If the candle wax is still soft, you can scoop it out; if not, you can either freeze the jar or the candle holder, or you can put the jar in a pan of hot water to help release the remaining wax. “This enables the wax to contract and effortlessly emerge from the candleholder when it is taken out of the freezer,” states Kathy LaVanier, National Candle Association (NCA) president. “Never take out wax drips from a glass votive holder with a knife or other sharp object. It could weaken or damage the glass, making it break when used again.”
“Wax drippings can be removed from most candleholders by running hot water over them,” advises LaVanier, if you want to rescue every last drop of wax.
Kristen Pumphrey, the founder of P.F. Candle Co., also recommends taking out the labels from candle jars and using the oven on its lowest setting to melt the wax so it may be removed and reused.
Apply liquid paraffin.
Liquid paraffin is another useful tool LaVanier mentions while getting ready to remove candle wax. She suggests “simply putting a little on a paper towel and use it to wipe away [excess] wax,” which may be keeping the remaining wax from releasing.
Candle Wax Reuse: Five Methods
Remember the kind of wax you are melting before beginning any of these do-it-yourself projects. Candles are available in paraffin, synthetic, soy, coconut, palm, beeswax, stearic acid, and gelled mineral oil forms, claims LaVanier. Make sure the leftover wax from multiple candles is the same kind if you’re mixing it together.
Make a Votive Candle
- Cut a piece of wicking, available at craft stores, two inches taller than the votive holder.
- Knot one end and thread through a wick tab (also available at crafts stores); tie the free end around a wooden skewer.
- Dip wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them.
- Remove, then press the tab to the bottom of the holder, and rest the skewer on the votive’s rim.
- Pour melted wax into the votive holder, stopping a half inch below rim. Let stand until it sets, about one hour. To even the well at the center, pour more wax into the center until it’s one-fourth inch below rim.
Make a Teacup Candle
Instead of a plain votive holder, follow the same instructions as above—but pour your melted wax over a new wick nestled in a vintage teacup.