Tyler Brooks
There are many ways to save candle jars for upcycling. The simplest way is to freeze the candle jar overnight and then use a butter knife to break the wax into chunks and pop them out. You can also use boiling water to melt the wax and then remove it. If you have multiple candle jars to clean, you can use an oven to melt the wax. After removing the wax, you can clean the jar with soap and water. The clean candle jars can be used for storage, decor, or even as a new cocktail glass.
Characteristics and Values Table for Saving Candle Jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Save candle jars for upcycling or recycling |
| Methods | Boiling water, freezing, oven, hairdryer, heat gun |
| Materials | Water, saucepan, towel, oven mitt, aluminium foil, parchment paper, butter knife, soap, sponge, paper towels, vinegar, tweezers, tongs |
| Uses for Clean Jars | Storage, decor, new candles, cocktail glasses, plant pots, makeup/hygiene item storage |
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What You'll Learn
Removing wax with boiling water
Removing wax from candle jars using boiling water is a straightforward process. First, boil enough water to fill the candle jar, leaving an inch of space at the top. Place the candle jar on a protective surface, such as a dish towel or a potholder, and carefully pour the boiling water into the jar. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to float to the top. Allow the jar and water to cool completely before attempting to remove the wax.
Once the water has cooled, use your hands to remove any large clumps of wax. Then, strain the water and remaining small pieces of wax, being careful not to let any wax go down the drain as it may cause clogging. If there is still wax left in the jar, you may need to repeat the process.
Another variation of this method involves using a saucepan. Place a towel on the countertop and put the jar on top of it. Boil water in a saucepan or tea kettle, and carefully pour the boiling water into the jar, again leaving an inch of space at the top. After pouring the hot water, the wax will melt and float to the top. As before, let the jar cool completely before removing the wax. Use your hands to remove large clumps of wax, then strain the remaining water and wax.
A third option is the double boiler method, which is suitable for softer candle waxes such as soy and coconut. Pour hot water into a large pot or container, and place the candle jar into a smaller bowl. Set the bowl containing the candle jar on top of the container with hot water. The wax will soften, and you can then remove it with a spoon.
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Using the oven to melt wax
Using the oven is a great way to melt wax out of candle jars. This method is relatively fuss-free and hands-off once you've prepped everything. It's also a good option if you have multiple candle jars to clean at once. Here's what you need to do:
First, preheat your oven to a low temperature, somewhere between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with aluminium foil. You can also cover the aluminium foil with parchment paper for added protection. Remove any sticker labels from the jars, as these may burn or melt in the oven. If the labels don't peel off easily, try soaking the jars in water to loosen them.
Once the oven is preheated, place the jars upside down on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the jars are glass and do not have any adornments like glitter, sequins, or stickers that can't be removed, as this method is only suitable for plain glass jars. Put the baking sheet into the oven and leave it for around 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the oven during this time to monitor for any waxy mishaps.
After about 15 minutes, the wax should have melted and pooled on the foil. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it on a heat-safe surface. Using an oven mitt, take the jars off the wax-covered parchment paper and place them on a fresh piece of parchment paper or a heat-resistant surface. Before the jars cool completely, use a paper towel or cloth to wipe away any soft wax that has settled around the edges or on the walls of the jar.
Allow the jars to cool, then clean them with soap and warm water. You can reuse the leftover wax or discard it, depending on your preference.
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Freezing the wax to remove it
One way to remove wax from a candle jar is to freeze it. This method works because wax shrinks when it is frozen, allowing it to separate from the walls of its container.
To start, place the candle jar in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. The exact amount of time needed may vary, but the jar should be left in the freezer long enough for the wax to shrink, making it easier to remove.
After the jar has been in the freezer for a sufficient amount of time, remove it and turn it upside down. The lump of wax should pop right out. If it doesn't, use a spoon or butter knife to press down on one corner of the wax to lift and remove it. You can also try gently tapping the bottom of the jar.
Once the wax is removed, you may need to clean out any lingering wax residue or soot left on the glass. This can be done using warm water, soap, and a sponge. For stubborn buildup, an adhesive remover can be used.
The freezing method is simple and effective, and it allows you to remove wax from multiple candles at once. It is also a good alternative to methods that use boiling water or an oven, as these methods carry a risk of burns or scalding.
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Cleaning the jar with soap and water
After removing the wax from your candle jar, you might need to clean out the lingering wax residue or soot left on the glass. To do this, use soap and water to clean the container before wiping it dry with a dish towel or paper towel.
Firstly, ensure that the candle jar has returned to room temperature. This is important, as the jar may be hot from the wax removal process.
Next, fill the sink with warm water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Alternatively, you can use a good-quality soap like Dawn dish soap. Place the candle jar in the sink and allow it to soak for a few minutes. This will help to loosen any remaining wax or soot.
Then, use a sponge or a paper towel to gently scrub the inside of the jar. Pay special attention to the areas where the wax was stuck to the glass, as these areas may have more residue. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, especially if the jar has any adornments or decorations that could be damaged.
Finally, rinse the jar with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth or paper towel. Ensure that the jar is completely dry before using or storing it.
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Repurposing the jar for storage or decor
Once you've removed the wax from your candle jar, you can repurpose it for storage or decoration. Here are some ideas:
Storage
Candle jars can be used to store small items such as trinkets, desk supplies, or hygiene or makeup products. You can also use them to hold loose change or as a pot for small indoor plants or succulents. However, be aware that most candle jars don't have a drainage hole, so you won't be able to overwater your plants.
Decor
Candle jars can make attractive cocktail glasses, or you could use them as a vase for fake flowers or plants.
Other ideas
You could also use your cleaned-out candle jars to make new candles. However, it's not recommended that you use them for food or drink due to the presence of fragrance oils and additives in the wax.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to remove wax from a candle jar. One method is to boil water in a kettle or saucepan and pour it into the jar, leaving an inch of space at the top. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to float to the surface. Let the jar cool completely before removing the wax.
Preheat your oven to 150-200°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil and place your candle jars upside down on the foil. Place the baking sheet in the oven and keep an eye on it. After about 15 minutes, the wax should pool on the foil. Remove the sheet from the oven, let the jars cool, and then clean them with soap and water.
Place the candle jar in the freezer overnight. In the morning, take the jar out of the freezer and turn it upside down. The wax should pop right out. If it doesn't, use a butter knife to help remove it.
Clean your candle jars with soap and water and repurpose them as storage containers for small items, or as decor items. You can also use them as planters for succulents or other indoor plants.
Never pour wax down the drain as it will solidify and clog your drain. Also, avoid burning a candle past the half-inch wax point, as it can damage the container and the surface it's sitting on.
