How to Clean Out a Candle Jar and Reuse It

A good candle jar is worth keeping. Plain glass looks right on a desk, a shelf or a bathroom counter long after the candle is gone. Getting the leftover wax out takes about ten minutes.

When should you stop burning? When there's about 1 cm of wax left at the bottom. Burning past that point can overheat the glass.

Method 1: The freezer (easiest)

1. Put the jar in the freezer for a few hours, or overnight.
2. The wax shrinks as it gets cold and pulls away from the glass.
3. Tap the jar gently upside down, or ease the wax out with a butter knife.
4. Peel off the little metal wick tab at the bottom.

This works best with soy wax, which comes away cleanly.

Method 2: Hot water

1. Put the jar on a folded towel in the sink.
2. Pour in boiling water, leaving a little space at the top.
3. The wax melts and floats to the top. Let the water cool completely.
4. Lift off the solid disc of wax and throw it in the bin.

Don't pour melted wax down the drain. It sets in the pipes.

Method 3: Warm oven (for several jars at once)

1. Line a baking tray with foil and put the jars upside down on it.
2. Put them in the oven at a low heat, around 90°C, for about 15 minutes.
3. The wax runs out onto the foil. Take the jars out carefully with an oven glove.

Getting the jar fully clean

• Wipe out any remaining film of wax with a paper towel while the jar is still warm.
• Wash it in warm, soapy water.
• For label glue, rub on a little cooking oil, leave it for ten minutes, then wipe it off.

Ideas for reusing the jar

• Make-up brushes or pens
• Cotton buds and hair ties in the bathroom
• A small planter for succulents (add a few stones at the bottom for drainage)
• Spices, tea or sugar in the kitchen
• A votive holder for tea lights

Make the next candle last

Get the most out of your next candle by giving it a long first burn and trimming the wick every time. Our guide to how long soy candles last explains why.

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