Remove Candle Wax With Hot Water

I’ll show you the easiest way I know for removing candle wax so you can reuse the jar. Besides your candle, you’ll need a chopstick and some hot water. I’ve seen folks suggest a method using a freezer and a knife, and I’m here to tell you there’s a safer, easier way!

To keep up with what I'm working on, follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter.

Supplies

For this project, you will need:

• Spent candle, I'm using a Mrs. Meyer's Soy Candle
• Boiling water, I like to use my electric kettle
• Chopstick or skewer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you make using my affiliate links.

Step 1: Poke Some Holes

Use your chopstick to poke holes in the wax so the water can more easily get to the bottom of the jar.

Step 2: Pour Hot Water

Pour in your hot water. It should be just off the boil— if it’s not hot enough, it won’t get the job done. The water starts to melt the wax, which floats to the surface. Enjoy the show while it lasts, then let it cool down for a few hours.

Step 3: Dump After Cooling

Eventually all the wax pools on top and solidifies again as it cools down. Then you can just scoop it out and dump the wax. Use a strainer or paper towel to prevent chunks of wax from going down your sink.

Step 4: Clean Up and Enjoy!

If your jar has labels you want to remove, soak it in soapy water for an hour or more. The labels and any excess wax should come off with a sponge, otherwise, you can rinse it with another blast of hot water.

Now you’ve got a new juice glass or some craft supply storage. Let me know how you’d use your candle jar in the comments.

Comments

[Jack A Lopez]

So which part is more valuable (or more worthless)? The paraffin wax or the empty glass jar?

I myself, I have a kind of a every-part-of-the-buffalo philosophy. So I would at least like to think that paraffin wax and the glass jar both have some value.

[bekathwia]

I ascribe to a similar philosophy. Different priorities for different people. The wax can easily be collected and re-melted into a new candle!

[Jack A Lopez]

I just noticed Randy Sarafan's, "DIY Candles" 'ible, here:

https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Candles/

Perhaps this 'ible and that one should be linked to each other, because one project produces wax and glass jars, and the other consumes wax and glass jars.

Although I am sure the net reaction consumes something, likely wicks, and small amounts of wax. Also human labor.

[christine828]

WARNING: Don't ever let the hot wax go down your drain. I did, and had to have the plumber come An expensive and embarrassing mistake!!

[HowardT12]

Gotta remember this one! Thanks.

[Ungenious]

Love the GIFs! Thanks for sharing.

[fixfireleo]

why not just microwave it, pour out the wax then wash with hot, soapy water?

[bekathwia]

I couldn't microwave my jar because the base of the wick is made from metal.

[JoseC176]

...uh maybe grab a pair of pliers and pull the metal out? Then microwave it and wash it with warm soapy water?

[EmmitS]

first, the wax might overheat and catch fire. second, it will still leave a layer of wax in the jar.

[Zaacharia]

Don't throw the wax away - save your dryer lint in those tiny paper cups and drip the wax over it - perfect fire-starter.

[BeckyJoM]

a small piece of waxed paper (which used to be used a lot more when I was a kid-than what I'm aware of now ) or even the white paper that meat is wrapped in after butchering, etc. > makes a wonderful fire / trash fire starter-also ;-) .

[KronoNaut]

Thank you for this. A much easier and safer method than I was doing.

[onemoroni1]

I do the microwave method. I dig out the wick metal and just melt it and pour it out. You will burn anything in the microwave if you want. Use common sense.

[royhchiu]

I using similar method, except instead of just pouring hot water onto the wax, I "double boil" to raise the water temp.

[Rebou]

What a great idea, I shall certainly use this easy looking method in the future.

[thepoisonivy]

This is smart and simple. Thank you! I would, however, advise that anybody reusing the jars for something food related be careful; lead is often present in glass used for decorative candles.

[andrej]

some labels goes off with the oil - just spill some oil on peace of paper towel, attach it to label and let it soak.

[coryalex]

So simple! I love it!

I used to heat them in the oven and toss out the wax... but that still wasn't perfect, and I ran the risk of burning myself or making a mess.

This is so safe and easy. Thanks for sharing! :)

[AlainaZ]

What a clever solution. I usually melt it over the stove and pour it into the trash.

The brand candle I use makes perfect little bowls for olives, crackers, etc for my dinner parties