If you're a candle lover, you've likely accumulated a collection of empty jars, some of which cost almost as much as the candle itself. These vessels, often made from quality glass, ceramic, or metal, represent both an environmental opportunity and a practical resource.

Rather than sending these containers to landfill, why not transform them into storage solutions, plant pots, or decorative objects? The first step is getting them clean, and we'll walk you through several methods that work for different situations.

When to Retire Your Candle

Before cleaning, make sure your candle has reached the end of its safe burning life. Stop burning when approximately 1cm of wax remains at the bottom. Burning past this point risks overheating the container, which can cause cracking or damage to the surface beneath.

⚠ Safety First

Never pour hot liquid wax down the drain. It will solidify in your pipes and cause blockages. Always dispose of wax in the rubbish bin after it has solidified, or save it for wax warmers if still fragrant.

Method 1: The Freezer Method

This is the cleanest and easiest method for most candle jars. Cold temperatures cause wax to contract and separate from the container walls.

Steps:

  1. Place the candle jar in the freezer for 4-8 hours or overnight
  2. Remove from freezer and let sit for 2-3 minutes
  3. Use a butter knife to gently pop out the frozen wax
  4. The wax should come out in one piece or large chunks
  5. Remove the wick base with pliers if it doesn't come out with the wax
  6. Wipe remaining residue with a paper towel

Best for: Glass jars, metal containers, most candle types

Not suitable for: Cracked containers, thin glass that might shatter

Method 2: The Hot Water Method

This method works well when you need to remove stubborn wax or when the freezer method isn't convenient.

Steps:

  1. Boil water in a kettle (not on the stove with the candle)
  2. Place the candle jar on a protected surface
  3. Carefully pour hot water into the jar, leaving space at the top
  4. The wax will melt and float to the surface
  5. Allow to cool completely (several hours or overnight)
  6. The wax will harden in a disc on top that can be lifted out
  7. Remove the wick base and wash the jar with soap and water
✅ Pro Tip

Add a few drops of dish soap to the hot water before pouring. This helps separate the wax from the glass and makes final cleaning easier.

Best for: Heat-resistant glass, soy wax candles (which melt at lower temperatures)

Not suitable for: Containers with labels you want to preserve, non-heat-resistant materials

Method 3: The Oven Method

This method is efficient for cleaning multiple jars at once but requires careful temperature control.

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 80°C (175°F)
  2. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil
  3. Place candle jars upside down on the sheet
  4. Put in oven for 15-20 minutes until wax melts out
  5. Carefully remove from oven using oven mitts
  6. Wipe interiors immediately with paper towels while warm
  7. Allow to cool completely before washing

Best for: Multiple jars, heavily sooted containers

Not suitable for: Plastic containers, painted or decorated jars that might be damaged by heat

Removing Stubborn Residue

After the bulk of the wax is gone, you may still have a waxy film or stubborn residue. Here's how to get jars truly clean:

Soapy Hot Water

Fill the jar with very hot soapy water and let it soak for 30 minutes. Most residue will wipe away easily after this.

Vegetable Oil

Surprisingly effective for removing waxy residue. Apply a small amount of vegetable oil to a cloth and wipe the inside of the jar. Follow with soapy water to remove the oil.

Rubbing Alcohol

For fragrance residue that persists after wax removal, wipe the interior with rubbing alcohol. This removes the last traces of scent and leaves the glass sparkling.

Dealing with Wick Bases

The metal wick sustainer at the bottom is often the trickiest part to remove. Several approaches work:

  • During wax removal: It often comes out with the frozen or floated wax
  • Pliers: Grip firmly and twist gently to break the adhesive bond
  • Soaking: Hot soapy water often loosens the adhesive enough for easy removal
  • Careful leverage: A butter knife can help pry up stubborn bases

Creative Repurposing Ideas

Once clean, your candle jars can serve countless purposes around the home:

Storage Solutions

  • Cotton balls and bathroom supplies
  • Office supplies like paper clips and rubber bands
  • Kitchen items like spices or cooking utensils
  • Craft supplies such as buttons, beads, or ribbons
  • Hair ties, bobby pins, and accessories

Plant Containers

  • Small succulents thrive in candle jars
  • Propagation stations for plant cuttings
  • Herb gardens on windowsills
  • Terrariums for tiny plants
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Drainage Tip for Plants

Most candle jars don't have drainage holes. Either add a layer of pebbles at the bottom before soil, choose plants that tolerate moist conditions, or carefully drill drainage holes in the base if the material allows.

Decorative Uses

  • Flower vases for small blooms
  • Makeup brush holders
  • Toothbrush containers
  • Decorative accent with fairy lights inside
  • Gift containers filled with homemade treats

Practical Applications

  • Coin jars or money savings containers
  • Match holders (the irony)
  • Drinking glasses (if food-safe)
  • Candle holders for tea lights

Jars Worth Saving

Some candle vessels are particularly worth the cleaning effort:

  • Luxury brand containers: Often made from high-quality materials with beautiful designs
  • Coloured or textured glass: Adds visual interest to any room
  • Ceramic vessels: Durable and often aesthetically stunning
  • Unique shapes: Stand out as decorative objects
  • Lidded containers: Perfect for storage purposes

When to Recycle Instead

Not every candle jar is worth saving. Consider recycling instead when:

  • The container is cracked or chipped
  • Labels or paint have been damaged beyond repair
  • The material isn't high quality
  • You have too many already
  • The shape isn't practical for reuse

When recycling glass candle jars, remove all wax residue first. Most council recycling programs accept clean glass, but check your local guidelines.

Leftover Wax Uses

The wax you remove doesn't have to go to waste either:

  • Wax warmers: Leftover scented wax works perfectly in electric wax warmers
  • Fire starters: Pour melted wax over egg cartons filled with dryer lint
  • Drawer fresheners: Place wax chunks in fabric bags for closets
  • Furniture polish: Natural waxes can be used on wood
  • Candle making: Mix with new wax for DIY candles

Giving your candle jars a second life is a small but meaningful step toward more sustainable living. It reduces waste, saves money, and often results in beautiful, functional items for your home. For tips on getting the most from your candles before they reach this stage, see our guide to maximising burn time.

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Written by Emma Thompson

Emma is a content writer at Best Candles Australia who is passionate about sustainable living. She finds creative ways to reduce waste while still enjoying life's little luxuries like candles.