Jessie Taylor
Moving a candle into a new jar is a simple process that can be done by anyone. It is a great way to reduce waste and reuse old candle jars, giving them a second life. Whether you want to transfer wax from a broken candle or move a new candle to a different jar, there are several methods to do so. This includes melting the wax and pouring it into a new jar, using a double boiler or oven, or freezing the candle and moving the wax. With some creativity, you can give your old candle jars a brand-new purpose.
How to move a candle into a new jar
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why move candles into a new jar | To reduce waste, repurpose glass jars, and minimise environmental footprint |
| First step | Pry out large wax chunks with a butter knife or spoon |
| Next step | Pour boiling water into the jar, leaving some space at the top |
| Alternatively, place the candle in a small pot, then place the small pot in a larger pot filled with water | |
| Or, place the jar in the oven at the lowest setting | |
| Or, place the jar in the freezer for a few hours | |
| Next step | Remove the wax from the jar |
| Alternatively, wait for the wax to float to the top and harden, then remove | |
| Next step | Clean the jar with soap and water, or vinegar or rubbing alcohol for stubborn residue |
| Next step | Attach a wick to the bottom of the jar using wax or a wick sticker |
| Next step | Melt the wax and pour it into the jar, stopping 1/2 inch below the rim |
| Next step | Allow the wax to set for about an hour |
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What You'll Learn
Removing wax from the old candle jar
Removing wax from an old candle jar is simple and requires no special equipment. Here are four methods to achieve this:
Freezing
Place the candle jar in a freezer for several hours. The wax will freeze and shrink, making it easier to remove. After removing the jar from the freezer, use a butter knife to loosen the wax from the sides of the jar. You can then simply peel the wax off or use a paper towel to wipe it away. This method is especially useful for large vessels, as they will need to sit in the freezer for a long time.
Hot Water
This method involves using hot water to melt the wax. Place the candle jar in a pot or large metal bowl on a heat-safe surface. You can put a folded dish towel under the jar to prevent it from moving. Pour boiling water into the pot, ensuring that the water does not get into the candle jar. Allow the jar to sit in the hot water until the wax has softened. Then, remove the jar from the water, and the wax should pop right out. If not, use a butter knife to loosen it. Finally, wash the jar with soap and water to remove any residue.
Oven
To use this method, scrape out as much wax as you can with a butter knife or spoon. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking pan with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Place the candle jar upside down on the pan and set it in the oven. The wax will melt and can be wiped away with a paper towel. Alternatively, you can heat the jar with a hairdryer set to "hot". Just be sure to wear an oven mitt to protect your hands.
Microwave
If you have a microwave-safe jar, you can place it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to melt the wax. Afterward, simply wipe away the wax with a paper towel. This method is useful for spot-treating areas with stubborn wax.
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Cleaning the old candle jar
Cleaning an old candle jar is an easy way to reduce waste and repurpose high-quality glass or ceramic containers. Before cleaning, ensure that the jar is free of any remaining wax. This can be done by melting the wax and pouring it out, or by placing the jar in the freezer for a few hours to make it easier to pop out the wax in one piece.
Once the wax has been removed, the next step is to tackle any residue left behind. This can be done by using a butter knife or spoon to gently pry off any large chunks of wax still stuck to the jar. Then, pour boiling water into the jar, leaving a little space at the top. As the warm water cools, the wax will float to the top and harden, making it easy to remove.
After removing the hardened wax, use a sponge with some dish soap to scrub the jar, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies. If there is any stubborn wax residue or adhesive from labels, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vinegar to a cloth or cotton pad and gently rub the affected area. Finally, rinse the jar thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap or alcohol residue and dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry.
It is important to note that you should never put a jarred candle in the microwave, as the metal discs that attach the wick to the holder can be dangerous.
