The most eco friendly scented candles are the ones you burn right down. That sounds too simple, but plenty of jars end up half full on a shelf. If you never finish a candle, you waste wax, glass and money. Here are three easy habits that help you use what you already own.
Why eco friendly scented candles are the ones you finish
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a charity that studies the circular economy, says products should stay in use for as long as possible. That is the charity's view, not a rule for candles. It is still an easy idea to try at home.
Most half used jars come from one of three problems. The candle tunnelled (it burned straight down and left wax up the sides), the scent got boring, or something new arrived. All three are fixable.
Why do so many candles end up half used?
Often the first burn was too short. A short burn leaves a narrow pool of liquid wax, and the candle digs a tunnel. Our burn time guide explains how long to let it go.
Small jar candles with lid keep scent fresh between burns
If your jar has a lid, use it. A lid keeps dust off the wax and holds the scent in. Refillable jars come with one, so you can keep the glass and swap only the wax. See the refillable jars if that suits you.
Next, choose a scent you will actually finish. A scent you only half like sits at the back of the shelf. If you love flowers, the Floral range is an easy place to find one you will reach for each evening.
Make use of the last scented candle wax
The wick may burn out while wax is still left in the jar. Warm it out of the jar and melt it in a wax melt warmer. The scent is still there, so you get more hours from the same candle.
A clean jar then has a second life. Home magazine Apartment Therapy suggests using it as a small vase or a pen holder. A few cut spring flowers look lovely in one.
Quick answers
Can you recycle a candle jar in Australia?
Maybe, but rules differ by council. Apartment Therapy warns that glass with wax left on it should not go in the recycling bin. Clean the jar first, then check your council or Recycling Near You.
How long should I burn a candle to use all of it?
Long enough for the wax to melt across the whole top. That stops tunnelling and wasted wax. The burn time guide has the detail.
If you want a candle you will finish, start with a scent you love. Have a look at the Floral range, or a refillable jar if you like to keep your glass.
Related reading
- What To Do With The Last Bit Of Wax In A Candle Jar: how to get every last hour from a candle
- Eco Friendly Scented Candles Start With One Simple Refill: why keeping the jar cuts packaging waste
- Candle With Fragrance: How Long Should You Burn It?: the first burn rules that stop tunnelling
