How To Get Candle Wax Out of a Jar
Before getting to the best methods for wax-removal, we also want to remind you to take the appropriate safety precautions. Make sure you consider major variables like high and low temperatures, especially considering that fast changes between the two might result in shattered glass. Just make sure to have things like oven mitts on hand, consider the materials you are working with, and the possible dangers of hot wax. Please be safe.
We want to help you get as much out of your candle as possible. While there are countless uses and places for your candle, there are a similar amount in the container your candle is poured in. Whether you’re trying to use it as a small vase, a new drinking vessel, or just a simple container, we want to help make sure you’ve got all of the wax out of it and that it’s clean. There are a few different ways you can go about doing this but you might find that it’s best to combine a couple of methods, just to be safe. Either way, every method listed below has some common steps to follow. Before any of them, you will want to loosen and remaining wax with a butter knife or spoon. It’s easier to clean the inside when you’ve taken out as much as possible and – if your container has a narrower mouth – it helps if you break up the wax first; the goal is to get as much out with minimal time and effort.
Most of these methods involve other materials so, as much as we would like you to keep our label, you might want to take it off before following any of these methods. Do also consider any needs you may have relating to wick-removal. While most should come off just by pulling, you may be left with some glue at the bottom or tape residue. Either way, the wick should come off, easily as a part of the process in any of the methods we provide. After that, you should have a fairly clean and empty jar, so you can start trying the following methods.
Freeze
This method is pretty simple. Just stick your container in a freezer for a few hours. Ideally, the wax will harden and shrink, essentially separating from the jar, allowing for simpler removal. You may need to break up the wax or force it up by pushing down on one side. Either way, it should be loose enough that some pressure should make it come up fairly easily.
Boiling Water
Make sure you set your container on a protected surface, maybe even place it over a towel or newspaper for added security. Next, simply pour boiling water into the container, leaving some room at the top where the wax will rise and collect. Usually, softer waxes like soy or coconut will not need such high heat, but you should still expect to have pretty hot water. After, the wax will begin floating to the top, it will be a visible process. At this point, just let the container cool a little, remove the wax, and strain the water. Please make sure that you DO NOT dump any wax down the drain as that can lead to clogging. Repeat, if necessary.
Oven
This is similarly simple enough, but helpful if you have a few containers to empty at the same time. Line a baking pan or similar container with tinfoil or parchment paper. Place your containers upside down on the pan. Then, with your oven at temperatures between 180o -200o place the pan side and leave for approximately 15 minutes. Then, remove safely and place on any heat-resistant surface. The wax should have slid down the container and onto the paper or foil. Raise and hold the container with a towel or pot holder and wipe the inside with a paper towel to clean any remaining waxy residue. Let the container cool.
Final Remarks
There are a few other methods you could try like double-boiling or using a hair dryer but we think these offer the best results for the work done. In any case, make sure your final touches include scraping off any residue, cleaning the container with soap and water, and wiping any remains with a dry towel. We look forward to having a place in your cupboard or counter-top for a long time.
