Turn your empty candle jars into new, beautifully scented candles with this simple, thrifty step-by-step guide.

Can you refill candle jars with new candles? Yes Absolutely!

If you’ve spent a small fortune on beautiful candles or received them as gifts, you’re not alone. And if you have empty jars you don’t want to throw away, even better, they’re perfect for refilling.

Good news: you can refill candle jars with new wax and fragrances, and it’s easier than you think. As a long-time candle maker, I refill jars for myself and for customers who return their empty vessels. It’s a fun, thrifty, and eco-friendly way to make your home smell beautiful while saving money.

Step 1 — Clean Your Candle Jars

Cleaning is the most time-consuming step, but it makes all the difference in the finished product.

• Beeswax → sticky, hard, very textured
• Soy wax → soft, creamy, melts easily
• Paraffin → firm, smooth, easy to remove

How to clean your jars:

1. Place a garbage bowl or box on your counter.
2. Use a heat gun to warm the leftover wax. It will melt and soften.
3. Use an old spoon, butter knife, or even a popsicle stick to remove the wax and old wicks.
4. Wipe out the inside while warm.
5. Wash jars with hot, soapy water.
6. For extra shine: spray with isopropyl alcohol + wipe.

Safety note:

The jars get hot — wear gloves or use a cloth.

Step 2 — Select Your New Fragrances

Now for the fun part. Lay out all your empty jars and group them by size.
This step helps you calculate how much wax you’ll need.

Example Calculation:

• 1 × 8oz jar
• 1 × 4oz jar
• 1 × 16oz jar

TOTAL: 28 oz of jar space

Choose your fragrances next. I usually make two or three candles with the same scent — it keeps things simple and beautifully consistent.

Pro Tip: Check your wax supplier’s guide for the proper wax-to-fragrance ratio before pouring. Different waxes expand and contract as they get heated and cool down.

Thrifty Tip: Combine half bottles of similar scents (like vanilla and amber) for a custom blend. It’s a great way to stretch your supplies.

Download Your Free Candle Refill Printables

Grab this cosy 2-page printable set, including:

• Page 1: A sheet of inspirational candle quote tags
• Page 2: A matching sheet of blank tags for handwritten notes

Perfect for gifting your refilled candles or adding a personal touch to other homemade items.

Includes both US Letter and A4 sizes for easy printing

Step 3 — Melt the Wax & Wick Your Jars

On low heat, melt your wax in a double boiler or melting pot.
While it melts:

• Choose a wick size appropriate for the jar diameter
• Use wick stickers or a glue gun to secure wicks
• Use wick holders to keep them straight (I often use clothespins)

I use a mix of wood and cotton wicks, depending on the jar; this is completely your preference.

Step 4 — Add Fragrance & Pour Your Candles

Once your wax reaches the correct temperature (usually 160°F–180°F, depending on wax type):

1. Add fragrance oil to the wax
2. Stir gently for 1–2 minutes
3. Pour the wax into your jars slowly, leaving about 1/2″ at the top for wax pooling.
4. Let the candles cure overnight before trimming the wicks.

For the best scent throw and even burning, let your candles cure for about 1 to 2 weeks before lighting.

Want to Experiment?

Candle refill kits are great for beginners. They come with pre-measured wicks, wax, and instructions, perfect for small-batch DIY projects.

Step 5 — Enjoy Your New Candles

Once cured, trim your wicks, wipe fingerprints from jars, add new sticker labels and enjoy your reclaimed candles. You’ve saved money, reduced waste, and created something beautiful, all from leftover jars.

Why Refill Candles?

Refilling candles is more than a hobby; it’s an act of resourcefulness and sustainability. You’ll:

• Save money on new candles
• Reuse jars instead of discarding them
• Customise scents, colours, and containers
• Learn how to remelt a candle safely
• Keep beautiful glass containers out of the landfill.

Those jars are too beautiful to throw away. Refilling them keeps them out of the landfill and gives you something lovely to enjoy again. And if you’d rather not make them yourself, many candle makers happily refill jars or offer a small return discount.

Something is calming about pouring a candle. It’s simple, mindful, and a little ritual that makes your home smell warm and welcoming without spending anything extra.

Final Thought

The next time your favourite candle burns out, don’t throw away the jar, refill it, relight it, and enjoy it all over again.

Download Your Free Candle Refill Printables

A cosy 2-page set including

• Inspirational candle quote tags
• Matching blank tags for handwritten notes

Choose your preferred paper size: