How to Clean Wax from Candle Jars: 5 Simple Tips

Candles add warmth, aroma, and ambiance to any space. However, once the wax has burned out, you're left with a beautiful but wax-filled jar. Getting wax out of a candle jar can be a bit tricky, but with the right methods, you can clean out your jars and repurpose them for various uses. Here, we present five effective methods to get wax out of a candle jar, arranged from the hardest to the softest approach.

1. Freezing Method

The freezing method involves using low temperatures to harden the remaining wax, making it easier to chip out.

1. Cool Down: Ensure the candle jar is at room temperature to prevent it from cracking when exposed to extreme cold.
2. Freeze: Place the candle jar in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
3. Chip Away: Once the wax is thoroughly frozen, use a butter knife or spoon to carefully chip away the hardened wax.
4. Dispose: Discard the wax pieces in the trash. Do not pour wax down the drain as it can cause blockages.
5. Wash: Wash the jar with warm soapy water to remove any remaining residue.

Pros	Cons
Effective for hard and stubborn wax. Simple and requires minimal tools	Time-consuming due to the freezing period. Risk of glass cracking if not properly acclimated to temperature changes.

 

 

2. Boiling Water Method

This method uses boiling water to melt and float the wax to the top, making it easy to remove.

1. Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Pour Water: Carefully pour the boiling water into the candle jar, leaving some space at the top.
3. Melt and Float: Allow the hot water to sit in the jar, melting the wax, which will float to the surface.
4. Remove Wax: After the water has cooled, remove the hardened wax from the top.
5. Wash: Clean the jar with warm soapy water to remove any remaining residue.

Pros	Cons
Effective for large amounts of wax. Provides a thorough clean.	Risk of burns from hot water. Time-consuming waiting for the water to cool.

 

 

3. Double Boiler Method

The double boiler method involves using indirect heat to melt the wax for easy removal.

1. Prepare Double Boiler: Fill a saucepan with water and place it on the stove. Put the candle jar in the saucepan.
2. Heat: Gently heat the water to melt the wax inside the jar.
3. Pour Out Wax: Once melted, carefully pour the wax into a disposable container or mold.
4. Wash: Wash the jar with warm soapy water to remove any residual wax.

Pros	Cons
Controlled heating reduces the risk of cracking the jar. Efficient for both small and large amounts of wax.	Requires constant attention to avoid overheating. Additional equipment (saucepan, heat-safe container) needed.

 

4. Oven Method

The oven method uses an oven to melt the wax, which can then be easily poured out.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to around 180-200°F (82-93°C).
2. Prepare Jar: Place the candle jar on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Heat: Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the wax melts.
4. Pour Out Wax: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully pour the melted wax into a disposable container.
5. Wash: Clean the jar with warm soapy water to remove any leftover wax residue.

Pros	Cons
Suitable for multiple jars at once. Even heating ensures thorough melting.	Potentially messy if wax spills in the oven. Requires monitoring to avoid overheating.

 

 

5. Hairdryer Method

The hairdryer method uses the gentle heat of a hairdryer to soften the wax for removal.

1. Prepare Workspace: Place the candle jar on a heat-resistant surface covered with paper towels.
2. Heat Wax: Use a hairdryer on a high setting to heat the wax. Hold the hairdryer a few inches away from the jar.
3. Soften and Remove: As the wax softens, use a paper towel or cloth to wipe it out.
4. Repeat: Repeat the heating and wiping process until all wax is removed.
5. Wash: Clean the jar with warm soapy water to eliminate any wax residue.

Pros:	Cons:
Gentle and controlled heating. Minimizes risk of glass cracking.	Time-consuming for large amounts of wax. Less effective for very hard or thick wax layers.

 

 

Conclusion

Removing wax from a candle jar can be achieved through various methods, each with its own advantages and challenges. From the hard, robust freezing method to the gentler hairdryer approach, there's a technique suitable for every level of wax residue. By selecting the method that best suits your needs and the condition of your candle jar, you can efficiently repurpose these beautiful containers for new uses.