Upcycle
How to clean old candle jars
Once you are finished with your candle, there is typically a layer of wax at the bottom. This is normal and actually a safety feature. But leftover wax can be messy to wash away since water and oil do not mix, and you never want to put wax into a drain.
There are three ways to easily remove the remaining wax from your candle jar right in your kitchen. One uses boiling water, another is the oven or a freezer - all do the job well. For any glass or ceramic candle jar, you can use the oven or boiling method.
Boiling water Method
Gently –and carefully- pour your boiling water into the jar, leaving a bit of room at the top. After the water melts the wax, allow it to completely cool down. Since wax is naturally buoyant, it will float to the top of the water and re-solidify. Remove the wax that's sitting on the top.
Oven Method
Here are steps to follow
- Pre-heat your oven to the lowest setting (150F to 170F).
- Line a pie pan or baking sheet with tinfoil or wax paper - be sure to make it "water-tight" to contain melted wax.
- Place your candle upside down on the pan or sheet, and place it in the oven.
- After about 5-10 mins, carefully remove it from oven using oven mitts (the wax will have melted out onto the sheet).
- Wipe the vessel clean of any remaining wax with a towel, and remove the wick with the help of a spoon.
- Once all the wax is gone, wash with mild dish soap and voila! Enjoy your candle's new life.
Freezer Method
Another way to clean candle jars is by placing them in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. The cold temperature causes wax to shrink and separate from the glass. Then use a dull knife to gently poke and crack the wax. It should come out in several pieces. Just be careful to avoid breaking the container, too!
Once the wax is removed, pry the metal wick tab free with a pair of pliers, remove any remaining adhesive residue, and wipe the container clean with a paper towel. Then simply clean your empty candle container as you would any dish with a little soap and water, and your jar will look brand new for any repurposing!
Empty Candle Jar Ideas
Once you have an empty candle jar, you can transform it into almost any new use that you can imagine. A few simple ideas are using yours as an organizer for accessories or desk supplies, or adding the glass to your kitchen collection as a drinking glass.
Anywhere you have small items lying around, such as makeup brushes, loose pens, or paper clips, you can place in your jar. Depending on the size of your candle jar, you can even use it as a small vase for fresh flowers like lavender in your dining room.
If you love nature in your home, one fun reuse idea is to turn your empty candle jar into a planter pot for flowers, herbs or succulents with a little soil and water.