5 Effective Ways To Remove Leftover Wax From Glass Candle Jars

Effective ways to remove leftover wax from candles

We love candles! YOU love candles! But what do you do with your burnt-out candles? There is no reason to throw your candles out after a complete burn. There are lots of different ways that you can reuse the containers.

Be sure to read till the end for a list of our favorite uses for our used candle jars and concrete pots.

Here are five easy methods to remove the wax safely and clean your jars. 

 

Before You Start

There are a few things to remember before you start cleaning out your candle jars. 

  1. Never (ever!) put wax down the drain. It will harden when it cools and clog your pipes. 
  2. Do not overheat your jars. The glass can break or explode if it gets too hot. 
  3. Don't microwave it either-the wick tabs are metal and can start a fire.

No matter what removal option you choose, be careful when handling hot jars and wax.

Freezer Method

It's time to put your school science lessons to good use. You know, the one where you learned that liquid (except water, of course) shrinks in cold temperatures and expands in heat? It's time to use that knowledge to your advantage.

  1. Place the candle jar in the freezer until fully frozen. It depends on the amount of wax, but you'll need to freeze it for at least 30 minutes.
  2. When you remove the candle from the freezer, the wax will have separated from the jar, so you can flip it over and let the wax fall out.
  3. Use a knife to remove any stubborn wax gently. Do this gently to avoid any quick random movements with the knife. Safety first!
  4. Wipe the inside of the container with a paper towel or cloth to remove all leftover wax debris.
  5. Use soap and water to clean out the jar.

Double Broiler Method

  1. Fill a pan with water and bring to a boil on the stove.
  2. Place the candle into the boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes. The sides of the candle will melt first.
  3. Carefully remove the candle from the water and pour out the wax. It doesn't need to be melted completely, just enough for the sides to soften and pour out.
  4. Remember, don't pour the wax down the drain, or it will harden and clog your pipes.
  5. Wipe the inside of the container with a paper towel or cloth to remove all leftover wax debris.
  6. Use soap and water to clean out the jar.

Boiling Water Method

Like oil and vinegar, wax and water do not combine. This method works best when you only have a small amount of wax left in your jar.

  1. Use a knife or spoon to remove as much wax as possible.
  2. Place the jar on a protected area.
  3. Pour boiling water into the jar but be sure to not fill it all the way to the top. Soy wax begins melting at 113-119ºF.
  4. Wait, and let the water cool completely.
  5. The wax will melt and float to the top, trying to separate from the water.
  6. Once cool, you can safely remove the wax and discard it. If necessary, use a strainer to dump out the water. Remember, don't pour the wax down the drain, or it will harden and clog your pipes.
  7. Wipe the inside of the container with a paper towel or cloth to remove all leftover wax debris.
  8. Use soap and water to clean out the jar.

Note: If there is a lot of wax left in the jar, you may need to complete this method twice.

The Oven Method

This method works best if you need to clean out several jars at once, and it is the only method of the five that works for concrete.

  1. Heat the oven to 180ºF.
  2. Place the jar on a rimmed baking tray and place it in the oven.
  3. Heat for 15 minutes.
  4. Carefully remove the jar and discard the wax. Remember, don't pour the wax down the drain, or it will harden and clog your pipes.
  5. Wipe the inside of the container with a paper towel or cloth to remove all leftover wax debris.
  6. Use soap and water to clean out the jar.

Note: I recommend lining the baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil and placing the jar upside down.  

The Hair Dryer Method

A heat gun works best if you have one, but a hairdryer will work as well!

  1. Get a vessel with a rim (baking sheet, bowl, or tray) and line it with aluminum foil.
  2. Turn the jar upside-down.
  3. Use a hairdryer to heat the outside of the jar. The wax on the inside will melt and fall out into the tray. Don't heat the wax itself, as it will melt and blow everywhere.
  4. Be careful not to put your hairdryer too close to the jar, and the glass may break or explode.
  5. Wipe the inside of the container with a paper towel or cloth to remove all leftover wax debris. *Remember: Always use caution when handling hot jars.
  6. Use soap and water to clean out the jar.

Removing the Wick Tab

Once you've removed the wax, you can use a paper towel to remove the wick tab.

If it's stuck, you can gently use a knife for popping it out. Heat the wick tab with a hairdryer or hot water if it's still stuck; this will soften the glue and allow you to remove it. Be careful not to scratch the inside of the jar with the knife.

 

Practical Ways To Reuse Your Candle Jars

You loved the way your candles looked in your home while they were burning and filling your rooms with beautiful scents, and you can continue to enjoy the way they look by reusing them in any number of ways.

 

Candle jar holding pencils

#1 Pen & Pencil Holder

Place an empty glass jar or concrete container on your desk and fill it with your favorite pens and pencils in the office, kitchen, bedroom, or living room. Our glass jars also make great paper clip holders.

 

#2 Planters

Our small concrete containers and glass jars make great planters by adding potting soil and your favorite plants. Succulents look amazing in repurposed candle jars and containers. Our larger concrete containers can be used as flower vases.

 

#3 Bathroom Organizers

Cotton Swabs in candle jar

Organize your bathroom or vanity with candle jars. Larger jars and concrete containers are perfect for makeup and toothbrushes. Smaller glass candle jars are great solutions to hold cotton swabs, pads, and balls. You can even store scissors, tweezers, and nail clippers for easy access.

Tip:  If you use the glass jars for your toothbrushes, you can clean your toothbrushes right in the jar. Fill it with a mix of water and vinegar every few weeks, and let your brushes soak overnight.

 

#4 Treat Jars

Take a few cleaned-out candles and fill them with your favorite snacks and don't forget your furry friends; add your puppy and kitty treats to our glass jars with lids to keep them fresh.

You can use candle jars and pots for almost any loose item around your house to create a more decorative look that fits in well with your home decor.

Office supplies, jewelry, craft supplies, coffee or tea bag holder, spare change, hair bands, bobby pins; the possibilities are endless.

If you have a unique idea - please share it with us!

There you have it, everything you need to know to be able to reuse your candle jars and containers.

With love from our home to yours;

     Julie & Joe

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