My Friend’s Bathroom Storage Trick Is So Smart and Stylish, I Had to Steal It

My friend Erin and I have shared countless hacks and tips with each other during our decade-long friendship — recipes for incredible spaghetti Bolognese and smash burgers, and ways to use our favorite skincare products come to mind. But during a dinner at her house four years ago, I found what may be my most beloved hack yet. In fact, I loved it so much that I told her I was stealing it on the spot.

While I was washing my hands at her bathroom sink, my eyes happened upon a specific item on her counter … and my jaw actually dropped open when I realized what I was seeing. Instead of a standard toothbrush holder, her toothbrush and toothpaste were resting inside a Diptyque candle jar. I was immediately enamored of this idea, and decided I had to try it for myself.

I’ve made multiple efforts to reduce my carbon footprint in recent years, like recycling cans and bottles and renting clothing from Nuuly or Rent The Runway instead of constantly purchasing new items. But what I’ve really tried to do is find new uses for older items, rather than recycling or throwing them away. I love figuring out a new way to give life to something that would otherwise seem like trash. And upcycling a candle jar by turning it into a toothbrush holder? Now that was right up my alley!

I have fairly expensive tastes when it comes to candles, so it will come as no surprise that I share Erin’s love for Diptyque. In fact, at the time I noticed her toothbrush holder, I had multiple Diptyque candles in my apartment waiting to be burned. I’m telling the absolute truth when I say I went home that night and immediately lit one with the intention of burning it down and turning it into a toothbrush holder of my very own. 

In the past four years, I’ve switched out my toothbrush holder every six months for a new Diptyque scent. (And don’t worry — I recycle the old jar once I’m done!) I burn the classic 6.5-ounce size, which I think is perfect for holding my toothbrush and toothpaste, plus it fits perfectly into the tray I keep on my bathroom counter. I like to burn one in line with the seasons — Roses, Baies, and Jasmin are among my favorite scents, but honestly I love them all. 

After burning the candle down to the end, I scrape out the remaining wax. (Another hack: To release stubborn candle wax, I store the jar in the freezer overnight, which hardens the wax and makes it easier to remove.) After removing the wax, I soak the jar in a solution of water and Dawn dishwashing soap for a few hours, and then wash it well and let it dry. 

After that? The candle jar is ready to be turned into a holder for my toothbrush and toothpaste! I truly love how chic this makes my bathroom look. I’ve also found that the jar is much easier to clean than a typical holder, so I don’t need to worry about germs or bacteria settling into the bottom or sides of the glass. 

Diptyque candles are pricey (my last Roses candle was $76), which is why I love this opportunity to continue to make use of them by upcycling the jars. However, this would work with any candle jar — so whether you want to spend $5 or $75, you can still turn it into a toothbrush holder afterward. I’m thankful to Erin for introducing me to this little bit of luxury in my bathroom every day.