If you burn candles regularly, you probably have a small collection of empty jars sitting on a shelf somewhere. They feel too pretty and too sturdy to throw away, and honestly, they are. Learning how to clean candle jars takes about ten minutes, and once they are spotless you have a free stash of little glass vessels ready for a second life.
Here is the good news: getting the last bit of wax out is easier than it looks. Below is the exact process we use, plus a few of our favorite ways to reuse your empty jars once they are clean.
Why bother reusing your candle jars?
A quality candle vessel is real glass, often thick and beautifully finished. Tossing it in the recycling bin feels a little wasteful once you notice how useful it is.
Reusing your jars is good for a few reasons. It keeps sturdy glass out of the landfill, it gives you free storage and decor around the house, and it stretches the value of every candle you buy. Think of the jar as a bonus that comes with your favorite scent.
How to get the last of the wax out
Most jars have a stubborn half inch of leftover wax at the bottom, sometimes with the wick tab stuck in it. You have three easy options. Pick whichever fits your day. If any of it ends up on your counter or a tablecloth along the way, our guide to removing candle wax from any surface has you covered.
The freezer method (our favorite)
This one is the cleanest and takes almost no effort. Pop the empty jar in the freezer for a couple of hours. The wax shrinks as it cools and usually pops right out when you press on it with a butter knife or the back of a spoon. Our hand-poured soy wax releases especially well this way because soy has a lower melting point than paraffin.
The hot water method
If you are short on freezer space, boil a kettle and pour the hot water into the jar, leaving room at the top. The wax melts and floats to the surface. Let the water cool completely, then lift off the solid disc of wax and toss it in the trash. Never pour melted wax down the drain, since it hardens in your pipes.
The warm oven method
Have several jars to clean at once? Set your oven to a low temperature around 180 degrees, line a baking sheet with foil, and place the jars upside down on the sheet for about fifteen minutes. The wax melts onto the foil and the jars come out ready for a final wash. Use oven mitts, because the glass gets hot.
How to remove the wick tab and label
Once the wax is out, you will usually find a small metal wick tab stuck to the bottom. Pry it up with a butter knife or your fingernail. It should lift easily now that the wax is gone.
For the label, soak the jar in warm soapy water for fifteen to twenty minutes, then peel. If any sticky residue stays behind, a little baking soda mixed with cooking oil rubbed on with a cloth lifts it right off. Wipe clean and you are almost there.
The final clean until it shines
Finish by washing the jar with warm water and dish soap to remove any last film of oil or soot. A bottle brush helps you reach the bottom. Dry it thoroughly with a towel, or let it air dry upside down. That soot ring near the top wipes away easily with a damp paper towel and a pinch of baking soda if it is being stubborn.
That is it. You now have a clean, clear jar ready to become something new.
7 clever ways to reuse empty candle jars
Once you know how to clean out candle jars, the fun part begins. Here are seven simple ideas to get you started, whether the jar came from something bright like our Sugared Lemon soy candle or something woodsy like Mahogany Driftwood:
- Desk and drawer organizers. Corral paper clips, pens, hair ties, or bobby pins in a tidy little jar.
- Makeup brush holder. Stand your brushes upright on the bathroom counter for an instant upgrade.
- Mini planter. Small succulents and herb cuttings love a glass jar on a sunny windowsill.
- Bathroom storage. Cotton rounds, swabs, and hair ties all look neater tucked into matching jars.
- Kitchen spice or snack jars. Once fully cleaned, they are great for spices, sprinkles, or overnight oats.
- Jewelry catch-all. Keep rings and earrings by the sink so they never go down the drain.
- A brand new candle. If you make your own, a clean jar is the perfect vessel for a fresh pour.
A quick tip: jars from our Aurora Collection of luxury coconut soy candles come in a heavier, minimalist glass that looks right at home on a vanity or open shelf. They are the ones we reach for first when we want a reusable vessel that still looks polished.
Ready to restock your shelf?
Cleaning and reusing your jars is one of the most satisfying little rituals in candle care. It keeps beautiful glass in use and makes room for your next favorite scent.
When you are ready for a refill, the Lavender soy candle and the Fireside soy candle are two easy places to start. Want the best value? Our candle bundles pair your top picks at a friendly price, which means even more pretty jars to give a second life.
Happy burning, and happy reusing.
