How to Remove Old Candles From a Glass Jar

Place an old candle in the freezer to remove it from the glass jar.

Once you burn a candle down in a glass jar, you do not have to throw it away. Many candles come in decorative glass jars you can reuse. You can remove the candle wax from the glass jars without creating a mess. After you remove the candle wax, you can clean the glass jar and use it around your home or reuse the glass jar for a craft project. The candle wax can also be recycled and reused to make homemade candles.

Things You'll Need

• Butter knife
• Liquid dish soap
• Towel

Instructions

1. Place the glass candle jars in the freezer. Allow them to freeze for three to four hours so the wax will harden.

2. Insert a butter knife into the glass jar along the side of the hardened wax. This will allow you to pry the wax from the glass jar.

3. Wash the glass jar in warm and soapy water. This will remove any leftover residue.

4. Dry the glass jar with an absorbent towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Store the leftover wax in an airtight container. You can melt it down by placing the wax in a double boiler.

• Remove the metal wick base from a glass jar by covering the base with rubbing alcohol and leave it to sit for two to three days. This will soften the glue and allow you to remove the base.

• Do not reuse glass jars to make new candles because the glass often weakens.

References

• Yankee Candle: Frequently Asked Questions
• Tobey's Candles: Questions and Answers
• Whiffle Tree Candle Company: Candle Storage and Use
• Family Corner: Frugal Living: New Beauty from Old Candles