How to Clean & Reuse Candle Jars
A good candle jar is too nice to toss. Once you've burned it down, a little cleanup turns it into a planter, a storage vessel, a drinking glass, or the base for a brand-new candle. Here's how to get out the last wax and wick, remove the label and residue, and reuse the jar.
Step 1: Remove the leftover wax
Use temperature to your advantage (full detail in how to remove candle wax):
- Freezer: freeze the jar a few hours, then pop the wax out with a butter knife.
- Boiling water: fill the jar with boiling water, let the wax melt and float up, then lift off the disc once cool. Never pour melted wax down the drain.
Step 2: Remove the wick tab and residue
Pry out the metal wick tab (it's usually glued to the base). Wipe away any thin wax film with a paper towel while the jar is slightly warm, then wash with warm soapy water.
Step 3: Remove the label and glue
Soak the jar in warm, soapy water to loosen the label, then peel it off. For sticky adhesive residue, rub with a little cooking oil or a baking-soda-and-oil paste, let it sit, then wash again. Rubbing alcohol also cuts stubborn glue.
Ways to reuse candle jars
- Make a new candle — clean jars are perfect for pouring your own; see how to make candles at home.
- Small planters for succulents or herbs.
- Storage for cotton balls, q-tips, office supplies, spices, or craft bits.
- Drinking glasses or votive holders (for the right shapes).
- Organizers on a desk, vanity, or bathroom counter.
A note for candle makers
If you sell candles, offering a jar refill or return program is a nice sustainability touch and keeps customers coming back. Clean, reusable vessels are also part of controlling your cost per candle.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get the last bit of wax out of a candle jar?
Freeze the jar and pop the wax out, or fill it with boiling water so the wax melts and floats to the top to be lifted off once cool. Then remove the wick tab and wash with warm soapy water.
How do you remove candle labels and sticky residue?
Soak the jar in warm soapy water to loosen the label, peel it off, and rub any leftover adhesive with cooking oil or a baking-soda-and-oil paste (or rubbing alcohol), then wash again.
Can you reuse a candle jar to make a new candle?
Yes — a cleaned, wax- and wick-free jar is ideal for pouring a new candle. Make sure it's fully clean and dry, then add a new wick and your wax and fragrance.
Want to make your own? Find candle-making supplies and classes near you.