How to Clean Candle Jars: 3 Easy Ways to Remove Leftover Wax

3 Easy Ways to Clean Leftover Candle Wax

Okay, let's be real. You just spent $30 (or maybe more) on a beautiful luxury candle. You burned it down to the bottom, and now you're left with... a sticky mess of wax and a blackened wick.

Most people just throw them away. Don't do that!

Especially if you bought a gorgeous glass jar (like those Voluspa or LA JOLIE MUSE candles we reviewed), it’s a crime to toss it. You can turn that jar into a makeup brush holder, a planter, or a cute desk organizer.

But first, you have to get that stubborn wax out. I’ve tried every method, and these are the 3 easiest ways to clean your candle jars without making a huge mess.

Candle jar with frozen wax inside a freezer, demonstrating the freezer cleaning method.

Method 1: The Freezer Hack (My Favorite) ❄️

This is honestly the most satisfying method. Wax shrinks when it gets cold, which makes it pop right out.

Put your used candle jar in the freezer.
Leave it there for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight).
Take it out and use a butter knife to gently poke the edge of the wax.
POP! The wax puck should snap right out in one big piece.
Wipe the jar with a paper towel and some soap. Done.

Best for: Hard waxes like paraffin or beeswax.

Hot water being poured into a candle jar to melt and remove old wax.

Method 2: The Boiling Water Technique 🫖

If the freezer method didn't work, try this. Hot water melts the wax, and since wax floats, it separates perfectly.

Place your candle jar on a towel (to protect your counter).
Boil some water and pour it carefully into the jar, leaving an inch at the top.
Wait. The hot water will melt the wax, which will float to the top.
Let the water cool completely. The wax will harden into a floating "disc" at the top.
Just pick the wax disc out and dump the water!

Warning: Don't pour boiling water into a freezing cold jar, or the glass might crack!

Method 3: The Hairdryer (For the Last Bits) 💨

Sometimes you just have little bits of wax stuck to the sides. You don't need a full science experiment for that.

Hold the jar with an oven mitt or towel (it will get hot!).
Blast the leftover wax with a hairdryer on "High" heat.
Once it melts into a liquid, just wipe it out with a paper towel.

Now... What Do You Do With The Jar?

Now that your jar is sparkling clean, here is how you can style it:

Bathroom: Use it to hold cotton swabs or makeup brushes.
Desk: Perfect for pens, or keeping those messy cables organized.
Plants: Drill a hole (or use rocks at the bottom) and plant a small succulent!

Ready for a new candle? Now that you have space, check out our guide to the 5 Best Luxury Candles on Amazon to start your collection again!

Which method worked for you? Let me know in the comments below!

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