If you’ve ever hit the end of a candle and found yourself staring at the stubborn wax stuck in the bottom of the jar, you’re not alone. Figuring out how to get candle wax out of a jar—especially without chipping, scraping, or sacrificing your nails—can feel like a project. But it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're looking to reuse your jar for another candle refill or want to repurpose it for something else entirely, here are the best (and easiest) ways to get wax out of a candle jar—plus a few things to avoid.
Why Wax Gets Stuck in the First Place
Traditional candles are often poured with “container wax,” which is designed to stick to the sides of the jar. That’s great for single-use candles, not so great when you’re trying to reuse the jar or switch scents.
ReCandle Co. uses a specialized soy wax designed to contract as it cools—so it naturally pulls away from the jar. That means when your candle burns down, the wax can pop out cleanly. No freezer, no boiling water, no stress.
But if you're not using one of our refills (or you're working with an old candle), here’s what to do.
The Best Ways to Get Wax Out of a Candle Jar
1. The Freezer Method:
This is the go-to move if you’re working with a container candle or leftover wax in a ceramic jar.
- Let the wax cool and solidify fully.
- Pop the jar in the freezer for a few hours.
- Once frozen, the wax should shrink slightly and loosen its grip. Flip it over and tap or gently pry with a butter knife.
Just be cautious with thin or fragile glass—freezing can make those imperfections worse, or break the glass.
Best for: Most wax types in glass or ceramic jars
Avoid if: Your jar is fragile or already has small cracks (the cold can cause them to spread)
2. The Boiling Water Method
Place the candle jar in a bowl or sink and pour boiling water inside (just enough to melt the wax). The wax will float to the top as it melts. Let it cool, then remove the wax disc.
- Pour off the water once the wax solidifies on top.
- Wipe out the residue with a paper towel—don’t rinse down the drain.
This one’s a little messier, and can loosen labels or finishes if you’re not careful.
Best for: Getting out small bits of wax
Avoid if: Your jar has glued-on labels or delicate finishes you want to keep—they might peel or warp
3. The Oven Method
If you’ve got multiple jars to clean, this one’s for you.
- Preheat oven to 180–200°F (not too hot).
- Place jars upside down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil.
- After 10–15 minutes, the wax should melt out onto the sheet.
- Wipe clean while still warm, and be sure to recycle or reuse the wax if you can!
Skip this one for decorative finishes—they likely won't hold up in the oven.
Best for: Bulk wax removal
Avoid if: Your jars have plastic parts, labels or painted-on decorations that could melt or discolor
4. The Hot Water + Soap Soak
This one’s especially helpful for removing any leftover soot or fragrance residue.
- Fill your jar with hot, soapy water and let it sit for a few hours.
- The wax will soften and lift off the bottom.
- Scrub gently with a sponge, then dry.
Not powerful enough to tackle thick, solid wax—but perfect as a finishing step.
Best for: Cleaning up after wax is mostly gone
Avoid if: There’s still a thick layer of hardened wax inside (it won’t do much until that’s removed first)
How to Get Candle Wax Out of a Ceramic Jar
Not all candle jars are created equal. ReCandle Co.’s handmade ceramic vessels are built to last—and built to be reused.
Because our wax is designed to release cleanly, it usually needs just a small nudge—a gentle wiggle, or at most, the edge of a spoon is all you need. No boiling, scraping, or freezer time required. But if you're using the jar for something else (or used another brand’s candle), we recommend starting with the freezer method. Ceramic jars tend to be ultra-durable, so they can handle the above techniques with limited problems.
How to Remove Candle Wax to Reuse It
Want to save leftover wax or repurpose it in a wax melter? You can:
- Freeze and pop it out in chunks
- Pour out melted wax into a mold or tin
- Use a wax warmer to melt and reuse small bits of fragrance
Just be sure to strain out any debris or wick tabs.
Bonus: Skip the Wax Removal Next Time
If you're tired of this cleanup dance, we’ve got you. Our refillable candle system is designed so you never have to scrape or soak a jar again. When your candle burns down, the refill pops out and a new one drops in—just like that.
Our zero waste candle refills are:
- Made from clean-burning soy wax
- Scented with non-toxic, phthalate-free fragrance
- Easy to use and easy to swap
- Available as one-time buys or through our candle subscription
So the next time someone asks how to get a candle out of a jar, you can just say: “I don’t—I use ReCandle Co.”
Wrap-Up: Clean Jar, Clear Mind
Whether you’re reusing your jar for another pour, a plant, or pencils, learning how to get candle wax out of a jar is a small skill that feels surprisingly satisfying. Use the method that works best for your wax and vessel—and if you’re ready to skip the hassle, we’ve got a refillable solution waiting for you.