Maddie James
Removing old candles from votives can be a tricky and frustrating task. There are several methods to approach this problem, including the freezer method, which involves freezing the votive for an hour or two, allowing the wax to shrink and fall out when tipped over. Another method is to boil water in a kettle and fill the votives, melting the wax and creating a lava lamp effect. Once cooled, the wax can be easily removed. Other methods include using an oven, a microwave, or hot water with dish soap. To prevent this issue, some people suggest adding a small amount of water to the votive before inserting a new candle, making the wax easy to pop out later.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Put a teaspoon of water under the candle before lighting it up |
| Put a tablespoon of water in the glass votive before putting in the candle | |
| Add about 1/2" of water before inserting the candle into the holder | |
| Never let the wax burn to less than an inch in any holder | |
| Knife Method | Use a table knife to cut in the leftover wax so it will pop out |
| Use a knife to scrape wax out | |
| Hot Water Method | Boil water in a kettle and fill the votives about 2/3 full |
| Immerse the votive glass in near-boiling water | |
| Oven Method | Place the votive upside down on a metal baking/roasting pan in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Turn the votive over and place in a disposable foil take-out container in the oven at 250°-300°F | |
| Freezer Method | Place the votive in the freezer for an hour or two |
| Place the votive upside down on newspaper outside in the sun for an hour or more | |
| Place the votive in the freezer for an hour or two, then tip it over and gently tap it | |
| Other Methods | Use an embossing heat gun to melt the wax residue |
| Use a coffee warmer to melt the wax | |
| Boil the jars and pour out the melted wax |
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What You'll Learn
Using hot water
Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Wax
Use a butter knife or spoon to gently scrape off as much excess wax as possible from the votive. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the glass. Cutting slits into the wax can help break it up into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Hot Water
Boil some water in a kettle or on the stove. You want enough water to fill your votive about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way full. Take caution when handling boiling water to avoid spills or burns.
Step 3: Fill the Votive with Hot Water
Place the votive on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet or wooden cutting board. Carefully pour the boiling water into the votive, ensuring that the wax is fully submerged. Fill it about halfway or three-quarters of the way full.
Step 4: Allow the Wax to Melt
As the hot water comes into contact with the wax, it will start to melt and liquefy. The melted wax will rise to the top and float on the surface. Allow the wax to melt completely before proceeding.
Step 5: Remove the Wax
Once the wax has melted, carefully remove it from the surface of the water. You can use a spoon or a skimmer to lift it out gently. Be cautious, as the wax and water will both be very hot. Dispose of the wax appropriately or save it for future projects.
Step 6: Clean the Votive
After removing the majority of the wax, wash the votive with hot water and a grease-cutting dish detergent or soap. Use a sponge or brush to gently clean the votive, ensuring that all remaining wax residue is removed. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
It is important to note that hot water may not be suitable for all types of votives, especially those with decorations or adornments. Always exercise caution when handling hot water and wax to prevent spills or burns. Additionally, be sure to dispose of wax properly and avoid pouring it down the drain, as it can cause clogs.
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Freezing
To start, place the votive in the freezer for at least an hour or even overnight. This will cause the wax to harden, shrink, and pull away from the glass surface, making it easier to remove. After the wax has solidified and is cool to the touch, take the votive out of the freezer.
You may then use a butter knife or spoon to help pop the wax out. If there are only small amounts of wax remaining, you can simply heat it up and use a paper towel to wipe it out. However, if there are larger chunks of wax remaining, you may need to repeat the freezing process or try a different method, such as using hot water, to fully remove the wax.
While freezing is a convenient and effective method, it may not work for everyone, especially if your votives are too big to fit in your freezer or if you need a quicker solution. Additionally, be cautious when removing the votive from the freezer, as the drastic change in temperature may cause the glass to crack.
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Using a knife
Preparing the Votive:
Before using a knife, it is essential to prepare the votive to make the process easier. Place the votive in the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the wax to harden and shrink, making it easier to pop out. If there is just a small amount of wax left, you can skip this step.
- Take the votive out of the freezer. You may need to wait a few minutes for the frost to dissipate.
- Using a butter knife or a table knife, gently start to cut into the leftover wax. Be careful not to scratch the glass with the knife.
- Work the knife around the edges of the wax, prying and popping the wax out. A butter knife with a wider blade can help cover more surface area.
- If the wax is still soft, you can place the votive in the refrigerator or freezer again to harden it further before continuing.
