Tyler Brooks
There are many ways to remove candle wax from a jar, but removing the smell can be a little trickier. Before you begin, make sure you have removed all the wax from your jar. Then, try filling the jar with vinegar and water and leaving it upside down for a few hours. After letting it sit, shake the jar, rinse it out, and wash it again. If the smell persists, add more vinegar and repeat the process. Alternatively, you can fill the jar with hot water and baking soda, put the lid on, and shake vigorously. Rinse and give it another smell. If you are trying to remove the scent from the jar's lid, try leaving it out in the sun for a few days with a spray of bleach cleaner, then run it through the dishwasher.
Techniques to remove candle smell from a jar
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Remove wax | Boil water and pour it into the jar, leaving an inch of space at the top. Once the water has cooled, the wax will solidify and can be removed. Alternatively, freeze the jar and then tap it on a flat surface to remove the wax. |
| Clean jar | Use warm water, soap, and a sponge to scrub the interior. Dry the jar with a dish or paper towel. For persistent residue, use an adhesive remover. |
| Remove smell | Fill the jar with vinegar and water, then shake and rinse. Alternatively, use baking soda and water, shaking vigorously. |
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What You'll Learn
Soak in hot water
So, you've managed to get all the wax out of your candle jar, but the scent is lingering. One way to tackle this is to soak the jar in hot water. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, boil enough water to fill your candle jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Carefully pour the hot water into the jar. The hot water will help to melt any remaining waxy residue. Allow the water to cool completely, which will cause the wax to solidify, making it easy to remove. Ensure your sink drain is stopped, then carefully strain the water and any candle remnants. You may want to save the wax for future use. It's important to remove all the wax remnants from the sink to prevent clogging before you release the drain stopper.
Alternatively, if you prefer a gentler approach, you can try a warm-water soak. Close your sink drain and fill the sink with warm water. Submerge the jar without its lid for about 30 minutes. The warmth will soften the wax, making it easier to dislodge. This method is effective but may cause the jar's label to come off.
If you're dealing with a stubborn scent, you can add a few extra ingredients to the hot water soak. Try adding salt and baking soda to the hot water, put the lid on, and shake vigorously. Rinse and then give the jar a sniff. If the smell persists, repeat the process.
Another option is to fill the jar halfway with water and add about half a teaspoon of baking soda (adjust the amount for larger jars). Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. If the jar still smells, add more baking soda and repeat the process.
Remember, it's important to ensure that all wax has been removed from the jar before attempting to remove the scent. You can try placing the jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and become easier to remove. Then, give the jar a quick wash with warm water and soap, and it will be ready for its next use!
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Use baking soda and water
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is often used to absorb odours. To remove candle smells from a jar, start by pouring very hot or boiling water into the jar. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Next, add a few teaspoons of baking soda (more for larger jars) and, if you like, a bit of salt. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. If the smell persists, add more baking soda and repeat the process.
Alternatively, you can make a paste with baking soda and water. Hunker recommends a ratio of three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply this paste all over the inside of the jar and lid with a washcloth or sponge. Leave it to sit overnight and then rinse.
If you want to remove the candle wax as well as the smell, try adding vinegar to the jar before adding hot water. This will help to remove any oil particles from the scent or wax, while the baking soda absorbs odours.
For extra stubborn smells, try using coarse salt in addition to baking soda. Use a sponge or dish scrubber to rub the salt and baking soda into the inside of the jar, ensuring all areas are covered, including the threads of the lid. Allow the mixture to sit in the jar for a few minutes before rinsing.
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Use vinegar and water
Vinegar and water can be used together to remove candle smells from jars. The acidity of the vinegar helps break down wax, making it easier to remove.
To start, fill your jar with equal parts vinegar and hot water. Place the lid on the jar tightly and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. If the smell persists, add more vinegar and/or baking soda, and repeat the process.
If you're trying to avoid using bleach, you can try filling the jar with one part vinegar and one part water, then turning it upside down. Leave the jar to sit for a few hours, then shake and rinse it out. Repeat this process if necessary.
For an extra potent mixture to dissolve stubborn wax residue, you can try using a mixture of vinegar and hot water. Soak the jar in this solution for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge.
It's important to note that you should never mix vinegar and bleach, as it can create chlorine gas which can be harmful.
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Bleach the jar
Bleach is a strong chemical that can effectively neutralise smells. If you want to remove candle smells from a jar using bleach, you should first ensure the jar is made of glass and is free of any adornments such as glitter, sequins or stickers. Bleach should also not be used if there is any remaining wax in the jar. To remove wax, you can try placing the jar in the freezer overnight and then flipping it upside down to pop out the wax, or softening the wax with a hairdryer or heat gun and then removing it with a butter knife.
Once the jar is free of wax, you can begin the process of bleaching. First, dilute a small amount of bleach in water, following the instructions on the bleach label. Then, fill the jar with the bleach solution and let it soak for a few hours. Finally, pour out the bleach solution, rinse the jar thoroughly, and wash it with soap and warm water. It is important to note that you should never mix bleach with vinegar, as this can create toxic chlorine gas.
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Freeze the jar
Freezing the jar is a straightforward and effective approach to removing candle wax. This technique relies on the natural contraction of wax in cold temperatures.
Firstly, place your used candle jar in the freezer and leave it overnight. The wax will contract and reduce in size. The next day, remove the jar from the freezer. If the wax has not already fallen out, gently turn the jar upside down. The wax should now effortlessly pop out. If it needs a little encouragement, use a spoon or butter knife to nudge and remove it.
Once the wax is removed, you can address any residual wax or soot clinging to the inside of the glass. Use warm water, soap, and a sponge to gently scrub the jar's interior. Afterward, carefully dry the jar with a dish towel or paper towel. If you encounter more persistent residue, an adhesive remover like Goo Gone can be particularly effective.
The freezing method is particularly useful for preserving the integrity of your candle jars for future use. It is also a safer alternative to methods that require boiling water, which can cause the jar to crack.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to remove wax from a candle jar. One way is to boil enough water to fill the candle jar, leaving an inch of space at the top. Then, carefully pour the hot water into the jar. The heat will cause the wax to melt and rise to the top. Once the water has cooled, the wax will solidify, making it easy to remove.
To remove the smell from a candle jar, fill the jar with vinegar and water and let it sit for a few hours. Then, shake the jar and rinse it out. You can also use baking soda and water, shaking the jar vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
If the candle smell is coming from the lid, try leaving it out in the sun for a few days and spraying it with a bleach cleaner. Then, wash the lid in the dishwasher.
Once you've removed the wax and any residual scent, you can transform your candle jar into a new candle, use it for storage, or turn it into a piece of home decor.
One way to remove candle wax without using hot water is to place the candle jar in the freezer for several hours. Once the wax is frozen, take the jar out of the freezer and turn it upside down on a flat surface. The wax should pop right out when you tap it carefully with your hand.
