Remove Candle Wax With Hot Water

I’ll show you the easiest way I know for removing candle wax so you can reuse the jar. Besides your candle, you’ll need a chopstick and some hot water. I’ve seen folks suggest a method using a freezer and a knife, and I’m here to tell you there’s a safer, easier way!

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For this project, you will need:

• Spent candle, I'm using a Mrs. Meyer's Soy Candle
• Boiling water, I like to use my electric kettle
• Chopstick or skewer

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Use your chopstick to poke holes in the wax so the water can more easily get to the bottom of the jar.

Pour in your hot water. It should be just off the boil— if it’s not hot enough, it won’t get the job done. The water starts to melt the wax, which floats to the surface. Enjoy the show while it lasts, then let it cool down for a few hours.

Eventually all the wax pools on top and solidifies again as it cools down. Then you can just scoop it out and dump the wax. Use a strainer or paper towel to prevent chunks of wax from going down your sink.

If your jar has labels you want to remove, soak it in soapy water for an hour or more. The labels and any excess wax should come off with a sponge, otherwise, you can rinse it with another blast of hot water.

Now you’ve got a new juice glass or some craft supply storage. Let me know how you’d use your candle jar in the comments.