If you've ever hit the end of a candle and found yourself staring at 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 clean out your jar for a refillable candle or want to repurpose it for something else entirely, here are the best (and easiest) ways to remove wax from a candle jar, plus a few things to avoid.
And if you're dealing with old candles, leftover wax, or used jars and want to see all your options, start with our Candle Waste & Disposal Guide.
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 zero waste candle 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 (Our Go-To)
This is the easiest, least messy option for most candle jars.
How to do it:
- Let the wax cool and solidify fully
- Pop the jar in the freezer for 2–4 hours (overnight works too)
- Once frozen, the wax should shrink slightly and loosen its grip
- Flip it over and tap the bottom, or gently pry with a butter knife
- The wax should pop out in one piece or large chunks
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 or the glass to break
2. The Boiling Water Method
This method uses heat to melt the wax so it floats to the top.
How to do it:
- Place the candle jar in a bowl or sink
- Pour boiling water into the jar (leave about an inch at the top)
- The wax will melt and float to the surface
- Let it cool completely—the wax will harden into a disc on top
- Remove the wax disc and pour off the water
- Wipe out any residue with a paper towel—never rinse wax down the drain
Best for: Getting out small bits of wax or softening stubborn residue
Avoid if: Your jar has glued-on labels or delicate finishes you want to keep—they might peel or warp from the heat and moisture
3. The Oven Method (For Multiple Jars)
If you've got several jars to clean, this bulk method saves time.
How to do it:
- Preheat oven to 180–200°F (not too hot)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil
- Place jars upside down on the sheet
- After 10–15 minutes, the wax should melt out onto the sheet
- Wipe jars clean while still warm with a paper towel
- Wash with warm soapy water once cool
Best for: Bulk wax removal from multiple jars at once
Avoid if: Your jars have plastic parts, labels, or painted decorations that could melt or discolor
4. The Hot Water + Soap Soak
This is more of a finishing step than a primary removal method.
How to do it:
- Fill your jar with hot, soapy water
- Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight)
- The wax will soften and lift off the bottom
- Scrub gently with a sponge, then dry
Best for: Cleaning up residue after wax is mostly gone, or removing soot and fragrance film
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 are ultra-durable, so they can handle all the techniques above without issues.
Removing the Wick Tab and Residue
Once the wax is out, you'll want to clean up the rest:
- Remove the wick tab: Use tweezers or a butter knife to gently pry it off the bottom
- Wash with soap and water: Get rid of any oily residue or fragrance film
- Remove stubborn labels: Soak in warm soapy water for 20–30 minutes, then scrub. For sticky adhesive, use rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, or Goo Gone
- Dry thoroughly: Make sure the jar is completely dry before reusing
How to Remove and Reuse Leftover Candle Wax
Don't want to toss that leftover wax? Here's what you can do with it:
- Freeze and pop it out in chunks, then use in a wax warmer
- Melt down and pour into a small mold or tin with a new wick
- Save scent-compatible wax to combine later
Just be sure to strain out any debris or wick tabs, and only combine wax of the same type (soy with soy, paraffin with paraffin).
Skip the Wax Removal Altogether
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 wax out of a candle jar, you can just say: "I don't—I use ReCandle Co."
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest way to get wax out of a candle jar?
The freezer method is the easiest and least messy. Just freeze the jar for a few hours, then pop the wax out with a spoon or butter knife. It works for most jar types and wax formulas.
Can I pour boiling water into a glass candle jar?
Yes, but be careful. Pour slowly and don't fill to the brim. Extreme temperature changes can crack some glass jars, especially thin or fragile ones. Let the jar warm up slightly first if it's been in a cold room.
How do I clean wax residue after removing the bulk?
Wash the jar with hot, soapy water and scrub gently with a sponge. For oily residue, use rubbing alcohol or a small amount of dish soap. Make sure to dry it completely before reusing.
Can I reuse the wax I removed?
Yes. You can melt it down and pour it into a new container with a fresh wick, or use it in a wax warmer. Just make sure to strain out any debris and only combine wax of the same type.
Should I pour wax down the drain?
Never. Wax solidifies as it cools and will clog your pipes. Always dispose of melted wax in the trash, or save it for reuse.
What if the jar is cracked or chipped?
Don't try to reuse it for burning. The crack can spread with heat, causing the jar to break. You can still use it for non-heat purposes like storage, or recycle it if your local program accepts glass or ceramic.
What to Do Next
Once your jar is clean, the possibilities are wide open. Whether you're reusing it for another candle, turning it into a planter, or using it for desk organization, you've got a clean slate.
Looking for creative ideas? Check out our guide on how to reuse candle jars for inspiration.
Clean jar, clear mind. You've got this.
