Four Ways to Remove Wax From An Empty Candle Jar

Reuse Your Candle Jars

Do you consider yourself an upcycler? Do you feel like you're wasting an opportunity for something pretty when you toss away used candle jars? Once your candle is totally burnt up, it doesn't mean you have to give up on the pretty jar! They make great crafts, storage vessels, among other things.

We chose our Jackpot Candles jars with purpose in mind - they are sturdy, yet beautiful. We felt as though their shape and quality would compliment any room... With or without the wax inside of them!

If you need to get that last little bit of waxy residue out from inside your candle jar, here are a few tips for doing it quickly and efficiently!

Disclaimer: Many of these methods use heat to melt the remaining wax. Always use proper safety equipment (like oven mitts) when working with high temperatures, boiling water, or molten wax.

1.) Use the Oven

Obviously, wax melts! This means one of the most efficient ways to remove the remaining wax from your candle jar is to use the heat from your oven. Start by preheating your oven to somewhere around 200 degrees Fahrenheit - this should be a high enough temperature to melt the wax inside of the jar.

While you're waiting for the oven to heat up, cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil - be sure to cover it thoroughly, as the wax will inevitably end up here instead of in your candle jar.

Place your candle upside-down on the aluminum foil (the open top of the candle should be touching the aluminum foil). Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let it "cook" for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to check every now and then to ensure everything is going well.

After you've noticed the wax melt out, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven - be sure to use an oven mitt, it's going to be hot! 

2.) Use Boiling Water (Inside the Jar)

This method can be messy, so be sure to set up a surface that is easily cleanable. Another option is to prep the area with an unwanted towel or rag before trying this one out.

First, set yourself up with some boiling water - a hotpot, tea pot, or something with a pour-able spout would be most ideal for this method. 

Be sure your candle jar on your prepped surface in case of any spills - next, slowly and carefully pour the boiling water into the Jackpot Candles jar, being sure to leave at least a little room at the top. The wax will eventually melt and rise to the top of the jar.

Let the wax harden and the water cool - once everything is a safe temperature to touch, remove the wax and discard the water. Repeat this process as needed - after all is said and done, your jar should be clean!

3.) Use Boiling Water (Outside the Jar)

If you want to keep the label on your candle looking pristine, we recommend using a different method. This method may stain or discolor the label and potentially cause it to peel.

For this method, place the candle in a bowl that is large enough to completely submerge the candle (even though you need to be careful not to get any water inside the candle itself). Pour boiling water into the bowl until it surrounds the candle at a level where the wax residue is left.

As the sides of the glass begin to warm from the water, the wax will start to soften up. You should then be able to remove the wax, potentially all in one piece. ,

This is a great method to use on Jackpot Candles, which are made with 100% soy. Soy wax has a low melting point, so the boiling water should work quickly and effectively.

4.) Use your Freezer

Believe it or not, wax actually shrinks when frozen. When placed in a freezer, the wax inside of a candle jar may simply peel away from the glass as it shrinks, allowing for easy removal.

Simply place your candle inside of the freezer for a few hours. If the wax isn't loose to the touch, it hasn't been freezing for enough time!

Although this option is probably the easiest of these methods, it may not work in every scenario. This method works best for candles with just a minuscule amount of wax left. It may be a better option to use a heat method for thicker wax leftovers.