Use up leftover jar candles

photo by Charles Williams

The first tip is a great way to get the most out of your jar candles. It’s much easier than popping the wax out, melting the candles in a double boiler, and pouring into tart molds or adding a new wick.

CANDLE WARMER: Get a candle warmer for less than $10. I use them when the candle wax is almost gone and can no longer light the wick. It melts them quickly, and it smells just as great in the house as if it were lit, and the wax stays for a long time. I turn on a Yankee candle — a gift two years ago — every day. It still smells great, and even cheap candles work well, too! — Palooka, Missouri

KEEP OUT DRAFTS: I save flat pieces of Styrofoam suitable for placing in a window. I cover them with a paper or fabric that coordinates with the room. They can make a significant difference in heating. I especially do this with my bathroom window, since I intensely dislike having a drafty shower. Got the idea from a friend about 30 years ago. — Edna, New Mexico

MIX YOUR OWN: We bought powdered starch to make our own. For the same cost of one can, the box will make 20 or more homemade bottles. You use only a tablespoon for each mix. Also, I have not bought a specific cleaner for the stovetop in years. I just use dishwashing detergent, either squirted from the bottle or diluted in water in a spray bottle. The tip is not to wait for the mess to build up over many days or to let it dry too much. After you eat dinner, just give the stovetop a wipe (and scrub if need be). — M.F., Australia

GIFT CONTAINER: One year, I saved coffee cans. I spray painted them and hot-glued cute scenes on them. Then I put a gift in them, and they were Christmas presents. Most people used the cans long after the gift was gone. I remember painting one with cute birdhouses and embellishing (using hot glue) with buttons, Spanish moss, ribbon, etc. My friend did a beautiful one with angels. We put little loaves of Amish friendship bread and coffee in them. — Lea Ann, Virginia

WASH SHEER CURTAINS: Clean in the washer without them coming apart by putting them in an old pillowcase. Loosely tie the top, and throw in the washing machine. — Piney, Arkansas

LEFTOVER ORGANIZATION: I try to keep leftovers in the refrigerator all on the same shelf/shelves. That way, it catches my attention when I open the door. — Patti, New York

REUSE NEWSPAPER BAG: We use them to slide a paint roller (or paintbrush) into, either to keep it from drying out between coats of paint or to grab onto to remove a paint roller to toss into the trash when we’re done and can’t reuse the roller. — Karen, Kansas

Posted by Sara Noel on December 8 2009. Filed under Frugal Tips.
Sara Noel owns Frugal Village, LLC and is a nationally syndicated columnist with Universal Uclick. Bio, Follow me on Twitter, Join us on Facebook