There are two very easy ways to remove wax from a candle jar: (1) with boiling water or (2) with the freezer method. Both of these methods allow you to pop the wax out quickly instead of having to pick at stubborn wax forever until it comes free. If you’re a visual learner, just watch the super quick video I filmed to see both methods in less than 60 seconds.
Boiling Water Method
This is the faster method. Here’s how to remove wax from a candle jar using boiling water:
1. Add boiling water to the candle container. The heat will melt the wax and bring it up to the surface of the container where it will harden into a solid piece as the water cools down. This will take a few hours.
2. Scoop the wax off of the top after the water has cooled down and the wax has hardened.
3. Do not pour the waxy water down the drain! It can solidify and clog your pipes. Line a strainer with a paper towel and pour the waxy water through it to ensure that any leftover wax is caught before it goes down the drain. Throw the paper towel and wax into the trash.
4. Pry off the metal wick tab. There may be a little adhesive beneath this tab so be sure to clean it off in the next step.
5. Clean the candle jar with warm, soapy water. I also like to wipe it clean with a paper towel soaked in a little bit of isopropyl alcohol. If I can still smell the fragrance from the candle, I will soak the jar in vinegar and baking soda.
The Freezer Method
Here’s how to remove wax from a candle jar using your freezer:
1. Put your candle in the freezer for 6-8 hours. The cold will force the wax to contract away from the edges of the candle container.
2. After waiting several hours, use an object like a butter knife to pop the wax out.
3. Pry off the metal wick tab. There may be a little adhesive beneath this tab so be sure to clean it off in the next step.
4. Clean the candle jar with warm, soapy water. I also like to wipe it clean with a paper towel soaked in a little bit of isopropyl alcohol. If I can still smell the fragrance from the candle, I will soak the jar in vinegar and baking soda.
This method takes longer because you have to leave the candle in a freezer for several hours, but I think this method is easier (since you don’t have to find a way to dispose of the waxy water).
Now you’re ready to re-use the candle container for whatever you’d like! I recycle my candle empties to make new candles, but you can obviously re-use these jars for a million different things: storage for small office supplies, a makeup brush holder, a q-tip or cotton ball holder, a planter or mini terrarium, and so much more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to melt leftover candle wax in a microwave?
DO NOT place a candle in the microwave to melt out the leftover wax. Most candles have a metal wick tab. Never put metal in a microwave because it can spark and start a fire!
Is it safe to melt leftover candle wax in an oven?
You can use an oven as long as you do so on the lowest heat setting. Place the candle jar upside down on a baking sheet lined with foil at 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes (depending on the size of the candle and the amount of leftover wax). The wax will drip onto the foil which you can easily dispose of.
I avoid this method because I’m never sure about exactly what type of glass the candle container is made out of and whether it is truly heat-resistant enough to withstand this process without breaking.
What is the best way to remove wax from a candle jar?
I mentioned multiple methods above, but the “best” will depend on whether you have some time to wait (the freezer method) or want to get it done quickly (the boiling water method). Also, consider whether you want to take the extra step of disposing of the waxy water through a strainer lined with paper towels. If I had to rank all of the methods mentioned in this post, I would say:
- The freezer method
- The boiling water method
- The oven method
*DO NOT USE A MICROWAVE.
Can I re-use the leftover wax?
Yes, you can use the leftover wax to create wax melts or new candles. If you used the boiling water method, make sure to fully dry off the wax before you re-use it.
Can I re-use a candle container as a drinking cup?
If you THOROUGHLY clean out your candle container by wiping it with isopropyl alcohol and running it through the dish washer, it can be re-used as a drinking cup. I would also recommend soaking it in vinegar and baking soda, particularly if you’re worried about residue from any fragrance oils used in the candle.
Can I wash a waxy candle jar in the dish washer?
No. Leftover wax can clog the dish washer. Remove all of the wax before you put it in the dishwasher.
What’s the best way to dispose of waxy water?
Waxy water should never go down the drain. It can clog your pipes! After the water has cooled down, line a strainer with paper towels and pour the waxy water through to ensure that any leftover wax is caught in the paper towels before it goes down the drain. Throw the paper towel and leftover wax into the trash.
