We've all been there. Attracted to the beauty of the glass, not just the scent that's inside. But once the candle is finished, cleaning the vessel seems like such a chore and it's tossed aside to the landfill.
Don't let your hard earned money go to waste! Giving your favorite candle jars a second life is easier than you think. Enjoy your favorite candle vessels long after the final burn with this simple step-by-step method using only hot water.
Why use the hot water method?
- Safe and avoids using an electric heat source (e.g., oven, electric griddle)
- Removes wax and wick tabs without scratching or scraping
- Works on all types of candle jars (e.g., glass, ceramic, metal)
- Minimal effort and time investment
What you'll need
- Finished candle (e.g., 15 oz After Dark Collection)
- Water
- Tea kettle or pot
- Oven mitts or heat resistant gloves
- Old utensils/spatula or plasticware
- Paper towels
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Mild soap for final cleaning
CAUTION: Hot water can scald. Always use personal protective equipment such as gloves and protect your countertops/surfaces (e.g., aluminum foil, old cutting board). Let hot water cool slightly if needed before pouring.
Step 1 - Prepare heat safe area
- Place your empty candle jar in your sink or on a heat-safe countertop
- Always start with a room-temperature jar as pouring boiling water into a cold jar can cause cracking
- Remove any debris/embeds
Step 2 - Heat water to a gentle boil
- Avoid direct boiling water which can cause injury or crack delicate glass
- Aim for 140 - 160°F (60 - 70°C) where it's comfortably hot to touch with oven mitts
Step 3 - Carefully fill candle jar with hot water
- Slowly and carefully pour the hot water into the jar
- Cover the wax remnants and leave at least ½ inch from the top
- Hot water softens the wax and causes it to melt and float to the top
- Using a spatula or plastic utensils can help loosen thick or tough wax
Step 4 - Relax while the wax cools and rises to the top
- Let the jar sit for at least 30 minutes; recommend waiting at least 2 hours before removal
- Time will depend on the size of the jar and thickness of leftover wax
- Once the water cools, the melted wax will harden into a disc at the top
Step 5 - Remove wax and wick tab(s) once cool
- Remove wax puck once the jar is fully cooled and wax has hardened
- Use spatula or utensils to gently release sides of glass from wax and lift out wax
- Discard wax in garbage or melt in wax warmer; never pour wax or waxy water down the drain
- Remove wick tabs carefully with pliers or gently sliding plastic knife underneath and lifting upwards
- Stubborn wick tabs can be removed with a heat gun or Goo-Gone; applying a little pressure at an angle while warm can help loosen wick tabs
Step 6 - Gently wash and clean the jar for reuse
- Avoid abrasive materials that may scratch or damage paint/ceramics
- Use isopropyl alcohol and paper towels to wipe out any remaining residue
- Wash the jar with mild soap and warm water for a final clean; cotton swabs or Q-tips can help tiny areas or corners
- Dry completely before reusing for storage, decor, plants, or a new candle
Step 7 - Disposing the water safely
- Discard waxy water/residue in a used bottle/can with lid and toss in trash; pour the waxy water over a non-porous surface like concrete, gravel, or soil
- Avoid pouring directly onto grass, delicate plants, or areas where it might run into storm drains
- Avoid pipe clogs and keep your plumbing safe; do not pour down the drain unless water is strained (e.g., coffee filter, paper towel)
Ready for a fresh and new luxury candle?
Explore the full candle collection and variety of vessels.
Want ways to reuse your newly cleaned jars?
Stay tuned for my next blog post where I’ll be sharing over a dozen simple, sustainable ways to repurpose your candle jars.