Chloe Adams
There are many ways to clean and repurpose candle jars, and it's a great way to be frugal and environmentally conscious. Whether you want to use them for storage, display, or even make new candles, you'll need to remove the wax first. The melting point of wax varies depending on its type, so some methods work better than others. For example, soy melts more easily than beeswax or palm, and paraffin wax, found in most commercial candles, usually has a higher melting point than soy. Once you've removed the wax, you can upcycle your jar and give it a new life.
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What You'll Learn
Removing wax with boiling water
Another strategy for getting leftover wax out of a candle jar is to let the jar soak in warm water. Put in a drain stopper and fill your sink with warm water. Remove the lid and let the open candle jar sit in the sink for 30 minutes. The water will release the wax at the bottom of the container, and it will be easy to pull out. Keep in mind that this method will likely remove the label on the jar.
If you want to reuse the wax, be sure to save it in a bag to make new candles with. Depending on how much wax is left in your candle, you may need to repeat this process. Clean out any remaining soot or wax residue with hot, soapy water, then dry your vessel thoroughly.
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Removing wax by freezing
Removing wax from a candle jar by freezing is a simple process. First, place the candle jar in the freezer for at least 2-5 hours, preferably overnight for the best results. The wax will freeze and shrink, loosening its grip on the sides of the jar.
Once the wax is frozen, remove the jar from the freezer and turn it upside down. The frozen wax should pop right out, but if it doesn't, you can use a spoon or butter knife to help loosen it and remove it from the jar. If there are any small pieces of wax remaining in the jar, use a spoon to gently scrape them off.
If the wax is still stuck to the glass, put the jar back in the freezer for another hour or two. Once the edges have loosened, turn the jar upside down and let gravity do its work. You might need to give it a little shake, and the frozen wax should come out. If not, gently poke the middle of the wax with a spoon or knife and try to pull or dig it out.
Finally, remove any remaining waxy residue by dipping a paper towel in household cooking oil and wiping the inside of the jar. You can also use hot water on a rag or paper towel to wipe away any excess residue.
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Removing wax with an oven
First, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with aluminium foil. Place your spent candles upside down on the foil-lined baking sheet. This will help catch the melting wax.
Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the candles inside. Keep a close eye on the candles. After about 15 minutes, the wax should start pooling on the foil. At this point, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface. Be sure to use oven mitts to protect your hands.
Let the candle jars cool before handling. Once they are cool enough to touch, use a utensil like a knife or fork to remove any large chunks of solid wax from the jars. Be careful not to scratch the glass.
Next, use paper towels or cloth to wipe away any remaining soft wax from the inside of the jars. You can also use rubbing alcohol to help remove stubborn wax residue. If there is still wax residue, you can target the areas with a hairdryer or heat gun set to a low temperature. The heat will soften and melt the wax, making it easier to wipe away.
Finally, clean the inside of the candle jars with hot water and dish soap to remove any remaining wax and residue. Be sure to allow the jars to cool completely before reusing or recycling them.
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Removing wax with a hairdryer
Removing wax from a candle jar using a hairdryer is a straightforward process. First, ensure that your candle jar is made of thick glass, as thin glass may shatter from the heat. Place your candle jar on a protective surface, such as a dish towel or potholder, and hold the jar with an oven mitt. Next, turn on your hairdryer to the warm or hot setting and direct the hot air towards the sides and bottom of the jar.
The heat from the hairdryer will soften or liquefy the wax, so you won't need to melt all of it—just enough to break down its adhesion to the jar. Once the wax is soft to the touch, carefully lift or scrape it out with a utensil such as a butter knife, spoon, or fork. Be cautious as the jar will be hot.
After removing the wax, you can use a paper towel and rubbing alcohol to wipe away any remaining wax residue or soot from the glass. If there is any sticky residue from glue or a sticker that held the wick in place, you can remove this by soaking the bottom of the jar in white vinegar for 40 minutes or scraping it off with a utensil.
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Removing soot and wax residue
Another method is to freeze the candle jar, which will shrink the wax. Place the jar in the freezer overnight, then take it out and turn it upside down. The wax should pop right out. If not, use a spoon or butter knife to press down on one corner of the wax to lift and remove it.
If you have multiple candle jars, you can preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with aluminium foil. Place the jars upside-down on the foil and put the baking sheet in the oven. After about 15 minutes, the wax should pool on the foil. Remove the jars and let them cool before cleaning with soap and warm water.
To remove soot and wax residue from the outside of the jar, use a heat gun or hairdryer to heat the jar, then wipe it down with a paper towel dampened with rubbing alcohol. You can also use hot water on a rag or paper towel to wipe away any excess residue.
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