How To Remove Wax From a Candle Jar

4 Easy Methods to Get Used Candle Wax Out of A Jar

If you're like me, you have a drawer full of candle jars that you can't seem to find a use for. Anyone who has burned a candle knows that sooner or later, you're going to have to deal with the used wax that's left behind if you want to re-use those jars. While it might seem like a difficult task, there are actually quite a few easy ways to get rid of that used wax and make your candle jar look as good as new!

 

Method 1: Remove Candle Wax with Boiling Water

There's no need to waste money on expensive candle warmer tools when you can use a pot of boiling water and some simple kitchen supplies like a spoon or butter knife. No fuss, this method works.

If your candle is made of paraffin wax, then this method is definitely worth a try. Paraffin wax has a relatively low melting point, so it should melt fairly quickly when exposed to boiling water.

Removing candle wax with boiling water

1. Fill a pot with water and set it to boil on the stove.
2. Place your candle jar containing the wax in the sink or on a heat safe surface.
   
3. Carefully pour it over the wax in the jar and fill the vessel halfway with the boiling water, leaving room at the top.
4. Wait a few minutes until the wax starts to soften and melt -- the heat from the water should cause the wax to melt and rise to the surface.
5. Wearing an oven mitt for safety, use a spoon or butter knife to scoop out and remove candle wax.
6. Repeat until all the remaining wax has been removed.
7. Finally, pour out the water and wash the jar with soap and water.

Method 2: Remove Leftover Wax From a Candle Jar with Your Oven

This method is similar to the boiling water method, but it uses your oven of a pot of boiling water. I like to use this method if I have multiple candle jars with leftover candle wax.

You'll need to preheat your oven its lowest setting before you begin. Then, place the candle jar on a baking sheet put it in the oven for a few minutes.

Keep an eye on the wax as it melts and remove the jar from the oven as soon as the wax is soft enough to scrape off. Use a blunt object like a butter knife or spoon to remove the wax.

Removing candle wax with your oven

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
   
2. Place the candle jar on an old baking sheet or piece of aluminum foil on the middle rack of your oven.
3. Let bake for no more than 10 minutes. The heat from the oven will cause the wax to melt and rise to the top of the jar.
4. Wearing an oven mitt for safety, carefully remove the jar from the oven and use a spoon to scoop off the melted wax.
5. Let the jar cool (warning: do not submerge hot glass jars in cold water as the jar runs the risk of exploding).
6. Discard the remaining wax and wash your jar as usual with water and dish soap.

Method 3: Use the Freezer For Those Candle Jars

If you don't want to use heat to remove the wax from those empty candle jars, you can try putting your empty candle jars in the freezer instead. I like to use this method for thick stubborn wax that's difficult to remove or when I'm feeling lazy and just feel like putting a bunch of jars in the freezer to deal with later.

Why the freezer works: the cold will cause the wax to contract and crack, making it easier to break up and remove. Just be careful not to put your hand inside the jar while it's still frozen, as glass can easily shatter when cold.

Once the wax is cracked and broken up, use a spoon or other sharp object to remove it from your jar. Wash as usual once all of the frosty mess is removed! No special equipment required.

Method 4: Use a Heat Gun or Hair Dryer

Another way to remove the melted wax is by using a hair dryer. If there is less than half an inch of wax left in the jar, this method will work perfectly!

Using a hairdryer to remove candle wax:

1. Start by heating up the wax with a hairdryer set on low.
   
2. Hold the hairdryer about six inches away from the top of the wax.
3. Once the wax is melted, use a paper towel to wipe away the melted wax.
4. Repeat until the candle wax is completely gone.
5. If there is any residue left, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove.

Note: If the wax is sweating but not quite melting, turn your hairdryer to the highest heat setting and wait for the wax to melt.

In conclusion

Candle lovers easily spend hundreds of dollars each year on new candles. Often it's because we love the jar it comes in. Or, it's a fragrance we just can't get enough of. However, when your candle is done burning, don't just throw it away in the trash! You should either be removing wax that's left at the bottom of your candle jars and recycling the vessel. Or, reusing those expensive and beautiful candle jars as it's both sustainable and a way to embrace your creative side.

There are many ways that you can remove wax from candle jars. Choose the method that is most convenient for you and enjoy your clean candle jars if you're going to reuse! Thanks for reading and don't forget to subscribe for discounts and more creative candle tips!