Remove and reuse candle wax easily

by Heather Christian Iglesias

30 Minutes

Easy

Old burnt out candles getting to you? Want to know how to remove and reuse candle wax easily? The best part of doing this is that you can save the cute jars and reuse them for all kinds of organizing containers.

remove and reuse candle wax easily, crafts, how to, repurposing upcycling

First, in order to reuse candle wax to make new candles, or save the jar, you have to get that old wax out right?

The secret is in the temperature. When candles essentially freeze, it becomes hardened and pulls together and not to whatever surface it’s touching. (This applies to fabric and carpet too!)

Grab your old burned out candles, put the jars in the freezer for a few hours or overnight, it won’t hurt it. Use (caution) a knife, or something with a point and push into it in a couple of places. It will break apart and you can pull it right out.

To reuse candle wax, you’ll need a double boiler, or two pots. Make sure it’s something your willing to clean thoroughly. Boil your water in the bottom pot. Put in your broken candle pieces in the top pot. Heat until melted.

You can add some glitter for a little sparkle. Pour the melted wax a new jar with a new wick. You can buy a pack of new wicks at any craft store. You can reuse candle wax for Scentsy type candle cubes. Pour the wax into molds or ice cube trays.

I chose to put my candle wax cubes in milk bottles. See this post to create vintage style milk bottles.

Again freeze the pot you used, and then scrape out the rest. Don’t pour any down the drain or you’ll have a lasting mess.

Get candle wax out of carpet or any other fabric, is the same principle. Grab an ice cube, wrap it in a paper towel and lay on top off the candle wax. When the wax has frozen or hardened scrape it off. Any residual pieces or oils, wash or scrub with hot soapy water.

So now you know that temperature is the secret to remove and reuse candle wax easily.

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2 comments

Kimberly O'Hara on Sep 08, 2015
I use the wax that has melted from my warmer and pour it into interesting glass containers. I buy the wicks at Hobby Lobby. It's fun to mix scents and to make such an easy craft.

3 Reply
Vera V on Jan 26, 2019

Ok, let me say I have been freezing my jars along time. I started with those votive jars and it worked great. Then everytime I needed to remove old candles from jars, cups, bowls, etc. I just stuck um in freezer. Easy.

2 Reply