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Preparing the new jar
Firstly, ensure your new jar is clean, dry, and free of any old wax or residue. This is an important step, as any remaining wax or residue can affect the burning of your new candle. Use a butter knife or spoon to gently remove any large wax chunks. Be careful not to scratch the glass. Then, pour boiling water into the jar, filling it almost to the top. As the water cools, the wax will float to the top and harden. Once it has hardened, remove the wax, and use a sponge with dish soap to scrub away any remaining residue. If there is any stubborn wax or adhesive, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vinegar on a cloth to gently rub the area.
Next, you will need to attach the wick to the bottom of the jar. You can use a bit of melted wax or a wick sticker to secure the wick tab in place. Cut the wick to the appropriate length, leaving about 2 inches taller than the jar. You can use a pre-waxed wick or coat it yourself by dipping it into melted wax. To keep the wick centred and upright, wrap the top around a pencil or skewer, and rest it on top of the jar.
Now your new jar is almost ready! If you are using fragrance oils or essential oils for a scented candle, add them to your wax now, before pouring it into the jar.
With these steps, you will have a clean and prepared jar, ready for its new purpose as a candle container.
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Melting the wax
Melting wax is a delicate process, and there are several methods you can use. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, remove any large chunks of wax from your jar with a butter knife or spoon. Be gentle, using persuasion rather than force. Next, boil some water and carefully pour it into the jar, leaving a little space at the top. The hot water will melt the remaining wax, and as the water cools, the wax will float to the top and harden. Once the wax has reformed, remove it from the jar.
Alternatively, you can melt the wax itself rather than using hot water. This can be done in a few ways. One method is to place the wax in a small pot, which is then placed inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer, and the wax will melt. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, so be aware that some waxes may take longer to melt than others.
Another option is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting, and place the jar inside, ensuring any labels or stickers have been removed first. Once the wax is melted, scoop it out carefully.
You can also melt wax in the microwave, but this is not recommended for jarred candles as the discs that attach the wick are often made of metal. If you are melting wax without the jar, however, the microwave is an option. Place the wax in a microwavable tub or a glass dish to catch any spills, and heat for one minute at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon or skewer between intervals to melt any stubborn pieces.
Finally, you can use a double boiler, filling the bottom with water and placing the wax in the top part or a heat-safe bowl. Allow the wax to melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Most waxes melt at around 160-180°F (70-80°C).
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Pouring the wax into the new jar
To pour the wax into a new jar, you will first need to melt the wax. One way to do this is to boil water in a kettle or on a stove and pour it into the candle jar, leaving some space at the top. The hot water will melt the wax, and as it cools, the wax will float to the top and harden. You can then remove the wax from the jar. Alternatively, you can place the candle jar in a small pot and then place that pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer, melting the wax.
Once the wax is melted, you can pour it into your chosen new jar. Stop pouring when the wax level is about half an inch below the rim of the jar. Leave the wax to set for about an hour. To even out the well in the centre, pour more wax until it is a quarter of an inch below the rim. You can also add a wick to your new jar before pouring in the wax. Cut a piece of wicking that is about two inches taller than the jar. Knot one end and thread the other through a wick tab. Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of the jar. Rest the skewer across the rim of the jar to keep the wick centred and upright.
Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 180°F (37 to 82°C), so the time it takes to melt the wax will vary. It is also important to note that the discs that attach a wick to a holder are made of metal, so never put a jarred candle in the microwave.
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Frequently asked questions
One way to remove wax from an old candle jar is to boil water in an electric kettle and pour it into the jar, leaving a little space at the top. The hot water will melt the wax, which will then float to the top as the water cools. Once the wax has hardened, it can be easily removed.
To clean the jar, use a sponge with some dish soap and scrub the jar with soapy water, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies. If there is any stubborn wax residue or adhesive from labels, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vinegar on a cloth to gently rub the affected area. Finally, rinse the jar with warm water and dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry.
First, ensure your new jar is clean, dry, and free of any old wax or residue. Attach the wick to the bottom of the jar using a bit of melted wax or a wick sticker. Break or cut your old candles into smaller pieces and place them in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over medium heat. Allow the wax to melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into your new jar, stopping about half an inch below the rim. Let it stand until it sets, which should take about an hour.
