As a candle enthusiast, you know the joy of burning a beautiful candle to create a cozy atmosphere in your home. But did you know that there's a right time to bid farewell to your favourite candle?
How do you know when it's time to say goodbye?
When only 1/2-inch of wax remains at the bottom of the jar, it's time to extinguish your candle for good. Continuing to burn a candle past this point can lead to damage to the container or the surface it's placed on.
What are the best methods for removing wax from a jar candle?
If you find yourself with leftover wax in your candle jar, fear not! With a few household items and our THREE NO-FAIL METHODS, you can easily remove the wax and prepare the jar for reuse.
Method #1: How to Remove Candle Wax from a Jar with Hot Water
This method works best with general jar candles. Place your spent candle on a protective surface, like a dish towel or a potholder.
Step 1: Start by Boiling Water
To begin, heat up enough water to fill the candle jar completely. Carefully pour the hot water into the jar, leaving about an inch of space from the top. The heat from the water will melt the candle wax, causing it to rise to the top of the jar.
Step 2: Removing Wax
Let the jar cool down completely before removing the wax. With the sink drain blocked, strain out the water and any leftover candle debris. Dispose of the wax responsibly or keep it for later use. Make sure there are no wax remnants left in the sink before you unblock the drain, as wax can clog the pipes.
Step 3: Soaking the Jar
Another method to get rid of any remaining wax in a candle jar is to let it soak in warm water. Plug the sink and fill it with warm water. Take off the lid if the jar has one and place the open jar in the sink for around 30 minutes. The warm water will help loosen the wax at the bottom of the jar, making it easier to remove. Keep in mind that this method may remove the label on the jar.
Method #2: How to Clean Out a Candle Jar in the Freezer
Another reliable method for removing candle wax involves freezing, a process that contracts the wax. Begin by placing an empty candle jar in the freezer overnight. The following morning, remove the container from the freezer and invert it—the solidified wax should easily dislodge. If it remains stubborn, gently press down on one edge of the wax with a spoon or butter knife to lift and extract it.
Method #3: How to Remove Candle Wax from a Jar with a Hair Dryer
Hairdryers are commonly used to remove candle wax from carpets. Additionally, they can be utilised to soften wax residue in a used candle for extraction. To begin, if you will hold the candle, use an oven mitt to protect your hands from the heat. Turn on the hairdryer on a warm setting and direct the airflow to heat the wax along the sides and base of the candle. Once the wax becomes pliable to the touch, carefully lift or scrape it out of the container using a butter knife.
How to Extra Clean your Candle Jars
After removing the wax from your candle jars, you might need to clean out lingering wax residue or soot left on the glass. To do so, use warm water, soap, and a sponge to clean the container before wiping dry with a dish towel or paper towel. A bottle brush might also be useful if the candle mouth is too narrow for your hand.