Jessie Taylor
Candles housed in glass jars bring warmth and beauty, but to get the most out of them, it's important to know how to safely melt and repurpose the wax and the jar. The type of glass candle jar makes a difference in how the wax melts, and not all candle jars are made to withstand heat. Glass can be surprisingly delicate, and some jars are designed for high heat, while others are not. To melt the wax, you can use a double boiler, microwave, or oven. The double boiler method uses steam as a heat source, while the microwave and oven methods are faster. Once the wax is melted, you can pour it into a mold or another glass jar to create a new candle, adding a new wick and fragrance oil. You can also make wax melts, fire starters, or use the wax in crafting projects.
How to Melt Candles in Glass Jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Glass | Heat-resistant glass, borosilicate glass, thick glass, frosted glass, reinforced glass |
| Glass Jar Safety | Designed for high temperatures, durable, less prone to thermal shock |
| Melting Methods | Double boiler, microwave, oven, hot water pan |
| Melting Steps | Place wax in a smaller pan/bowl/jug, put in a larger pan of hot water, heat over medium heat, monitor temperature |
| Post-Melting Steps | Pour into a mold or jar, add a wick and fragrance oil |
| Safety Precautions | Do not use a knife or sharp object to remove wax, do not microwave jarred candles |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right glass jar
When choosing a glass jar for melting candles, it is important to select one that is specifically designed for high temperatures. Not all candle jars are made to withstand heat, and non-heat-resistant glass could crack or shatter when exposed to high temperatures, which can be hazardous.
Look for jars made from heat-resistant glass, such as borosilicate glass, which is more durable and less prone to thermal shock (the term for what happens when glass cracks under sudden temperature changes). Thick glass candle jars, often used by premium candle brands, offer excellent durability and better heat insulation, making them ideal for prolonged use. Frosted glass candle jars can also handle moderate heat well, making them a stylish yet functional option. Reinforced glass candle holders are specifically designed to withstand the melting process.
If you plan to melt wax in the oven, ensure the jar is oven-safe. You can also use a microwave-safe glass jar if you prefer to melt wax in the microwave. In this case, check for "microwave-safe" or "heatproof" labels on the packaging.
It is important to note that the quality of the glass candle jar will affect how evenly your candle burns and how long it lasts. Therefore, choosing the right jar is crucial to ensuring the safety and functionality of your melted candle.
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Use an oven
Melting candle wax in a glass jar using an oven is one of the most effective and safe ways to melt a candle in a glass jar. This method allows the wax to melt slowly and evenly without overheating the glass. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Preheat your oven
Set your oven to a low temperature, ideally between 150°F and 170°F (65°C to 75°C). Higher temperatures may cause the glass to crack.
Prepare the jar
Place your glass jar on a baking tray lined with aluminium foil to catch any wax that might overflow. Make sure the glass jar you are using can withstand the heat without cracking.
Melt the wax
Put the tray in the oven and let the wax melt. Stay close by and watch it to make sure the wax doesn't overheat. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the jar
Once the wax is fully melted, carefully remove the jar from the oven using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. The jar will be hot, so handle it with care.
Reuse or repurpose the wax
You can now pour the melted wax into a mould or another container for reuse. You can also add essential oils or dried flowers to create scented candles or wax melts.
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Try a double boiler
Glass jars that are not heat-resistant could crack or even shatter when exposed to high temperatures, which can be hazardous. To melt wax in a glass jar safely, one of the most popular methods is to use a double boiler. This method uses steam as a heat source to melt the wax. The steam is generated between two pans, or a bowl and a pan, by the hot water in the bottom pan.
- Fill a large pan with water, around halfway full, and place it on a stove or hotplate to heat up.
- Place your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug. Make sure the container is heat-resistant and suitable for the purpose.
- Put the smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug into the larger pan of hot water. Heat over medium heat until the wax has melted fully.
It is important to note that not all glass candle jars are made to withstand heat. Before attempting to melt wax in a glass jar, ensure that the jar is made from heat-resistant glass, specifically designed for high temperatures. Glass types like borosilicate glass are ideal as they are more durable and less prone to thermal shock (the term for what happens when glass cracks under sudden temperature changes).
