So, you've burned your L+F candle to the last 1/2" of wax and feel a pang of guilt just tossing your jar in the trash? You're not alone. But I have great news for you! Just because your wick has reached the end of its life doesn't mean your jar and that remaining rim of wax have, too. Reusing your wax and recycling your jars is a quick and easy process, which we're going to teach you right now.

First, let's talk about that last bit of wax left after a candle's burn life. Sure, you can try and burn every last drop of it, except you definitely shouldn't because it's crazy unsafe and actually impossible because your wick will die before it happens. So, don't try it. Seriously.

But, it does sometimes feels like a bummer to throw away wax when you want to get the most out of what you paid for. Luckily, there is an easy solution: make wax melts! Wax melts are used with wax warmers and are another easy way to scent your home.

To Make Wax Melts

All you need to make wax melts are your leftover wax, tweezers, a mold, and a double-boiler. Plus a funnel, if you're feeling fancy. You can purchase molds online, or you can use whatever you have lying around the house like ice cube trays.

1. First, place your jar in a pan filled roughly 1" with water on the stove and turn to medium-high heat.

2. Allow the wax to liquefy. Carefully remove the wick tab and wick sticker with tweezers, along with any wick debris that might be floating around (this is why we trim our wicks, people).

3. Pour the wax into your mold(s), using a funnel if you need more control.

4. Allow the wax to cool and solidify completely before popping out of the mold.

Voila! After making your melts, clean the jar completely with a paper towel before following up with hot soapy water so no wax goes down the drain. Not interested in making wax melts? No biggie. Here are the steps to clean out your jar without preserving wax.

To Clean Your Jar

When it comes to cleaning our candle jars, there are quite a few different methods. But, we're going to show you the one least likely to clog your drains. Rule number one, NEVER POUR WAX DOWN THE DRAIN. So, how do you get wax out of your jar if not liquefying it? We're going to freeze it.

1. Place your jar in the freezer and allow to freeze completely (we recommend at least two hours).
2. Take the jar out of the freezer and carefully cut through the wax with a knife, discarding the chunks and removing the wick tab and wick sticker.
3. Once all the wax is out, wipe down the inside with a paper towel to remove any residue.
4. Scrub clean with hot, soapy water or run through the dishwasher. Be sure the glass is at room temperature before using hot water to prevent the glass from cracking.

And there you go! A clean, sparkling jar ready to be transformed in whatever way your heart desires. Makeup brush holder? Pencil cup? Paper clip storage? The world is your oyster.