How to remove wax from a candle? Which method is best?

How to remove wax from a candle? Which method is best?

Scented candles are not only a wonderful aroma floating in our interior, but also elegant jars that we would often like to reuse. When a candle burns out, the question arises: how to remove the wax from the candle in a fast, efficient and safe manner?

We have similar dilemmas when there is a leftover votive candle in a candleholder or wax from a traditional candle remains in the bottom of a lantern. How to remove wax from a candle, in order not to damage the glass and to be able to reuse the vessel?

There is a lot of advice on the Internet, but not every method will work in every case. Below are the best ways to remove wax from a candle jar, discussing their advantages, disadvantages and degree of difficulty. This will help you choose the method that best suits your needs.

1. How to remove wax from a candle using a knife, spatula or chopstick?

This method involves mechanical removal of wax residues using a tool such as a knife, spatula, wooden stick. It works best with soft vegetable waxes (e.g. soy, coconut) and candles in wide jars, where it is easier to reach the wax.

What to watch out for?

• A metal knife can scratch the glass or even damage it.
• In the case of hard waxes (such as paraffin wax), this method can be ineffective and time-consuming.

Our advice: If you decide to use this method, use a plastic or wooden spatula to avoid scratches.

2. How to remove wax from a candle using a freezer pack?

This method uses the cold to shrink the wax, making it easier to remove from the jar. Enough is enough:

1. Put the jar with the candle in the freezer for several hours (at least 2-3 hours).
2. After removing, gently lever the wax with a knife or chopstick - it should easily spring off the bottom.

It works best with candles in glass jars, waxes that tend to shrink more severely (such as paraffin waxes).

What to watch out for?

• A sudden change in temperature can cause the glass to break, especially if the jar is thin or has micro-damage.
• If the wax still sticks after taking it out of the freezer, do not forcibly undermine it - it is better to give it a moment to warm up.

Our advice: If you are concerned that the glass may crack, try gently warming the jar in your hands after removing it from the freezer before you start removing the wax.

3. How to remove wax from a candle using hot water?

This is one of the simplest and safest methods. It involves pouring hot water over the wax residue, which causes it to gradually separate from the glass.

How to do it?

1. Boil water and pour it into the jar, leaving a few centimeters of free space. Preferably place the jar on a heat-resistant tray or stand. A larger casserole dish (heatproof) will also work well.
2. Set the jar aside for a few hours or overnight.
3. Once cooled, the wax should float to the surface of the water. Just take it out and throw it away.

It works best for:

• any type of candles,
• people who do not want to risk damaging the glass.

What to watch out for?

• Do not pour boiling water over the candle if the glass is thin - too rapid a change in temperature can damage it.
• Don't pour liquid wax down the sink! It can solidify in the pipes and cause them to become clogged.

Our advice: To avoid the risk of cracking the jar, first warm the glass gently in your hands or lukewarm water before pouring hot water over it.

4. How to remove wax from a candle using the water bath method?

In this method, we use heat to dissolve the wax, by placing the candle in a water bath.

How to do it?

1. Pour water into a pot and heat it over low heat.
2. Put the jar in the pot (don't let the water get inside the jar!).
3. After a few minutes, the wax will start to dissolve - you can then easily pour it out or collect it with a paper tissue.

It works best on very hard waxes that are difficult to remove with other methods.

What to watch out for?

• Do not put the jar in boiling water, as it may break.
• If the wax has a lot of dyes, they may leave a residue on the bottom of the pot.

Our advice: If you want to avoid direct contact between the jar and hot water, use the bowl water bath method - place the candle in a metal bowl and only then place it in a pot of hot water. This is a similar method to melting chocolate in a water bath :)

Which method of removing wax from a candle is best?

The choice of method depends on the type of wax, type of candle and your preferences.

• If you want a quick result: freezer or mechanical method.
• If you care about glass safety: hot water flooding.
• If you have hard wax that is difficult to remove: water bath.

Remember that any method involves some risk of damaging the glass, so always perform it carefully.

And if you're looking for scented candles in beautiful glass jars that are worth reusing - check out our offer at Candle World!