Last Updated on 25/10/2023 by Candles Recharge

DIY Tutorial: How To Easily Remove Candle Wax From A Glass Jar Or Glass Holder

I know that this is not related to flameless tea light candles but I decided to look into this and provide a tutorial, because I received a phone call from someone asking how to remove candle wax from a glass jar & it piqued my interest to see what was the best way. I suggested boiling some water and lowering the jar into it to soften the wax; turns out this is a viable method. However there is a better one I think and that is to place the glass jar in the freezer. It seems much less messy to me. So looking for tips on how to be able to upcycle those great glass jars or glass candle holders that have wax in them, and to perhaps then reuse them to put your flameless tea light candles into instead? Then pick one of these 2 methods:

The Freezer method:

Supplies Needed:

• Any sized jar candle (with or without a lid)
• A butter knife or any other dull knife
• Freezer
• Sponge
• Dish soap
• A sink with running water
• Dish towel

Steps:

1. Stick the jar with leftover wax into your freezer for about 24 hours.
2. Take it out and with your dull knife start to break apart the wax.
3. Discard the wax along with the wick. (You could keep the wax from multiple candles and make a new one if you wish)
4. In your sink, start to clean the glass jar with your sponge, warm water and dish detergent.
5. Peel any stickers or labels off your jar. If you have any sticker residue Eucalyptus Oil is great at removing that sort of thing.
6. Once all clean, thoroughly dry the jar with a dish towel and it’s ready to be filled with flameless tea light candles, nicknacks, jewellery, q-tips or anything else you’d like.

Boiling Water Method:

Supplies Needed:

• Any sized jar candle (with or without a lid)
• A butter knife or fork
• Kettle or pot to boil the water in
• Rubbing alcohol
• Sponge
• Dish soap
• A sink with running water
• Dish towel

Steps:

1. Boil the water.
2. Place your spent candle on some newspaper (to protect your bench or table).
3. Once the water is boiling pour it into the candle jar. You will see the wax start to melt and float to the top.
4. While the wax is melted use your fork to scoop out the metal wick. (Recycle or discard the wick)
5. Let the water cool and the wax harden again before popping out the wax disc that was at the top of the jar (Tip: if there is still some wax in the bottom, just use your knife to easily slice and remove the softened wax).
6. Tip out the water. If there is still small bits of wax, just refill with hot water and sit a paper towel into the jar over the edge of the jar. Leave it there for 5 minutes. The wax should adhere to the paper towel. Then empty the water. (Do not dispose of the water down your drain as the wax left in it may clog your drain).
7. Use the rubbing alcohol to clean the sides of the jar.
8. Wash the jar in some warm water with your sponge and dish detergent to get it sparking.
9. Dry with your dishcloth and then it’s ready for you to re-purpose with whatever you wish.

Warnings: