The 3 Best Ways to Clean Melted Wax from Candle Containers
SUMMARY:
Candles create a cosy atmosphere, but cleaning the leftover wax containers can be challenging. This blog shares three effective methods: freezing, boiling water, and the oven method. These techniques make it easy to remove wax and repurpose containers for new candles, storage, or decoration.
Candles create a cosy atmosphere, but once the wax is gone, the leftover containers can be challenging to clean. Whether you want to reuse them for new candles, storage, or decoration, it's essential to remove the remaining wax effectively. In this blog post, we'll share the three best methods to clean wax candle containers, making the process quick and easy.
Freezing Method:
- Place the container in the freezer for a few hours.
- Once the wax hardens, it will contract and can be easily popped out with a knife or spoon.
- Wipe any remaining residue with a paper towel. Ensure the vessel warms to room temperature before washing to prevent cracking or other damage.
Boiling Water Method:
- Fill the container with boiling water, leaving some space at the top.
- The heat will melt the wax, which will float to the surface as it cools and hardens.
- Remove the wax and wipe the container clean. Avoid pouring boiling water directly onto cold vessel surface to prevent thermal shock.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to a low temperature (about 170°F or 75°C).
- Place the container on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil or baking paper.
- Leave in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the wax melts.
- Alternatively, glass containers can be placed in a microwave and heated in short bursts, until the dried wax has sufficiently melted.
- Carefully remove the container and wipe the melted wax with a paper towel. Handle the hot vessel with care to avoid burns or breakage.
Try the above methods with any of the following materials, with caution:
- Glass
- Metal
- Enamel-coated containers (take care with sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking)
- Stainless Steel
- Ceramic (take care with sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking)
- Silicone
Key Considerations:
Before using any of the above methods, consider the following:
- Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for temperature tolerance to avoid damaging the material.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes, especially with glass and ceramic, to prevent cracking.
- Use appropriate safety gear like oven mitts or gloves when handling hot containers.
Cleaning wax candle containers is easy with the right method. Whether you choose freezing, heating, or boiling water, you can quickly remove leftover wax and prepare your containers for reuse. These simple techniques will help you repurpose your jars for new candles, storage, or decoration. Give them a try and enjoy your spotless, reusable containers! For more information on our range of candles and candlemaking supplies, read our blogs What You Need To Know About Hand-Making Candles and How to Reuse Keri Candle Jars.