that require planter drainage, you can drill a hole through the bottom of the container using a particular drill bit. You can use a glass / tile drill bit for harder or glazed surfaces and use a masonry drill bit for ceramics and terra-cotta pots. Then you’ll need a little saucer or plate underneath.

I didn’t go this route, but wanted to mention just in case you’d like to.

Photography Amelia Lawrence

Do you have any candles around you house that you could use for this project?

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