How to Get a Candle Out of a Holder

Remove candles from their holders instead of throwing the holders away.

While candles add warmth and pleasant scents to rooms, the wax eventually melts and stays inside the candleholder. Once your wax burns down, you will need to remove the leftover candle to salvage the candleholder. The wax becomes hard and scraping it out with a sharp object can damage the holder. Removing the wax safely will keep the candleholder in good condition.

Things You'll Need

• Spoon or dull butter knife
• Mild dishwashing soap
• Towel
• Saucepan
• Old container
• Sponge

Instructions

Freezer

1. Insert the candleholder into the freezer for 1 to 2 hours. Freezing the candle will shrink the wax.

2. Place the candleholder upside down on a flat surface. Tap on the bottom of the candleholder until the candle falls out onto the surface. If the candle is stubborn, pry it with a spoon or dull butter knife to loosen the edges.

3. Wash the candleholder with warm water and a mild dishwashing soap then dry it thoroughly with a towel.

Boiling Water

1. Place the candleholder in the saucepan. Fill the saucepan with water to cover the bottom of the candle holder.The candleholder may float on the surface of the water, but the water will still melt the wax. Avoid letting the water touch the candle wax to make it easier to remove.

2. Place the saucepan over high heat on the stovetop. If the boiling water splashes into the candleholder, reduce the heat on the stovetop to prevent it from covering the wax. If water contacts the wax, it will not prevent you from removing it; it will only become difficult to remove if you submerge it in the water completely.

3. Watch the candle carefully while the boiling water melts the wax. If you want to salvage the candle, insert a dull butter knife along the edge periodically to help loosen it from the holder. If you just want to remove the wax from the candleholder, allow the wax to melt completely.

4. Remove the candle and large pieces of wax from the candleholder. Pour the melted wax into an old container to dispose of it once cool.

5. Wipe the melted wax off the candleholder with a sponge and warm soapy water. Dry the candleholder thoroughly with a towel before adding a new candle.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a candleholder upside down onto aluminum foil in an oven heated at 200 degrees F instead of freezing or boiling the wax. Check on the candleholder often and remove it carefully once the wax melts.

• Cover the bottom of a candleholder with a thin layer of water to prevent a new candle from sticking.

• Avoid using a sharp knife to remove wax because you can scratch the candleholder.

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.

References

• "Good Housekeeping": Removing Wax from Votives
• The Candle Witch: Candle Burning Instructions
• The Happy Slob's Guide to Houscleaning: Removing Wax from Votive Holders
• University of New Hampshire: Candle Safety