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Use a microwave
To melt candles in a glass jar using a microwave, follow these steps:
First, ensure that your glass jar is made from heat-resistant glass, designed for high temperatures. Glass types like borosilicate glass are ideal as they are more durable and less prone to thermal shock (the term for what happens when glass cracks from sudden temperature changes). Thick glass candle jars, frosted glass candle jars, and reinforced glass candle holders are all great options.
Next, pour your wax into a microwavable container. Ceramic and glass dishes are typically safe for the microwave, but always check for "microwave-safe" or "heatproof" labels on the packaging.
Place your container of wax in the microwave and heat for one minute at a time, monitoring the temperature until it reaches 80°C. Do not let your wax exceed this temperature. Continue heating in two-minute intervals until the wax is fully melted.
Once your wax reaches 80°C, remove it from the microwave and place it on a safe, even, covered surface. Use a thermometer to ensure the wax cools down to 70°C before adding colour and fragrance oil. We recommend adding 0.2% colour at 70°C for the best results.
Please note that some sources advise against putting jarred candles in the microwave, as the discs that attach the wick to the holder are made of metal.
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Add essential oils
Adding essential oils to candles in glass jars is a great way to create a natural, fragrant candle. Firstly, it is important to note that the type of essential oil you use will depend on the strength of fragrance you want. Softer oils such as sandalwood and ylang-ylang may be too gentle, whereas stronger oils such as cinnamon, sweet orange, pine, eucalyptus, and rosemary will fill your home with a beautiful aroma.
The amount of essential oil you add is also important. A general guideline is to use one ounce of fragrance per pound of wax, but this can be adjusted to your preference. If you are using a standard-sized glass jar, a good rule of thumb is to use around two teaspoons of essential oil for every 100g of melted wax.
When adding essential oils, it is crucial to ensure that the wax is at the right temperature. If the wax is too cool, the oil may not mix properly and pool in one section. If it is too hot, the active compounds in the oil may be destroyed. The ideal temperature for adding essential oils is 185°F (85°C).
- Measure the amount of wax you need based on the size of your glass jar.
- Place the wax in a melting pot or double boiler and heat until fully melted.
- Once the wax is melted, add your chosen colourant if desired.
- Stir the mixture gently to distribute the colour evenly.
- Allow the wax to cool slightly to the ideal temperature of 185°F (85°C).
- Add your essential oils drop by drop to avoid overpowering the scent.
- Stir gently to distribute the fragrance evenly.
- Prepare your glass jar by placing a wick in the centre and securing it with a wick sticker or hot glue.
- Carefully pour the scented wax into the jar, leaving some space at the top.
- Allow the wax to cool and solidify completely, which may take several hours.
- Once solid, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the wax surface.
By following these steps, you can create beautifully scented candles in glass jars using essential oils. Enjoy the natural fragrance and cosy atmosphere of your handmade candles!
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Frequently asked questions
Not all candle jars are made to withstand heat. Look for jars made from heat-resistant glass, specifically designed for high temperatures. Glass types like borosilicate glass are ideal. Thick glass candle jars, frosted glass candle jars, and reinforced glass candle holders can also withstand the melting process.
There are several ways to melt wax in a glass jar. One way is to use the oven. Put your jar in the oven, set it to the lowest temperature, and wait for the wax to melt. Then, pour the melted wax into a heatproof, pre-warmed measuring cup and transfer it to a new jar with a wick. Another way is to use a double boiler. Fill a large pan with water, place it on a hob or hot plate, and heat. Put your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug, and place it in the large pan. Heat over medium heat until the wax has melted. You can also melt wax in the microwave. Pour the wax into a microwave-safe container and heat for 1 minute at a time, monitoring the temperature until it reaches 80°C. Continue heating in 2-minute intervals until the wax is fully melted.
You can pour the melted wax into a mold or another glass jar to create a new candle. Adding a new wick and some fragrance oil can give the wax a second life. You can also make wax melts, fire starters, scented sachets, or use the wax in crafting projects like sealing envelopes or making lip balms.
Always use heat-resistant glass jars to avoid cracking or shattering. Do not put a jarred candle in the microwave as the metal discs that attach the wick to the holder can be dangerous. You can place the jar in the freezer to pop out the wax instead of melting it.
