Candlelight creates a cozy, warm ambiance, but cleaning up wax spills? That’s another story!
Whether it’s melted onto your favorite candle holder or stubbornly sticking to your table, removing wax can feel like trying to get gum out of hair. But don’t worry!
In this maid blog, we’ll dive into how to remove candle wax from candle holders and candle jars, using simple household items. Let’s get into it.
How to Remove Candle Wax Using Hot Water
Candle wax might look tough, but hot water can be its kryptonite. Whether it’s melted onto a glass candle holder or a table, hot water helps soften and lift the wax for easy removal. This method works wonders on many surfaces, but let’s focus on candle holders and jars for now.
What You’ll Need to Remove Candle Wax with Hot Water
Gather these materials before you start:
- A pot of boiling water
- Paper towels or a microfiber cloth
- A butter knife or plastic scraper
- Dish soap
- A bowl or sink
- Optional: A small brush (for cleaning crevices)
Step-by-Step: How to Get Candle Wax Out Using Hot Water
- Scrape off excess wax: Use a butter knife or plastic scraper to gently lift as much of the hardened wax as possible from the surface. The less wax you have to deal with, the better.
- Pour hot water: Slowly pour boiling water over the waxed area. Be careful! The heat will soften the wax, allowing it to float to the top.
- Soak the item: If possible, submerge the entire candle holder or jar in a bowl or sink of hot water for about 5-10 minutes. This will help loosen any stubborn wax.
- Wipe clean: Use paper towels or a microfiber cloth to wipe away the wax. For any crevices or intricate designs, a small brush can come in handy.
- Wash and finish: Wash the item with dish soap to remove any lingering residue. You’re done!
Extra tip: Don’t pour wax down your drain—it can clog pipes. Instead, let the wax harden, and scrape it off into the trash.
How to Get Melted Candle Wax Out Using the Freezer
Sometimes, heat isn’t the answer. If you’re looking for a simpler way to remove melted candle wax, your freezer is a surprising ally. When wax hardens from freezing, it contracts, making it much easier to pop off surfaces like candle holders and jars.
Supplies You’ll Need to Remove Melted Candle Wax with Freezer
Here’s what you need:
- Freezer space (big enough to fit your candle holder or jar)
- A plastic scraper or butter knife
- Paper towels
- Dish soap and a cloth
Step-by-Step: How to Get Candle Wax Out Using the Freezer
- Freeze the item: Place the candle holder or jar in your freezer for a few hours. The wax will harden and contract.
- Pop off the wax: Once fully frozen, remove the item from the freezer. Use a butter knife or plastic scraper to gently pop the wax out.
- Wipe and clean: After the wax is removed, wipe the area clean with a cloth and dish soap.
- Polish it off: For any residual wax, repeat the process or use a bit of dish soap to clean the area fully. Simple, right?
Pro tip: This method is particularly useful for wax spills on items that can’t handle heat, like delicate glass.
Crucial Safety Tip: How to Remove Wax from Candle Jars with Hot Water
A crucial point to remember when learning how to remove wax from a candle jar using hot water: not all glass is made the same. If you’re dealing with thin glass, there’s a risk it could shatter under hot water. For safety, only attempt this with thick, sturdy candle jars.
Materials for Removing Wax from Thick Candle Jars
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boiling water
- Paper towels
- A butter knife
- Dish soap
- Remember: It must be a thick glass jar (important!)
Safe Steps to Get Wax Out of Thick Candle Jars
- Scrape off excess wax: Use a butter knife to scrape off as much wax as possible from the jar.
- Pour boiling water into the jar: Slowly pour hot water into the jar. The wax will melt and float to the top.
- Let it cool: Allow the water to cool, and the wax will harden on the surface. You can now easily remove the wax disc.
- Wipe and wash: Wipe the inside of the jar clean, and wash with dish soap to remove any residue.
Reminder: Always avoid hot water on thin glass jars—it’s better to use a different method like freezing or scraping to prevent accidental shattering.
How to Remove Wax from a Candle Jar with Your Oven
Looking for a quicker way to get wax out of a candle jar? Your oven can work like magic. This method works best for those thick candle jars or holders that can withstand heat.
Materials You’ll Need to Remove Wax from a Candle Jar with Oven
Before you start, have these items ready:
- An oven
- Aluminum foil or a baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
Step-by-Step: How to Get Wax Out of a Candle Jar with Oven
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to a low temperature, around 180°F (82°C).
- Prepare the jar: Place aluminum foil or a baking sheet on the oven rack and set the candle jar upside down. This allows the wax to melt and drip out.
- Watch it melt: Leave the jar in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it!
- Wipe clean: Carefully remove the jar (it will be hot) and wipe away any remaining wax with paper towels.
- Wash and finish: Wash the jar with dish soap, and it’s ready to reuse.
Oven-melting is perfect for thick glass jars but remember: patience is key!
Key Takeaways
- Hot water, freezing, and even your oven can all help when removing wax from candle holders.
- Always consider the type of surface or jar before choosing a method.
- For delicate or thin glass, avoid hot water to prevent breaking.
- And, of course, never pour wax down your drain—it can cause plumbing issues.
Conclusion
We’ve covered several methods for how to get candle wax off your candle holders and glass jars. Each technique—whether using hot water, your freezer, or your oven—comes with its own set of advantages depending on the material you’re working with.
Just remember: safety first!
Also, if you’re in Houston, TX, and want to leave all the cleaning (wax included) to the pros, contact All Fresh Cleaning Service. We offer one-time cleanings, deep cleanings, move-in/out services, and recurring cleaning options. So in case you’re in need of a good full house cleaning or apartment cleaning, we’ve got you covered with expertise and experienced cleaners for all residents of Houston, TX, and surrounding areas.
And the best part about us, aside from our professionalism, stellar customer service, and highly motivated, experienced cleaners? We have fantastic home cleaning coupons and discounts that are definitely worth checking out.
Why don’t you look at that…there’s just ONE of them deals…right below…the FAQ section. Don’t miss out!
Removing Candle Wax FAQ
Can I use boiling water on any candle jar?
No, avoid boiling water on thin or delicate glass jars as they may shatter. Stick to thick, sturdy jars.
What should I do with leftover candle wax?
You can reuse candle wax by melting it down for wax melts or even a new candle!
How do you clean out candle jars after the wax is gone?
Cleaning out candle jars is simple. Once the wax has been removed, you can wash the jar with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining residue. How to clean candle jars effectively involves using a sponge or soft brush to scrub away leftover wax, and then rinsing it thoroughly. Be sure to dry the jar completely before using it again.
How can I reuse a candle jar after the wax is gone?
Once you’ve removed the wax, you can reuse candle jars for various purposes. They make excellent storage containers for small items like cotton swabs, buttons, or office supplies. If you’re crafty, you can even transform them into decorative holders for new candles, succulents, or anything you like!
How do I clean wax off candle holders made of metal?
Use the freezer method to harden the wax, then gently scrape it off with a plastic scraper.
What's the best way to remove wax from candle holders?
The best way to remove wax from candle holders depends on the type of material. For glass candle holders, you can use the hot water method, or if the wax is hardened, place the holder in the freezer and simply pop the wax off once it’s solid. Always be gentle to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.
