Repurpose An Old Thrift Store Mug To Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh - Here's How

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If there's one thing that thrift stores always have a slew of, it's old coffee mugs. Places like Goodwill typically have a long shelf filled with a random selection. You can find mugs in every color, shape, size — even vintage mugs that have major cottagecore vibes. You might not need a new set for your coffee bar, but you may want to grab a few to repurpose. It turns out that mugs make the cutest containers for homemade scented candles.

First, grab yourself some coffee mugs from the thrift store. Since there are so many to choose from, pick what speaks to you and matches your existing home décor. If a holiday is approaching, consider using festive mugs that match that season. You're also going to need candle-making supplies, like a 100-pack of EricX Light Cotton Candle Wicks for under $6, glue, a double boiler, essential oils, and wax. You can either purchase the wax from a craft store or, better yet, gather up all your half-used candles you'll never light again. 

If you want to use leftover candles but they're stuck in jars, try this method to remove them. Place them inside your freezer and leave them there for several hours or overnight. Then, slide a butter knife around the edge of the wax and it should pop right out. By upcycling your old candles, you'll keep the cost of the project low. As we all know, store-bought candles can be expensive, but with this project, you can create multiple candles for the price of just one.

Start by removing any barcode labels or pricing stickers from your mug and washing it. Then, glue a wick to the inside of the mug, in the bottom. Balance a pencil or stick on the rim and use a clothespin to attach the wick to it. This holds the wick upright, which will be helpful when pouring in your wax. Use a double boiler to melt your candle wax until it's liquid. If the wax doesn't have a lovely smell already, add a few drops of essential oil to give it some fragrance.

If you don't have a double boiler, you can create a DIY version by adding an inch or so of water to a small saucepan. Sit a metal bowl on top of the saucepan so that it completely covers it. Make sure the water isn't touching the bowl — the steam from the boiling water melts the wax. Carefully pour the melted wax into your mug and set the mug aside until the wax has completely set. Lastly, trim your wick. You now have a gorgeous DIY candle that will have your house smelling like a dream whenever you light it.

Lighting mug candles is a great way to enhance your home's ambiance, especially if you create a beautiful DIY candle centerpiece by arranging multiple mugs together. If you'd prefer to not use wax, you can also transform the mugs into all-natural air fresheners with common kitchen ingredients. Fill them with used coffee grounds, which will help absorb bad smells and give off a coffeehouse aroma. Or, add baking soda and a few drops of essential oil, which can also help to neutralize bad odors and freshen the air.

Place your homemade candles or deodorizers in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, or anywhere in your house that needs a pop of scent. Since the mugs themselves can be lovely looking, they make for charming home décor. Plus, they are excellent gifts for whenever a birthday and holiday rolls around. With so many mug options available at the thrift store, you can personalize your DIY creations by finding cups with a funny quote, or in your loved one's favorite color or design.