- Once you have removed most of the wax, there might still be some residue or flakes left. Use a paper towel to wipe out the remaining wax.
- If necessary, repeat the process until you are satisfied with the result.
Alternative Knife Techniques:
If you don't want to use a knife to pop out the wax, there are other knife-related techniques you can try:
- Use a knife to cut the wax into smaller pieces, making it easier to remove.
- Scrape off as much wax as you can with a knife, then use a hairdryer or heat gun to melt the remaining wax. Use a paper towel to wipe out the residual wax.
While using a knife to remove old candles from votives can be effective, it may not always provide a thorough clean. Combining it with other methods, such as freezing or melting the wax, can help improve the overall results.
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Oven
To remove old candles from votives using an oven, follow these steps:
Firstly, preheat your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 200°F (93°C). It is important not to set the temperature too high, as wax is flammable. Line a metal baking sheet or roasting pan with aluminium foil, ensuring the edges of the pan are covered. This will protect your cookware from the melted wax.
Turn the votive holder upside down on the foil-lined pan. If your votive holder contains any non-glass materials, such as a wick, remove them before placing the holder in the oven. Place the pan with the votive holder in the oven. Check the holder frequently, and remove it from the oven once the wax has melted onto the foil. Be careful when handling the hot votive holder and use a potholder or oven mitts to protect your hands.
After removing the votive holder from the oven, use a paper towel to wipe out any remaining wax film or residue from the sides and bottom of the holder. If needed, wash the holder with soapy water and a grease-cutting dish detergent to remove any stubborn wax or black residue.
It is important to note that using a sharp object to remove hardened candle wax is not recommended, as it can risk injury and may not effectively remove the wax. Additionally, be cautious of the strong smell that may be left in the oven after melting the wax.
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Dishwasher
Using a dishwasher is an effective way to remove old candles from votives. However, it is important to note that this method may not be suitable for all types of votives, and there is a risk of wax building up in pipes and causing clogging. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a dishwasher to remove old candles from votives:
Step 1: Soften the Wax
Before placing the votives in the dishwasher, it is recommended to soften the wax to make it easier to remove. This can be done by using a hair dryer or a heat gun to melt the wax. Alternatively, you can place the votives in the refrigerator or freezer overnight, which will make the wax harder and easier to pop out.
Step 2: Scrape Off Excess Wax
Once the wax is softened, use a knife or a similar tool to carefully scrape off as much of the wax as possible. Be gentle to avoid scratching or damaging the votive. It is recommended to avoid using metal tools as they can leave scratches and weaken the glass.
Step 3: Pre-Rinse
Fill the sink with hot water and add a grease-cutting dish detergent. Immerse the votives in the hot, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly to remove any remaining wax residue. This step will help to loosen and dissolve the wax, making it easier for the dishwasher to clean the votives effectively.
Step 4: Load the Dishwasher
Place the votives in the dishwasher, ensuring they are secure and will not move around during the cycle. Use a gentle cycle with hot water to avoid any potential damage to the votives. If your dishwasher has a "sanitize" or "high-temperature" setting, it can be useful to activate it to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Step 5: Post-Wash Care
Once the dishwasher cycle is complete, carefully remove the votives and inspect them for any remaining wax residue. If necessary, use a paper towel or a soft cloth to wipe away any residual wax or soot. Allow the votives to air dry completely before using them again.
It is important to note that while the dishwasher method can be effective, it may not always remove all the wax, especially if the wax has hardened or adhered strongly to the votive. In such cases, it may be necessary to repeat the process or try alternative methods, such as using a candle warmer or melting the wax in the oven. Additionally, always exercise caution when handling hot votives and wax to prevent any accidents or injuries.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the votive in the freezer for an hour or two. Once the wax has shrunk, take the votive out of the freezer and tip it over, giving it a gentle tap. The wax should fall right out.
Boil water in a kettle and fill the votives about two-thirds full. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to rise to the top. Once the water has cooled, press down on one side and the wax will pop out.
Yes, you can. Place the votive upside down on a metal baking sheet and put it in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F). Once the wax has melted, it will drip into the pan, leaving the votive cleaner.
Before inserting a new candle, add about half an inch of water to the bottom of the votive. The water prevents the wax from sticking to the glass, and the candle will be easier to remove once it has burned out.
Wash the votive with hot water and a grease-cutting dish detergent. You can also use a paper towel with a small amount of solvent (such as lighter fluid) to wipe out any remaining wax film.
